Shahtoot

(Siamese Rough Bush)
Sanskrit: सहदेवा • Botanical: Streblus asper Lour.

Sahdera (Shahotaka) is a small tree or large shrub found commonly in India. The bark is fibrous and was used for making paper. The young shoots and leaves are very rough. The bark and root are used medicinally, especially for dental problems. The bark is chewed or used as tooth stick. The milky latex is used in fevers and skin diseases. The bark contains a cardiac glycoside (Strebloside). The leaves are used as sandpaper. The tree grows up to 30 feet and has small fruits. Dose: Bark decoction 1-2 tola; latex topically. Verse: 34.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Strebloside (cardiac glycoside), Tannins
Also Known As
English: Siamese Rough Bush, Tooth Brush Tree
Sanskrit: सहदेवा, शाखोट
Hindi: सहोरा, छहोटा

What is Shahtoot (Sahdera / सहदेवा)?

Sahdera (Shahotaka) is a small tree or large shrub found commonly in India. The bark is fibrous and was used for making paper. The young shoots and leaves are very rough. The bark and root are used medicinally, especially for dental problems. The bark is chewed or used as tooth stick. The milky latex is used in fevers and skin diseases. The bark contains a cardiac glycoside (Strebloside). The leaves are used as sandpaper. The tree grows up to 30 feet and has small fruits. Dose: Bark decoction 1-2 tola; latex topically. Verse: 34.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Dantaroga hara (cures dental diseases)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Jvaraghna (antipyretic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

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.