Overview

Shami is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. Shami (Prosopis) is a medium-sized thorny tree found in arid and semi-arid regions of India, particularly Rajasthan. The tree is sacred in Hindu tradition - Shami puja is an important ritual. The bark, leaves and pods are used medicinally. The pods are eaten as a vegetable and cattle fodder. The bark is astringent and used in skin diseases and piles. The leaves are used in eye diseases. The tree produces a gum similar to Gum Arabic. It is drought-resistant and important in desert ecology. Dose: Bark decoction 1-2 tola; leaf juice 1-2 tola. Verse: 39.

How Shami Helps with Skin Disorders

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

Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet)
Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

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.

▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)

Soma-valli, Indra-valli, shami (Prosopis), thorns of bilva, and roots of mrigadani and others — these should be strung together and worn (as protective amulets).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Soma-valli, Indra-valli, shami (Prosopis), thorns of bilva, and roots of mrigadani and others — these should be strung together and worn (as protective amulets).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 28: Chapter 28

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.