Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Also Known As
- English: Munja Grass
Sanskrit: मुञ्ज, मौञ्जी, इक्षुगन्ध
Hindi: मूंज, सरकण्डा
What is Munja Grass / Munja (मूंज)?
Munja (Saccharum munja) is a tall grass growing near riverbanks and moist areas. It grows to 12 feet height or more. It has long leaves and tall flower stalks. The roots are sweet and cooling. Used as a diuretic and coolant. The sacred thread (Yajnopavita) is traditionally made from its fibers. The root decoction is given in urinary disorders. Related to sugarcane family. Dose: root decoction 2-4 tola.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Mutral (diuretic)
- Sheetala (coolant)
- Stambhana (astringent)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
How to Use Munja Grass by Condition
Explore how Munja Grass is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
iti sukumārakatailam hanugrahe | | Madhuka 100 pala (about 4 kg) draksha, kharjura (Phoenix dactylifera), parushaka, madhuka (Bassia latifolia), audanapaki (abutilon indicum), munjataka (Saccharum munja) each one pala (400 gm) kashmarya, one adhaka (about 2.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
References in Sushruta Samhita
The excrementa should be first removed from the entrails and the body should be left to decompose in the water of a solitary and still pool, and securely placed in a cage (so that it may not be eaten away by fish nor drift away), after having covered it entirely with the outer sheaths of Munja grass, Kus'a grass, hemp or with rope etc.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana, Chapter 5: Sarira-Sankhya Vyakaranam Sariram - Anatomy of the Human Body
The excrementa should be first removed from the entrails and the body should be left to decompose in the water of a solitary and still pool, and securely placed in a cage (so that it may not be eaten away by fish nor drift away), after having covered it entirely with the outer sheaths of Munja grass, Kus'a grass, hemp or with rope etc.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sarira-Sankhya Vyakaranam Sariram - Anatomy of the Human Body
The excrementa should be first removed from the entrails and the body should be left to decompose in the water of a solitary and still pool, and securely placed in a cage (so that it may not be eaten away by fish nor drift away), after having covered it entirely with the outer sheaths of Munja grass, Kus'a grass, hemp or with rope etc.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana, Chapter 5: Sarira-Sankhya Vyakaranam Sariram - Anatomy of the Human Body
The excrementa should be first removed from the entrails and the body should be left to decompose in the water of a solitary and still pool, and securely placed in a cage (so that it may not be eaten away by fish nor drift away), after having covered it entirely with the outer sheaths of Munja grass, Kus'a grass, hemp or with rope etc.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sarira-Sankhya Vyakaranam Sariram - Anatomy of the Human Body
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana, Chapter 5: Sarira-Sankhya Vyakaranam Sariram - Anatomy of the Human Body; Sarira-Sankhya Vyakaranam Sariram - Anatomy of the Human Body
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.