Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Also Known As
- English: Mura
Sanskrit: मुरा, गन्धमूषिका, मुराह्वय
Hindi: मुरा
What is Mura?
Crush a root of Mura and you notice the scent first. Its musky fragrance earned it the Sanskrit name Gandhamushika, meaning "fragrant like a musk rat", and that aroma is part of why it was valued in classical formulas.
Mura, botanically Selinum tenuifolium Wall., is a Himalayan herb of the higher mountain regions. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes two varieties: a smaller one, and a larger one identified as Angelica glauca, which grows at 6000 to 12000 feet and has roots 4 to 6 inches long. Both belong to the carrot family (Umbelliferae).
The text places Mura next to Jatamansi in its sequence of herbs, and the two share similar habitats, but they are different plants and should not be confused. Mura is bitter, astringent and cooling, used for fever, thirst, digestion and worm infestations.
Benefits of Mura
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu gives Mura a clear set of actions across its two varieties. Here is what each one means for you.
Worms and Parasites
Mura is described as anthelmintic (Krimighna), meaning it helps expel intestinal worms, and the larger variety is used in traditional medicine for worm infestations (Krimi). Its bitter taste (Tikta rasa) fits this use, as bitter substances are classically associated with clearing worms.
Digestion
The larger variety is called an appetizer (Deepana), an herb that kindles digestion, and is used for digestive disorders. Its light quality (Laghu guna) and pungent post-digestive effect (Katu vipaka) support this lighter, digestion-stimulating role.
Fever and Thirst
The text lists Mura as antipyretic (Jvarahara) and thirst-quenching (Trishnanigrahana), and says it is used in formulations for fever and thirst. Its cold potency (Sheeta virya) is why it is used in Pitta conditions, where heat is the problem.
Antidote and Antitoxic
Both varieties are described as antitoxic (Vishaghna), and the larger one is used as an antidote in traditional medicine. Our sources do not specify which poisons, so treat this as a classical property rather than a self-care use.
Aromatic Use
Mura is also said to remove bad odor (Daurgandhyanashana) and is used in formulations as an aromatic, which follows from its musky root.
How to Use Mura
Our sources describe Mura mainly as an ingredient in formulations for fever, thirst and as an aromatic. The root is the part used.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root, within classical formulations | Not recorded in our sources | Fever, thirst, digestion, worms | As directed by a practitioner |
No standalone dose, preparation method, vehicle to take it with (Anupana) or seasonal guidance is recorded for Mura. That makes it an herb to use through a practitioner or a prepared formula, not something to dose yourself.
Safety & Side Effects
Our classical sources record no contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Mura. That silence reflects limited information, not a confirmed clean safety record.
From its properties, Mura is cold (Sheeta), light (Laghu), bitter and astringent. In Ayurvedic reasoning, bitter, astringent and light substances can aggravate Vata, so people who are already dry, thin or depleted may want to use it with care.
Identification matters too. Mura grows in the same Himalayan habitats as Jatamansi and has two recognised varieties, so buy only from a trusted source. If you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or taking any medication, speak with a qualified practitioner first.
Recommended: Start Here
The honest starting point with Mura is a conversation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. The classical text describes its actions clearly but records no standalone dose, and it is mostly used inside formulations.
If you are dealing with intestinal worms, a practitioner can tell you whether Mura or a formula containing it suits you. Our parasites and worms page covers the wider Ayurvedic approach in the meantime.
Find Mura on Amazon ↗ Angelica Glauca Root ↗
Safety note: Mura's safety has not been documented and it is easily confused with similar Himalayan herbs, so check with a practitioner first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or on medication.
Mura vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Our sources do not compare Mura directly with other herbs, so this table sets out the distinctions the classical text itself draws.
| Comparison | Mura | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mura vs Jatamansi | Musky aromatic root, carrot family | A different herb from similar Himalayan habitats | Not interchangeable; the text warns against confusing them. |
| Small vs large variety | Selinum tenuifolium, used for fever, thirst and as an aromatic | Angelica glauca, used for digestion, worms and as an antidote | Both are antitoxic; choose by the use a practitioner has in mind. |
| Self-use vs formula | No standalone dose recorded | Classical formulations that include Mura | A prepared formula, chosen with a practitioner, is the practical route. |
Mura for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Our sources give no guidance on Mura during pregnancy or breastfeeding. With no safety data, avoid it unless a qualified practitioner advises otherwise.
Children
No child dose is recorded. Although Mura is used for worms, do not give it to children without a practitioner's guidance.
Elderly
Older adults with a dry, depleted or Vata type constitution should be cautious with bitter, light herbs like Mura. Check with a doctor if you take regular medication.
Athletes
Our sources do not describe any use of Mura for athletic performance or recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mura used for in Ayurveda?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes Mura as antitoxic, fever-reducing and thirst-quenching, and the larger variety as an appetizer and anthelmintic. It is used for fever, thirst, digestive disorders and worm infestations.
Why is Mura called Gandhamushika?
The name means "fragrant like a musk rat" and refers to the musky smell of its roots.
Is Mura the same as Jatamansi?
No. The two grow in similar Himalayan habitats and sit side by side in the classical text, but they are different plants and should not be confused.
Is Mura cooling or heating?
Mura is cooling, with a cold potency (Sheeta virya), which is why the text uses it in Pitta conditions. Its post-digestive effect is pungent.
Where does Mura grow?
In the higher Himalayan regions. The larger variety, Angelica glauca, grows at 6000 to 12000 feet.
How to Use Mura by Condition
Explore how Mura is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
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.