Shalaparni

(Sal Leaved Desmodium)
Sanskrit: शालपर्णी Botanical: Desmodium gangeticum DC.

Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum) is a member of the Laghu Panchamula (five smaller root drugs of Dashamula). It is a perennial herb or undershrub found in grasslands and forests across India. The root is the main medicinal part. It is sweet and bitter in taste with warming potency. The plant is particularly useful in fevers, respiratory disorders, and diarrhea. It is a key ingredient in Dashamula formulations and Dashamularishta.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Also Known As
English: Sal Leaved Desmodium
Sanskrit: शालपर्णी, सोमयज्ञा, विदारिगन्धा, अंशुमती, दीर्घपत्रा
Hindi: शालपर्णी, सालपर्णी, सालवन

What is Shalaparni (शालपर्णी)?

Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum) is a member of the Laghu Panchamula (five smaller root drugs of Dashamula). It is a perennial herb or undershrub found in grasslands and forests across India. The root is the main medicinal part. It is sweet and bitter in taste with warming potency. The plant is particularly useful in fevers, respiratory disorders, and diarrhea. It is a key ingredient in Dashamula formulations and Dashamularishta.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Sangrahi (absorbent)
  • Jwaraghna (antipyretic)
  • Shothaghna (anti-inflammatory)
  • Balya (strength-promoting)
  • Brihani (nourishing)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Classical Therapeutic Uses

  • Jwara (fever)
  • Atisara (diarrhea)
  • Shotha (swelling)
  • Shwasa (asthma)
  • Kasa (cough)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Shalaparni by Condition

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

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.