Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Asclepiadin, Vincetoxin (Sterols, terpenes, cardiac glycosides)
- Also Known As
- English: Bowstring Hemp
Sanskrit: मूर्वा, मधुरसा, गोकर्णी, देवी
Hindi: मूर्वा, मरोड़फली
What is Murva?
Few medicinal plants have a second career in archery. Murva, known in English as Bowstring Hemp, is a woody climber whose bark fiber is so tough it was traditionally twisted into bowstrings and ropes. Ayurveda prizes it for something quite different: cooling bitterness that calms burning, fever, thirst and bleeding.
Its botanical name is Marsdenia tenacissima. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it in Varga 3 as bitter, astringent, heavy, dry and cold, with a milky latex, and also records Sansevieria roxburghiana as a second variety with similar properties. The root and bark are the medicinal parts.
Murva shows up again and again in the great classical texts, from the Charaka Samhita to the Sushruta Samhita, usually as one ingredient in a larger formula. If you want to understand how Ayurveda cools excess Pitta, it is a herb worth knowing.
Benefits of Murva
Murva is bitter and astringent in taste (Tikta and Kashaya Rasa), heavy and dry in quality (Guru and Ruksha Guna), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya) and pungent after digestion (Katu Vipaka). It balances Pitta, the dosha of heat and transformation.
Bleeding Disorders
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Murva as treating bleeding disorders (Raktapittahara) and as styptic (Stambhana). Its cold, astringent nature counters both the heat and the outflow.
Burning Sensations, Fever and Thirst
It reduces burning sensations (Dahahara), fever (Jvaraghna) and excessive thirst (Trishnahara). The Sushruta Samhita (Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39) includes Murva in fever treatments, among them a medicated ghee for spreading fever.
Digestive Disorders
The Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 15) uses Murva in several formulas for Grahani, the classical disorder of the small intestine. This is the basis for its link to irritable bowel syndrome.
Skin and Inflammatory Swelling
The Sharangadhara Samhita (Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11) includes Murva in cooling external pastes for Pitta-type wound swelling and for inflammatory joint conditions involving the blood.
A Classical Bitter
The Ashtanga Hridaya lists Murva in its group of bitter herbs, and the Sushruta Samhita places it in the Aragvadhadi and Patoladi groups.
How to Use Murva
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu gives the dose of Murva powder as 3 to 5 rattis. A ratti is a classical unit equal to roughly 125 mg, so this is a small dose of about 375 to 625 mg.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root or bark powder (churna) | 3 to 5 rattis | Burning, fever, thirst, bleeding | Under practitioner guidance |
| In classical decoctions | As part of a formula | Digestive disorders, fever | As prescribed |
| External paste (lepa) | Mixed with other cooling herbs | Hot, inflamed swelling | Applied to the area |
In practice, Murva is almost always taken as part of a formula rather than alone. The Charaka Samhita uses it in a linctus with honey and in decoctions, and the Sharangadhara Samhita uses it in tablets, fermented preparations and topical pastes.
Safety & Side Effects
Murva is a strong medicinal plant, not a kitchen herb, and the classical record flags a few points worth knowing.
- Emetic action: the Bhavaprakash Nighantu notes that it has emetic properties, meaning it can cause vomiting. Keep to the small classical dose.
- Potent constituents: recorded constituents include cardiac glycosides (Asclepiadin, Vincetoxin). Anyone with a heart condition or on heart medicine should avoid it unless a doctor approves.
- Cold and dry: its profile can aggravate Vata, so it is a poor fit for people prone to cold, dryness or constipation.
Our sources do not list specific drug interactions. Use it only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Recommended: Start Here
Murva is best used the way the classical texts use it: inside a formula prepared by a practitioner. If you are dealing with burning, heat-driven symptoms, ask a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner whether a formula containing Murva suits you, and at what dose.
If you want to source the raw herb for a practitioner to work with, look for Marsdenia tenacissima root or bark powder from a reputable supplier.
Find Murva Powder on Amazon ↗ Murva Root ↗
Safety: Murva can cause vomiting and contains cardiac glycosides, so keep to the small classical dose and avoid it with heart conditions unless your doctor approves.
Murva vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Murva often appears beside other classical bitters, so the most useful comparisons are with herbs it shares formulas with.
| Comparison | Murva | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murva vs Sansevieria variety | Marsdenia tenacissima, the primary Murva | Sansevieria roxburghiana, also called Murva | The Bhavaprakash Nighantu gives them similar properties. Check which one a product contains. |
| Murva vs Neem | Bitter, astringent, cold; specific to burning, thirst and bleeding | Neem: another classical bitter in the same groups | Both sit together in the Sushruta Samhita Aragvadhadi group. Murva is the more focused choice for burning and thirst. |
| Murva vs Guduchi | Small dose, emetic in excess | Guduchi: listed with Murva in the Patoladi group | They are often combined rather than chosen between. Murva calls for more caution with dose. |
Murva for Specific Populations
Our sources give no population-specific dosing for Murva. Given its emetic action and cardiac glycosides, caution is the rule.
Pregnancy & Nursing
Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a specialist prescribes it.
Children
No pediatric dose is recorded. Do not give it to children outside practitioner care.
Elderly
Older adults are more likely to have heart conditions or take heart medicine, which makes the cardiac glycosides a real concern. Its cold, dry profile can also aggravate the dryness common in later life.
Athletes
There is no recorded use for performance or recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Murva called Bowstring Hemp?
Its bark yields an extremely tough fiber that was traditionally used to make bowstrings and ropes. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu mentions this alongside its medicinal uses.
Which part of Murva is used?
The root and bark are the medicinal parts. The plant also has a milky latex.
Which classical texts mention Murva?
It appears in the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Sharangadhara Samhita and Bhavaprakash Nighantu, usually as part of a formula.
What other Sanskrit names does Murva have?
Synonyms include Madhurasa, Gokarni and Devi. The Sahasra Yoga also lists Morata, and the Hindi name Marorphali is recorded.
Is Murva good for digestion?
The Charaka Samhita includes it in several formulas for Grahani, a classical disorder of the small intestine. It is used within those formulas rather than alone.
How to Use Murva by Condition
Explore how Murva is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
Tikta Gana – group of bitters :त तः पदोल ाय ती वालकोशीर च दनम ् भू न ब न ब कटुका तगरा गु व सकम ् न तमाला वरजनी मु त मूवाट पकम पाठापामागकां यायोगुडू चध वयासकम ् प चमल ू ं महा या यौ वशाल अ त वषावचा Patoli, Trayanti – Gentiana kurroa, Valaka, Usira – Vetiveria zizanioides, Chandana – Sandalwood, Bhunimba – The creat (whole plant) – Andrographis paniculata, Nimba – Neem – Azadirachta indica, Katuka – Picrorhiza kurroa, Tagara – Indian Valerian (root) – Valeriana wallichi, Aguru, Vatsaka – Hol
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
References in Charaka Samhita
One pala of each of tvak-kshiri, shravani (munditika), draksha, murva, rushabhaka, jivaka, vira (vidarikanda), riddhi, kshirakakoli, brihati, kapikacchu, fruit of kharjura and meda should be made into paste by triturating with milk.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा)
Take two pala (96 gm) each of chandana, padmaka, usheera, patha, murva, kuthannatha (kaivarta musta), shadhgrantha (vacha), sariva, asphota (aspurmallika), saptaparna, aṭarushakana (vasa), patola, udumbara, ashvattha, vata, plaksa, kapeetana (gandha musta), kathuki, musta and nimba and prepare decoction by adding one drona (12.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Mix powder of kiratatikta, shadgrantha, trayamana, trikatu, chandana, padmaka, usheera, bark of darvi, katurohini, bark and fruit of kutaja, mushta, yavani, devadaru, patola, leaves of nimba, ela, saurashtra, ativisha, tvak, seeds of madhushigru, murva and parpataka and prescribe it as linctus prepared with honey or may be taken with water or alcoholic preparation.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Duralabha, two types of karanja (karanja, lata karanja), saptaparna, vatsaka, sadgrantha (vacha), madanaphala, murva, patha and aragvadha should be mixed with equal quantity of gomutra and boiled and prepared as per kshara kalpana.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Triphala, kaṭabhi, chavya, pulp of bilva, powder of ayoraja (mandura), katutki, musta, kushtha, patha, hingu, madhuka, kshara of muskaka and yavakshara, trikatu, vacha, vidanga, pippalimoola, svarjikakshara, nimba, chitraka, murva, ajamoda, indrayava, guḍuchi and devadaru are taken in one karsha (12 gm) quantity and one pala each of five salts are taken.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
— Katuka (Picrorhiza kurroa), Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Vacha (Acorus calamus), and Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima) — each one Shana.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Also: Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima), Madhurasa/Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra — licorice), Danti (Baliospermum montanum), Pushkara Moola (Inula racemosa), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Atibala (Abutilon indicum), Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens), and Trikantaka/Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations)
Then add Rajika (mustard), Lasuna (garlic), and Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima) with fresh acidic liquids.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
A paste of Mansi (Nardostachys jatamansi, spikenard), Sarja Rasa (Vateria indica resin), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Madhuka (licorice), Renuka (Vitex agnus-castus), Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima), Nilotpala (blue lotus), Padma (lotus), and Shirisha flowers (Albizia lebbeck), mixed with Shata Dhauta Ghrita (ghee washed one hundred times) -- this paste is for Pitta-Vata-Rakta (gouty/inflammatory conditions with blood vitiation).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
For Pitta-type wound swelling: a paste of Madhuka (licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra), Chandana (sandalwood), Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima), Nala Mula (Arundo donax root), Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides), Ushira (vetiver), Balaka (Pavonia odorata), and Padma (lotus) is applied.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Nalaveta and Murva with Devadaru decoction.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
PARISARPA-JVARA GHRITA: Prepared with Triphala, Ushira, Shampaka, Katuka, Ativisha, Ghana, Shatavari, Saptaparni, Guduchi, Neem, Chitraka, Trivrit, Murva, Patola, Arishta, Balaka, Kirata-tikta, Vacha, Vishala, Padmaka, Utpala, Sariva, Yashtya-hvva, Vikara, Raktachandana, Duralabha, Parpataka, Trayamana, Aturushaka, Rasna, Kudu, Kumanjishtha, Pippali, Nagara, and Dhatri-phala juice -- this ghee eliminates spreading fever, dyspnea, tumors, and skin diseases.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
The Aragvadhadi Gana consists of: aragvadha (purging cassia), madana, gopaghna, ghorataki, kutaja, patha, patala, murva, indrayava, saptaparna, nimba (neem), kurutaka, dasikurutaka, guduchi, chitraka, sharngesthi, karanja (two types), patola, kirata-tikta (chirayita), and sushavi (verse 6).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Patoladi Gana consists of: patola, chandana (sandalwood), kuchandan, murva, guduchi, patha, and katurohi (verse 33).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The roots of trivrit and others from the first group, the great Panchamula, murva, and sharngesthi (verse 35), plus Himalayan sudha, triphala, ativisha, and vacha — collecting these, two parts of one group and one part of another should be prepared (verse 36).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 44: Virechana-dravya-vikalpa-vijnaniya Adhyaya - On Purgative Drug Preparations
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 44: Virechana-dravya-vikalpa-vijnaniya Adhyaya - On Purgative Drug Preparations
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.