Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Oleandrin, Neriine, Cardiac glycosides, Karabin
- Also Known As
- English: Oleander, Indian Oleander
Sanskrit: करवीर, अश्वमार, शतकुम्भ, विषप्रताप
Hindi: कनेर
What is Kaniar / Oleander (Karavira / करवीर)?
Karavira (Nerium indicum/Oleander) is a well-known ornamental shrub with beautiful pink, red, or white flowers. However, all parts are highly toxic containing cardiac glycosides. The root, bark, leaves, and flowers are all poisonous. It is used cautiously in Ayurveda for skin diseases and as an external application. The root paste is applied on skin disorders and ringworm. White-flowered variety is considered less toxic. The plant is used in leprosy and other skin conditions in controlled doses. It must be used only under expert supervision due to its cardiac toxicity. Dose: 1 ratti root powder (with great caution). Verse: 45.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Hridya (affects heart - caution!)
- Kushtaghna (skin disease remedy)
- Krimighna (anthelmintic)
- Vishaghna (anti-toxic)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4
How to Use Oleander by Condition
Explore how Oleander is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
The Upavisha (sub-poisons/secondary toxic substances) are: Arka (Calotropis procera), Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia), Dhatura (Datura metel), Langali (Gloriosa superba), and Karavira (Nerium oleander).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
A paste of Triphala, Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides, wild Himalayan cherry), Ushira (vetiver), Samanga (Manjishtha, Rubia cordifolia), Karavira (Nerium oleander), Nala Mula (root of Arundo donax/giant reed), and Ananta (Sariva/Hemidesmus indicus) -- this paste destroys Kapha-type Visarpa.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
The astringent Triphala and Manjishtha dry the oozing, Padmaka and vetiver are cooling yet drying, and Karavira (oleander) is a potent anti-inflammatory applied externally.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Another Darana paste: Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia), Agnika (Plumbago/Chitraka), Danti (Baliospermum montanum), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Hayamaraka (Nerium oleander), and the excrement of pigeons, herons, and vultures -- this paste causes bursting (Darana) of abscesses.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
For Upadamsha (venereal sores/genital ulcers): the root of Karavira (Nerium oleander), ground with water and applied as paste -- even incurable (Asadhya) genital pain/ulcers subside by this application.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
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.