Herb × Condition

Prickly Pear for Skin Disorders

Sanskrit: कर्णिकार | Pterospermum acerifolium Willd.

How Prickly Pear helps with Skin Disorders according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

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Overview

Prickly Pear is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. The flower of Karnikara (Pterospermum) is specifically described for its fragrance and cooling properties. The large white flowers bloom at night. They are used in Pitta disorders and skin complaints. Verse: 28.

How Prickly Pear Helps with Skin Disorders

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Prickly Pear has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:

  • Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
  • Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light)

Other Herbs for Skin Disorders

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Acacia Acacia concinna DC.
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Agarwood Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.
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Alexandrian Laurel Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. & Hook. f.; Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.
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Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Syn. A. vera Tourn. ex Linn.)
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Alum Potash Alum
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Amla Emblica officinalis
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Annatto Bixa orellana Linn.
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Apamarga Achyranthes aspera Linn.

See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders page.

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.