Kaner

(Sweet-scented Oleander)
Sanskrit: करवीर • Botanical: Nerium odorum Soland.

Kaner (Nerium odorum), the Sweet-scented Oleander, is a well-known ornamental and medicinal plant. The text describes it as having red and white flowering varieties. The root, bark, leaves, and flowers all have medicinal uses. It contains cardiac glycosides making it useful in heart conditions when used in proper doses. It is classified as Visha (poisonous) and must be used with extreme caution. Externally, the root paste is applied for skin diseases (Kushtha) and parasitic skin infections. The plant is described as being bitter, hot, and sharp, effective against Kapha and Vata disorders.

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
Neriodorin, Neriodorein, Neriene, Rosaginine, Oleandrine, Pseudocourarine, Neriantin, Nerianthine
Also Known As
English: Sweet-scented Oleander, Booseberry Spurge
Sanskrit: करवीर, शतकुम्भ, अश्वमारक, चण्डात
Hindi: कनेर, लाल कनेर

What is Sweet-scented Oleander / Kaner (करवीर / कनेर)?

Kaner (Nerium odorum), the Sweet-scented Oleander, is a well-known ornamental and medicinal plant. The text describes it as having red and white flowering varieties. The root, bark, leaves, and flowers all have medicinal uses. It contains cardiac glycosides making it useful in heart conditions when used in proper doses. It is classified as Visha (poisonous) and must be used with extreme caution. Externally, the root paste is applied for skin diseases (Kushtha) and parasitic skin infections. The plant is described as being bitter, hot, and sharp, effective against Kapha and Vata disorders.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Kusthaghna (anti-dermatosis)
  • Vishaghna (antidote to poison)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Hridya (cardiac tonic)
  • Shothahara (reduces swelling)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Kaner by Condition

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

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Kaner for Inflammation

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.