Overview
Onosma is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for urinary disorders. Onosma bracteatum is found in Himalayan regions at altitudes from 1200 feet. The leaves are 15 inches long, with characteristic bristly texture (1"x1" bristles). The root yields a red dye. The plant is used in heart disorders, urinary problems, and wound healing. The leaves are also used medicinally. It is mentioned alongside Elephantopus as both share the name 'Gojiha'. Verse: 278-279.
How Onosma Helps with Urinary Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Onosma has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing urinary disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
- Taste (Rasa): Madhura (sweet)
- Qualities (Guna): Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (heavy)
Other Herbs for Urinary Disorders
See all herbs for urinary disorders on the Urinary Disorders page.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
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.