Shyonaka

(Broken Bones Plant)
Sanskrit: श्योनाक • Botanical: Oroxylum indicum Vent.

Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum) is an important member of the Dashamula group (Brihat Panchamula -- five large root drugs). It is a tall tree found in sub-Himalayan tracts and forests. The root bark is the primary part used in medicine. The tree is also known as 'Broken Bones Plant' in English due to the appearance of its fallen pods. Its bark and root bark are bitter and astringent, used especially in managing diarrhea, dysentery, fevers, and inflammatory conditions. It is one of the key ingredients in Dashamularishta.

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
Oroxylin A (flavone), Baicalein, Chrysin. Root bark contains tannins.
Also Known As
English: Broken Bones Plant, Indian Trumpet Flower
Sanskrit: श्योनाक, शोणक, कटम्भरा, टूण्टुक, नतपत्रक, शुकनास
Hindi: सोनापाठा, सोनमगज, टोना

What is Shyonaka (श्योनाक)?

Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum) is an important member of the Dashamula group (Brihat Panchamula -- five large root drugs). It is a tall tree found in sub-Himalayan tracts and forests. The root bark is the primary part used in medicine. The tree is also known as 'Broken Bones Plant' in English due to the appearance of its fallen pods. Its bark and root bark are bitter and astringent, used especially in managing diarrhea, dysentery, fevers, and inflammatory conditions. It is one of the key ingredients in Dashamularishta.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Deepani (kindles digestive fire)
  • Rochani (appetizer)
  • Grahi (absorbent)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Classical Therapeutic Uses

  • Shotha (edema/swelling)
  • Atisara (diarrhea)
  • Jwara (fever)
  • Shwasa (asthma)
  • Kapha-Vata disorders

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Shyonaka by Condition

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

⟶
Shyonaka for Digestive Health
⟶
Shyonaka for Edema & Swelling
⟶
Shyonaka for Immunity & Disease Prevention
⟶
Shyonaka for Inflammation
⟶
Shyonaka for Joint Pain & Arthritis
⟶
Shyonaka for Respiratory Health

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.