Sarpunkha

(Wild Indigo)
Sanskrit: शरपुंखा • Botanical: Tephrosia purpurea Linn.

Sarpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) is one of the most important herbs for splenic disorders. The text highlights it with the synonym 'Plihashatru' (enemy of spleen). It is a herb growing up to 1000 pods at maturity per cluster. The leaves, roots, and whole plant are used medicinally. It is described as bitter, astringent, light, dry, and hot in potency. It is primarily indicated in spleen enlargement (Pliha Roga), liver disorders, skin conditions, blood impurities, and worm infestations. The pods are 4-5 inches long, green when raw turning dark on drying. Rotenone content makes it useful as an insecticide as well. Dose: seeds 1-2 rattis; roots 1-2 tola; leaves 1-2 masha. Verse refs: pages 408-409.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
About 6% Rotenone extractable (Isoflavanone (Tephrosin), Deguellin, Rotenone, Oxyritin (about 2% in leaves), flavonoids)
Also Known As
English: Wild Indigo, Purple Tephrosia
Sanskrit: शरपुंखा, प्लीहशत्रु, नीलबृन्दी
Hindi: सरपोंखा, सरफोंका

What is Sarpunkha (Tephrosia / शरपुंखा)?

Sarpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) is one of the most important herbs for splenic disorders. The text highlights it with the synonym 'Plihashatru' (enemy of spleen). It is a herb growing up to 1000 pods at maturity per cluster. The leaves, roots, and whole plant are used medicinally. It is described as bitter, astringent, light, dry, and hot in potency. It is primarily indicated in spleen enlargement (Pliha Roga), liver disorders, skin conditions, blood impurities, and worm infestations. The pods are 4-5 inches long, green when raw turning dark on drying. Rotenone content makes it useful as an insecticide as well. Dose: seeds 1-2 rattis; roots 1-2 tola; leaves 1-2 masha. Verse refs: pages 408-409.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Plihahara (beneficial for spleen, anti-splenic)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Deepana (kindles digestive fire)
  • Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
  • Shothahara (reduces swelling)
  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Sarpunkha by Condition

Explore how Sarpunkha is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Sarpunkha for Inflammation
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Sarpunkha for Male Sexual Health

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.