Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Unctuous (Snigdha), Heavy (Guru)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Naphthoquinones, Alkannin, Shikonin
- Also Known As
- English: Onosma
Sanskrit: गोजिह्वा, सुगन्धा
Hindi: गोजिबा, रतनजोत
What is Onosma?
High in the Himalayas grows a bristly plant whose root bleeds red. Onosma (Gojihva) takes its Sanskrit name, "cow's tongue", from its long, rough leaves, up to fifteen inches long and covered in bristles, and its root yields a red dye.
Its botanical name is Onosma bracteatum Wall., and in Hindi it is known as Gojiba or Ratanjot. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu notes that it shares the name Gojihva with another plant, Elephantopus, so it is worth checking botanical names when buying.
Ayurveda uses Onosma for heart disorders, urinary problems and wound healing. It is sweet, heavy, oily and cooling, a soothing profile that suits heat and irritation.
Benefits of Onosma
Heart Support
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Onosma as Hridya, a heart tonic, and uses it in heart disorders. That links it to heart disease (Hridroga), always as a complement to medical care.
Urinary Health
It is also Mutrala, a diuretic that promotes urine flow, and is used in urinary problems such as painful or difficult urination (Mutrakrichchhra).
Wound Healing and Skin
As a Vranaropana herb it heals wounds, which links it to skin disorders. The Charaka Samhita includes it in wound care.
If the wound caused by the nails or teeth of animals is swollen, inflamed and oozing and associated with fever, a paste of Acacia catechu, Ashwakarna, Gojihva, Hamsapadi, turmeric, Daruharidra and red ochre should be applied.
Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 23
It also appears in the Charaka Samhita's chapter on wound management, Chikitsa Sthana 25.
How to Use Onosma
Both the leaves and the root of Onosma are used. Our sources describe its classical use as an external wound paste, but give no standard internal doses, so we do not publish one.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wound paste (with other herbs) | Applied locally | Swollen, inflamed, oozing wounds | As directed by a practitioner |
| Leaf or root preparations (internal) | Practitioner-determined | Heart and urinary complaints | As directed |
In the Charaka Samhita wound paste, Onosma is combined with Khadira (Acacia catechu), turmeric, Daruharidra and red ochre. Any infected or animal-bite wound needs medical care first.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources list no specific contraindications or drug interactions for Onosma, so this section stays short.
Its properties point to where caution makes sense. It is sweet, heavy, oily and cooling, so people with a heavy Kapha tendency, sluggish digestion or congestion may not suit it well.
Heart and urinary symptoms need medical assessment before herbs. If you take heart medication or diuretics, talk to your doctor before using Onosma internally, and check the botanical name, since another plant shares the name Gojihva.
Recommended: Start Here
Onosma is a specialist herb rather than an everyday supplement, so the simplest way to start is with a practitioner who can source the right plant and match it to your needs.
If you buy it yourself, look for Onosma bracteatum on the label, since another plant shares the name Gojihva. Its cooling, soothing profile makes it best suited to complaints that come with heat and irritation.
Find Gojihva on Amazon ↗ Gojihva Formulas ↗
Safety note: see a doctor for any heart or urinary symptoms, and check with them before combining Onosma with heart medication or diuretics.
Onosma vs Other Herbs & Supplements
| Comparison | Onosma | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onosma vs Elephantopus | Onosma bracteatum, bristly Himalayan herb | Elephantopus, which shares the name Gojihva | Different plants under one name. Check the botanical name. |
| Onosma vs Turmeric for wounds | Sweet, cooling wound healer | Turmeric | Used together in the Charaka Samhita wound paste, not as substitutes. |
| Onosma vs Khadira for wounds | Soothing, heavy, oily | Khadira (Acacia catechu) | Partners in the same classical wound paste. |
Onosma for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Our sources contain no safety data for Onosma in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid internal use unless your doctor approves.
Children
Our sources give no child doses. Use only under a practitioner's guidance.
Elderly
Older adults are more likely to take heart medication or diuretics. Given Onosma's heart and diuretic actions, check with your doctor before using it.
Athletes
Our sources describe no athletic use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Onosma called Gojihva?
Gojihva means "cow's tongue", a fitting name for its long, rough, bristly leaves.
What gives the root its red color?
The root yields a red dye. Its constituents include naphthoquinones such as alkannin and shikonin.
Where does Onosma grow?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it in Himalayan regions, from altitudes of 1200 feet.
What are its classical properties?
It tastes sweet, is heavy and unctuous, cooling in potency, and sweet after digestion.
How to Use Onosma by Condition
Explore how Onosma is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
If the wound caused by the nails of teeth of quadrupeds or bipeds is swollen, inflamed and oozing and associated with fever, the paste of somavalka (Acacia catechu), ashwakarna (Dipterocarpus alatus), gojivha (Onosma bracteatum), hamsapaadi (Adiantum lunulatum), haridra (Curcuma longa), daruharidra (Berberis aristata) and gairika (red ochre) should be applied.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Prapaundarika, jivanti, gojihva (Onosma bracteatum Wall.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 25: Wound Management (Dwivraniya Chikitsa / द्विव्रणीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 25: Wound Management (Dwivraniya Chikitsa / द्विव्रणीयचिकित्सा)
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.