Overview
Kaner is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. 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.
How Kaner Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Kaner has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Safety & Precautions
Most Ayurvedic herbs are gentle. Kaner is one of the clear exceptions. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies it as a poison (Visha) and says it must be used with extreme caution.
Why It Is Dangerous
Kaner contains cardiac glycosides, compounds that act on the heart. Its recorded constituents include oleandrine, neriodorin, neriodorein and rosaginine, among others. These are the reason it was used for heart conditions in proper doses, and the reason it can be harmful in improper ones.
One of its Sanskrit names, (Ashvamaraka), is commonly read as "horse killer". The name is a warning worth taking seriously.
Key Precautions
- Do not eat, chew or brew any part of the plant: root, bark, leaves or flowers.
- Do not take Kaner internally except under the direct supervision of a qualified physician.
- Do not combine it with any heart medication on your own; its glycosides act on the heart.
- Keep garden oleander away from children and pets.
- Even the external root paste should be used only on a practitioner's advice.
If Someone Swallows It
Treat any ingestion of oleander as a medical emergency and contact emergency services or a poison control centre straight away.
Other Herbs for Inflammation
See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation page.
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.