Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Viscosic acid 0.1%, Viscosin 0.0%
- Also Known As
- English: Asian Spider Flower, Tickweed
Sanskrit: हुरहुर, अजगन्धिका
Hindi: हुलहुल, हुरहुरी
What is Spider Flower?
Brush against Spider Flower and you will notice it: the plant is covered in sticky glandular hairs, and its mustard-like seeds carry a strong odor. In Ayurveda this humble plant is remembered mainly for two things, ear pain and intestinal worms.
Botanically it is Cleome viscosa Linn., known in English as Asian Spider Flower or Tickweed and in Hindi as Hurhur. The Sahasra Yoga, a classical collection of formulas, also lists it as (Arkabhakta), meaning "attendant of Arka", under the Latin name Gynandropsis pentaphylla DC. Another Sanskrit name is (Ajagandhika).
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it growing across India, with yellow five-petaled flowers and palmate leaves, shaped like an open hand. It is the primary Cleome species used, with C. monophylla mentioned as a related species. Its seeds yield an oil used medicinally.
Benefits of Spider Flower
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu credits Spider Flower with three therapeutic actions, or (Karma). Its taste is pungent (Katu) and bitter (Tikta), its qualities are light (Laghu), sharp or penetrating (Tikshna) and unctuous, meaning slightly oily (Snigdha), and its potency, the warming or cooling effect on the body, is hot (Ushna Virya).
Ear Health
Spider Flower is classed as a remedy for ear disease (Karnanashaka), and the juice of its leaves is traditionally used for ear pain. This links it to ear disorders (Karna Roga).
Pain Relief
Classical texts also list it as an analgesic (Vedanasthapana), a herb that settles pain. Its hot, sharp qualities fit this traditional role.
Intestinal Worms
It is described as anthelmintic (Krimighna), meaning it acts against worms, which connects it to parasites and worms (Krimi). Pungent and bitter tastes are traditionally associated with this action.
How to Use Spider Flower
Our classical sources name the parts used but give no specific doses, so the table below maps traditional uses rather than prescribing amounts.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf juice | Not specified in classical sources | Ear pain | Only under practitioner guidance |
| Seed oil | Not specified in classical sources | Medicinal use (details not given) | Only under practitioner guidance |
The ear is delicate, so do not put any preparation into your ear without a qualified practitioner or doctor checking it first.
Safety & Side Effects
Classical sources give no specific contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Spider Flower. That silence is not proof of safety.
Its hot potency and sharp quality make it a strong herb by Ayurvedic standards. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition, consult a qualified practitioner before using it, and do not give it to children without professional advice.
Recommended: Start Here
Spider Flower is a specialist herb rather than an everyday one. The sensible starting point is a conversation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, who can judge whether it fits your situation. If you want to source the plant material, seeds and powder are the forms most often sold.
Find Cleome Viscosa Seeds on Amazon ↗ Hurhur Powder ↗
Classical sources give no specific safety guidance, so avoid it in pregnancy and for children unless a practitioner advises otherwise, and never put anything in your ear without professional advice.
Spider Flower vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Our sources offer only one direct comparison: Cleome monophylla, the related species the Bhavaprakash Nighantu mentions alongside it.
| Comparison | Spider Flower | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spider Flower vs Cleome monophylla | The primary Cleome species used | Mentioned only as a related species | Spider Flower is the species the classical text focuses on. Our sources give no details for comparing their uses. |
Spider Flower for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Classical sources give no specific guidance. Given its hot, sharp nature, avoid it unless a qualified practitioner advises otherwise.
Children
No specific guidance appears in our sources. Do not give it to children, or use it in their ears, without professional advice.
Elderly
Classical sources give no age-specific advice. Consult a practitioner, especially if you take other medicines.
Athletes
Our sources say nothing specific about athletic use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spider Flower the same as Hurhur?
Yes. Hurhur is the Hindi name for Cleome viscosa, also called Asian Spider Flower or Tickweed. The Sahasra Yoga lists it as (Arkabhakta).
Is Spider Flower heating or cooling?
It has a hot potency (Ushna Virya), with a pungent and bitter taste. After digestion its effect is pungent (Katu Vipaka).
Why is the plant sticky?
The plant is covered in sticky glandular hairs, which the Bhavaprakash Nighantu notes in its description.
What do the seeds look like?
The seeds resemble mustard seeds and have a strong odor. They yield an oil used medicinally.
What is Spider Flower used for in Ayurveda?
Classical texts class it as anthelmintic, analgesic and a remedy for ear disease. The juice of the leaves is traditionally used for ear pain.
How to Use Spider Flower by Condition
Explore how Spider Flower 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.