Kadali

(Banana)
Sanskrit: कदली • Botanical: Musa sapientum Linn.

Kadali (Banana/Plantain) is cultivated extensively throughout India. Multiple varieties exist with different medicinal properties. The ripe fruit is sweet, heavy, satisfying and difficult to digest in large quantities. The raw (unripe) banana is astringent and used in diarrhea and dysentery. The banana stem juice is a well-known remedy for kidney stones and urinary disorders. The flowers are used as a vegetable and in diabetes. The plant is rich in potassium and other minerals. There are two main species mentioned - Musa paradisiaca (cooking banana) and Musa sapientum (dessert banana). The leaves are used as plates and for wrapping food. Dose: Fruit as food; stem juice 1-2 tola. Verse: 7.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Carbohydrates, Potassium, Vitamins A, B, C
Also Known As
English: Banana, Plantain
Sanskrit: कदली, रम्भा, मोचा, अम्बुसार
Hindi: केला

What is Kadali (Banana / कदली)?

Kadali (Banana/Plantain) is cultivated extensively throughout India. Multiple varieties exist with different medicinal properties. The ripe fruit is sweet, heavy, satisfying and difficult to digest in large quantities. The raw (unripe) banana is astringent and used in diarrhea and dysentery. The banana stem juice is a well-known remedy for kidney stones and urinary disorders. The flowers are used as a vegetable and in diabetes. The plant is rich in potassium and other minerals. There are two main species mentioned - Musa paradisiaca (cooking banana) and Musa sapientum (dessert banana). The leaves are used as plates and for wrapping food. Dose: Fruit as food; stem juice 1-2 tola. Verse: 7.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Trishnanigrahana (quenches thirst)
  • Balya (strengthening)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Kadali by Condition

Explore how Kadali is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Kadali for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.