Sarpunkha: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

If you have ever wondered whether Ayurveda has a herb dedicated to the spleen, Sarpunkha is the answer. Classical texts call it the "enemy of the spleen" (Plihashatru), a name earned by its central role in treating spleen enlargement.

In English it is called Wild Indigo or Purple Tephrosia. Its botanical name is Tephrosia purpurea Linn., and other Sanskrit names include Nilabrindi, Banapunkha and Punkha. The Sahasra Yoga describes it as a classical tonic for the liver and spleen together.

It is a shrub that bears long pods, 4 to 5 inches in length, green when fresh and turning dark as they dry. The leaves, roots, seeds and whole plant are all used medicinally.

One practical detail sets it apart: the plant contains rotenone, the compound that also makes it useful as an insecticide. That is a reminder that Sarpunkha is a working medicine, best used with a practitioner's guidance rather than as a casual daily supplement.

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 3) lists Sarpunkha as bitter (Tikta) and astringent (Kashaya) in taste, light (Laghu) and dry (Ruksha) in quality, and hot in potency (Ushna Virya), meaning it has a warming effect on the body. These properties explain most of its classical uses.

Spleen Health

This is Sarpunkha's signature use. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls it one of the most important herbs for splenic disorders and indicates it in spleen enlargement (Pliha Roga). Its classical action is described as anti-splenic (Plihahara).

Liver Support

The same text indicates Sarpunkha for liver disorders (Yakrit Roga), and the Sahasra Yoga treats it as a combined liver and spleen tonic. Its bitter, light, dry profile is the kind Ayurveda traditionally pairs with clearing heaviness from these organs.

Worms and Parasites

Sarpunkha is classed as anthelmintic (Krimighna), meaning it expels intestinal worms. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu names worm infestation among its main indications, so it appears in the context of parasites and worms (Krimi).

Skin and Blood

Classically it is a blood purifier (Raktashodhaka) and is indicated for skin conditions and blood impurities. This links it to skin disorders (Kushtha), a broad Ayurvedic category covering many chronic skin complaints.

Swelling and Digestion

The text also lists it as reducing swelling (Shothahara), relevant to inflammation (Shotha), and as kindling the digestive fire (Deepana), which Ayurveda calls Agni.

Dosha Balance

Sarpunkha alleviates Kapha, the heavy, moist dosha, and Vata, the dosha of movement. Its light, dry, warming qualities are a natural counterweight to Kapha in particular.

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu gives doses for three plant parts, measured in classical units. A ratti is a tiny traditional weight, a masha is larger, and a tola is larger still. Ask a qualified practitioner to translate these into modern measures for your situation.

Note how small the seed dose is compared with the root dose. That difference matters, so never swap one part for another at the same amount.

Our classical sources do not specify a vehicle to take it with (Anupana), timing, or seasonal guidance. A practitioner can advise on these.

Important: Sarpunkha contains rotenone, along with related compounds such as deguelin and tephrosin. Rotenone is the reason the plant is also used as an insecticide. Treat Sarpunkha as a potent medicine, not an everyday supplement, and use it only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

The classical doses differ sharply between plant parts. The seed dose is only 1 to 2 rattis, a very small amount, so take care never to use seeds at root or leaf amounts.

Because it is hot in potency and drying, it is the opposite of a gentle, cooling herb. Classical sources in our records do not list specific contraindications, drug interactions, or overdose signs. That absence is not proof of safety, so discuss any use with a practitioner, especially if you take prescription medicines.

Classical sources we hold do not address pregnancy or nursing. Avoid it during these times unless a qualified practitioner specifically advises otherwise.

Our classical sources do not compare Sarpunkha directly with other herbs, so rather than invent matchups, here is how its own plant parts and profile compare.

For comparisons with specific named herbs, consult a qualified practitioner who can weigh them against your constitution.

Sarpunkha contains rotenone, the compound behind its use as an insecticide. For every group below, use it only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Pregnancy & Nursing

Classical sources in our records do not address pregnancy or nursing. Given its rotenone content and hot potency, avoid it during these times unless a qualified practitioner specifically advises otherwise.

Children

Classical sources we hold give no child-specific doses. Do not give Sarpunkha to children without a qualified practitioner's direction.

Elderly

No classical guidance specific to older adults appears in our sources. Its drying quality may not suit everyone, so seek a practitioner's advice, especially if you take other medicines.

Athletes

Classical sources do not address athletic use. There is no grounded reason to use it for performance; consult a qualified practitioner before any use.