Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Also Known As
- English: Renuka
Sanskrit: रेणुका, रेणु
Hindi: रेणुका
What is Renuka (रेणुका)?
Renuka is described as a member of the Piperaceae family, identified as Piper aurantiacum. The text mentions it has pungent taste with heating potency. It is found in the forests of central and eastern India. The fruits are small and used medicinally. The drug is used as a digestive, expectorant, and anthelmintic. The text notes that the plant produces small berries. Renuka is not widely available in the market and may be substituted by related Piper species. Dose: 1-3 grams.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Kasahara (antitussive)
- Krimighna (anthelmintic)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
How to Use Renuka by Condition
Explore how Renuka is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
Similar is the case of Anuvasana – fat enema and Matra basti – fat enema with very little oil 34-36 Anu taila जीव तीजलदे वदा जलद व से यगोपी हमं दाव व मधुक लवागु वर पु ा व ब वो पलम ् धाव यौ सरु भं ि थरे कृ महरं प ं ु ट रे णक ु ां कि ज कं कमला वलां शतगुणे द ये अ भ स वाथयेत ् ३७ तैला सं दशगण ु ं प रशो य तेन तैलं पचेत ् स ललेन दशैव वारान ् पाके पे चदशमे सममाजद ु धं न यं महागुणमुश यणुतैलमेतत ् ३८ Jivanti, Jala, Devadaru, Jalada, Twak, Sevya, Gopi (sariva), Hima, Darvi twak, Madhuka, Plava, A
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Nasya Vidhi Nasal
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Nasya Vidhi Nasal
References in Charaka Samhita
Sprikka (Delphinium zalil), plava (Cyperus rotundus), sthauneyaka (Taxus baccata), kanksi (Saurashtrika), shaileya (Parmelia perlata), rochana (bile of cow), tagara (Valeriana wallichii), dhyamaka (Cymbopogon martini), kunkuma (Crocus sativua), mamsi (Nardostachys jatamansi), agra (inflorescence) of surasa (Ocimum sanctum), ela (Elettaria cardamomum), ala (Haritala – Purified Arsenic trisulphide), kushtaghna (Khadira – Acacia catechu)), brhati (Solanum indicum), flower of sirisha (Albizzia lebbe
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
A paste of Mansi (Nardostachys jatamansi, spikenard), Sarja Rasa (Vateria indica resin), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Madhuka (licorice), Renuka (Vitex agnus-castus), Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima), Nilotpala (blue lotus), Padma (lotus), and Shirisha flowers (Albizia lebbeck), mixed with Shata Dhauta Ghrita (ghee washed one hundred times) -- this paste is for Pitta-Vata-Rakta (gouty/inflammatory conditions with blood vitiation).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Srotoja (a mineral), saindhava (rock salt), black pepper, and renuka should also be ground.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
The fruits of Kumudvati, Renuka, Karambha, Maha-Karambha, Karkotaka, Venuka, Khadyotaka, Charmari, Ibha-gandha, Sarpa-ghati, Nandana and Sara-paka, numbering twelve in all, are the twelve fruit-poisons.
— Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 2: Sthavara-Visha-Vijnaniya
In such cases the poisoned atmosphere should be purified by burning quantities of Laksha, Haridra, Ati-visha, Abhaya, Abda (Musta), Renuka, Ela, Dala (Teja-Patra), Valka (cinnamon), Kushtha and Priangu in the open ground.
— Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 3: Jangama-Visha-Vijnaniya
The fruits of Kumudvati, Renuka, Karambha, Maha-Karambha, Karkotaka, Venuka, Khadyotaka, Charmari, Ibha-gandha, Sarpa-ghati, Nandana and Sara-paka, numbering twelve in all, are the twelve fruit-poisons.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sthavara-Visha-Vijnaniya
In such cases the poisoned atmosphere should be purified by burning quantities of Laksha, Haridra, Ati-visha, Abhaya, Abda (Musta), Renuka, Ela, Dala (Teja-Patra), Valka (cinnamon), Kushtha and Priangu in the open ground.
— Sushruta Samhita, Jangama-Visha-Vijnaniya
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga); Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 2: Sthavara-Visha-Vijnaniya; Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 3: Jangama-Visha-Vijnaniya; Sthavara-Visha-Vijnaniya; Jangama-Visha-Vijnaniya
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.