Karanja: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

If you have ever been confused by Ayurvedic plant names, this page is a good example of why. The record here is listed under the name Karanja, but the plant the Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes is the Three-leaved Chaste Tree, botanical name Vitex trifolia.

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, a classical herbal reference, presents Vitex trifolia as a close relative of the five-leaved Nirgundi (Vitex negundo). Its properties are similar but slightly milder, and it is used for Vata disorders and inflammatory conditions. In Hindi it is known as the small Nirgundi.

Separately, the Sahasra Yoga drug index gives the Latin name for Karanja as Pongamia pinnata, the Indian beech, whose oil is classical in skin disease. That tree has its own page as Indian Beech (Karanj). The guidance below follows the Vitex trifolia description.

The Three-leaved Chaste Tree is bitter (Tikta) and pungent (Katu) in taste, light (Laghu) and dry (Ruksha) in quality, and heating in potency (Ushna Virya). These properties drive its three classical actions.

Vata Disorders

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls it Vatahara, meaning it alleviates Vata, the dosha of movement, cold and dryness. Its heating potency is the main reason: warmth counters Vata's cold nature.

Inflammation

It is also Shothahara, an anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling (Shotha). This links it to inflammation, much like its stronger relative Nirgundi.

Worms and Parasites

The third action is Krimighna, anthelmintic, which connects it to parasites and worms (Krimi). Bitter and pungent tastes are traditionally used to make the gut inhospitable to worms.

Our sources do not record a dose or a preferred preparation for the Three-leaved Chaste Tree. They describe it as a milder version of Nirgundi, so any use should be set by a practitioner who can adjust for that.

Because the name Karanja is attached to more than one plant, always confirm the botanical name, Vitex trifolia, on any product before use.

Our sources record no specific contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for the Three-leaved Chaste Tree. That is an absence of data, not proof of safety.

• Heating nature. It is hot, pungent and bitter. In Ayurvedic terms these qualities can aggravate Pitta, the dosha of heat, so people prone to acidity, rashes or feeling overheated should be cautious.
• Drying nature. Its light, dry qualities may be too drying for some people over long periods.
• Name confusion. Karanja can also mean Pongamia pinnata, whose oil is used for skin disease. Make sure you know which plant you have.
• Worms need a diagnosis. A suspected parasite infection should be confirmed and treated by a doctor.

If you are pregnant, nursing, giving it to a child, or taking prescription medication, talk to your doctor and a qualified practitioner first.

The useful comparisons for this herb are with the plants it is most often confused with, and with the main classical worm herb.

These comparisons rest on classical properties and uses only. A practitioner should make the final choice.

Our sources give no population-specific guidance for the Three-leaved Chaste Tree, so the notes below lean toward caution.

Pregnancy & Nursing

No safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding is recorded. Avoid it unless your doctor and a qualified practitioner both agree it is appropriate.

Children

No pediatric dose is recorded. Do not give it to children without practitioner guidance, and have any suspected worm infection diagnosed by a doctor.

Elderly

Older adults often show more Vata signs such as stiffness and dryness. Its warming, Vata-reducing action may suit them, but its dry quality means a practitioner should judge the form and duration.

Athletes

Our sources do not describe a sports use. Its anti-inflammatory action is the closest link, and a practitioner may prefer the stronger Nirgundi for swelling.