Herb × Condition

Sarpunkha for Inflammation

Sanskrit: शरपुंखा | Tephrosia purpurea Linn.

How Sarpunkha helps with Inflammation according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

Overview

Sarpunkha is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. 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.

How Sarpunkha Helps with Inflammation

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Sarpunkha has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:

  • Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
  • Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

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

Other Herbs for Inflammation

⟶
Agastya Flowers Sesbania grandiflora Linn.
⟶
Arani Premna integrifolia Linn.
⟶
Alexandrian Laurel Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. & Hook. f.; Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.
⟶
Amla Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
⟶
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera Dunal
⟶
Bael Aegle marmelos Corr.
⟶
Vamsha Bambusa arundinacea Willd.
⟶
Barleria Barleria prionitis Linn.

See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation 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.