Herb × Condition

Pine Resin for Parasites and Worms

Sanskrit: सरल | Pinus longifolia Roxb. (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.)

How Pine Resin helps with Parasites and Worms according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

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Overview

Pine Resin is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for parasites and worms. Sarala (Pinus longifolia/P. roxburghii, Fam. Pinaceae) is the Chir Pine, the most common pine in the Indian Himalayas. Found at 2000-7000 feet elevation. The tree yields oleoresin (Chir/Cheed) from which turpentine oil and rosin are obtained by distillation. Medicinally, the resin and oil are used in skin diseases, parasitic infestations, and wound conditions. Pine tar (Cheed/Chirha) is obtained by destructive distillation. Properties are hot, penetrating, and Kapha-Vata pacifying. The resin is applied externally for skin conditions and internally as an expectorant. Also known as Dhup (incense) tree due to the aromatic resin used in fumigation. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 26-27.

How Pine Resin Helps with Parasites and Worms

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Pine Resin has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing parasites and worms:

  • Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
  • Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Tikshna (sharp), Snigdha (unctuous)

Other Herbs for Parasites and Worms

⟶
Agarwood Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.
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Arani Premna integrifolia Linn.
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Ailanthus Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.
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Ajwain Trachyspermum ammi syn. Trachyapermum copticum, Carum copticum/roxburghianum/ajowan, Ptychotis ajowan
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Alum Potash Alum
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Apamarga Achyranthes aspera Linn.
⟶
Asclepias Asclepias curassavica Linn.
⟶
Ativisha Aconitum heterophyllum Wall.

See all herbs for parasites and worms on the Parasites and Worms page.

▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
  • Kushtha (skin diseases)
  • Krimi (worms/parasites)
  • Kandu (itching)
  • Vrana (wounds/ulcers)
  • Karna Roga (ear diseases)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

A broad woolen cloth soaked in very hot water, and then sprinkled with cooling water mixed with Shrivasa (pine resin/camphor) drops (should be applied).

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 20: Sunstroke (Anshughata)

A broad woolen cloth soaked in very hot water, and then sprinkled with cooling water mixed with Shrivasa (pine resin/camphor) drops (should be applied).

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 19: Sunstroke (Anshughata)

Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 20: Sunstroke (Anshughata); Parishishtam, Chapter 19: Sunstroke (Anshughata)

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.