Ankota: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Most herbs in Ayurveda are gentle helpers you can take for weeks. Ankota is different. It is a tree whose root bark, taken in a tiny amount, nudges bile flow, and taken in a larger amount, makes you vomit and purges the bowels. That double personality is exactly why classical physicians valued it, and why you should treat it with respect.

In English it is listed as Horse Chestnut, and our records give the botanical name Aesculus indica Colebr. The classical passages behind this page, however, identify Ankota (also spelled Ankola) as Alangium lamarckii Thwaites. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu mentions both names, so if you go looking for this herb, check carefully which plant a product actually contains.

The bark and roots are the medicinal parts, and the fruit is used too. The bark contains an alkaloid called alangine, which the source describes as having emetic properties similar to ipecac. In Ayurvedic terms the herb is bitter and pungent, light and dry, and heating, and it is said to settle Vata, the dosha of air and movement.

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 3) lists four main actions for Ankota. Each one follows from its bitter, pungent taste and its hot potency (Ushna Virya), meaning a heating effect on the body.

Therapeutic Vomiting and Purgation

This is Ankota's signature use. In larger doses the root bark causes vomiting and purgation, and the Sahasra Yoga drug index notes the root bark is used for emesis. Therapeutic vomiting (Vamana) is one of Ayurveda's cleansing procedures, used to clear accumulated toxins (Ama), the sticky residue of poor digestion.

Bile Flow

In small doses of 1 to 2 grains, the root bark acts as a cholagogue, a substance that promotes the flow of bile. The fruit is also used in abdominal disorders.

Worms and Parasites

Ankota is classed as anthelmintic (Krimighna), meaning it works against intestinal worms. Its bitter, pungent, drying qualities are the classical reasoning here. See our page on parasites and worms.

Inflammation and Swelling

The herb is described as anti-inflammatory (Shothahara), and a decoction of the tree bark is used in inflammatory conditions. Read more on inflammation.

Poisons and Snake Bite

Ankota is listed as anti-poison (Vishaghna). The bark decoction is traditionally used in snake bite, and the Sahasra Yoga describes the root bark as an antidote to poisons. A snake bite is a medical emergency, so this is a historical note, not a home remedy.

Settling Vata

The text says Ankota alleviates Vata (Vatahara). Its heating potency counters Vata's cold, which is the usual classical logic for this effect.

Ankota is not a herb for casual self-dosing. The difference between a dose that gently moves bile and one that makes you vomit is small, so classical use always assumed a physician was in charge.

A grain and a masha are old classical units of weight. A qualified practitioner can translate them into modern measures for your situation.

Our classical sources do not give a specific vehicle (anupana), meaning the liquid or food a herb is taken with, or any seasonal guidance for Ankota.

Ankota needs more caution than most Ayurvedic herbs. Its active alkaloid, alangine, is described as emetic in a way similar to ipecac, and the classical text notes that the herb has sharp and emetic properties in large doses.

What Too Much Looks Like

The main sign of an excess dose is the herb's own action: vomiting and purgation. The root bark only acts as a mild bile stimulant at 1 to 2 grains, and anything beyond that moves into emetic territory.

Contraindications and Interactions

Our sources do not list specific contraindications or drug interactions for Ankota. That is a gap in the record, not a sign of safety. Because the herb is heating and drying, and because it can trigger vomiting and purging, it is sensible to avoid it unless a qualified practitioner has prescribed it.

Pregnancy and Nursing

Classical sources give no specific guidance for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Given the herb's emetic and purgative effects, do not use it during these times without a practitioner's direct advice.

Identity

The name Ankota is linked to both Aesculus indica and Alangium lamarckii in our records. Make sure you know which plant you have before taking anything.

Ankota is a niche classical herb, so there are few well-known head-to-head comparisons. These are the ones our sources can actually support.

Our classical sources say very little about Ankota for specific groups. Given that the herb can cause vomiting and purgation, the safe default for every group below is: only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Pregnancy & Nursing

Classical sources give no specific guidance. Because Ankota is heating and strongly emetic and purgative in larger doses, avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a practitioner has specifically prescribed it.

Children

No child dosing is recorded in our sources. Do not give Ankota to children without professional supervision.

Elderly

No specific guidance is recorded. Vomiting and purging can be taxing for older or frail people, so extra caution and a practitioner's oversight are wise.

Athletes

Our sources describe no performance-related use. Ankota is a cleansing and anthelmintic herb, not a training supplement.