Overview
Shimshapa is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. Shimshapa is a moderate-sized tree found in the sub-Himalayan forests and Central India. The bark and heartwood are used medicinally. The bark is astringent and used in skin diseases and worm infestations. The wood is used for making agricultural implements. It is a notable timber tree. Note: This is sometimes confused with Dalbergia sissoo (true Shisham) but the text refers to Ougeinia. The bark decoction is used in skin diseases. Dose: Bark decoction 1-2 tola. Verse: 41.
How Shimshapa Helps with Skin Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Shimshapa has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Safety & Precautions
Shimshapa has a short, specific classical record, and that record is thin on safety detail. Our sources list no formal contraindications, no known drug interactions and no overdose signs for it. That is an absence of data, not a guarantee of safety.
What its properties suggest
Shimshapa is heating (Ushna), light and dry, with bitter and astringent tastes. Herbs with this drying, warming character are generally used with care in people who already run hot or dry, and over long periods. A practitioner can judge whether it suits your constitution.
Correct identification
The tree is sometimes confused with Dalbergia sissoo, the true Shisham. The classical text refers to Ougeinia dalbergioides, so buy only from a source that names the botanical species.
Pregnancy, nursing and medication
Classical sources give no specific guidance for pregnancy, nursing or use alongside prescription drugs. In those situations, do not use Shimshapa without the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and tell your doctor about any herbs you take.
Other Herbs for Skin Disorders
See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders page.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
The Salasaradi Gana consists of: sala, sara, raja (teak), karna, khadira (catechu), kadara, kalaskandha, kramuka (areca), bhurja (birch), mesha-shringi, tinisha, chandana (sandalwood), kuchandan, shimshapa, shirisha, asana, dhava, arjuna, tala (palm), shakanaktamala, putika, ashvakarna, aguru (aloewood), shiya, and kaliyaka (verse 8).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Mushkakadi Gana consists of: mushkaka, palasha, dhava, chitraka, madana, vriksha (trees), shimshapa, vajravriksha, and triphala (verse 20).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Salasaradi Gana consists of: sala, sara, raja (teak), karna, khadira (catechu), kadara, kalaskandha, kramuka (areca), bhurja (birch), mesha-shringi, tinisha, chandana (sandalwood), kuchandan, shimshapa, shirisha, asana, dhava, arjuna, tala (palm), shakanaktamala, putika, ashvakarna, aguru (aloewood), shiya, and kaliyaka (verse 8).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Mushkakadi Gana consists of: mushkaka, palasha, dhava, chitraka, madana, vriksha (trees), shimshapa, vajravriksha, and triphala (verse 20).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
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.