Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Alkaloids, triterpenoids
- Also Known As
- English: Desert Horse Purslane
Sanskrit: वर्षाभू, शिलाटिका, उपोदिका
Hindi: बिसखपड़ा, साँठी
What is Varshabhu (Trianthema / वर्षाभू)?
Varshabhu (Trianthema portulacastrum) is described as a separate herb sometimes confused with Punarnava. It is a prostrate, succulent herb that grows in rainy season in sandy and marshy areas. The text notes it has diuretic and anti-edema properties similar to Punarnava but is considered a different plant. Various organ-specific measurements are given (leaf, root sizes). It is used in edema, digestive disorders, and urinary complaints. Verse refs: page 422.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Shothahara (reduces swelling)
- Mutrala (diuretic)
- Deepana (kindles digestive fire)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
How to Use Varshabhu by Condition
Explore how Varshabhu is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
Both laghu and brihad panchamula (dashmula), varshabhu (Trianthema portulacastrum), eranda, punarnava, mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), mahameda, mashaparni (Teramnus labialis), shatavari, shankhapushpi, avakpushpi, rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), bala, atibala, are to be taken 80 gm each and crushed then boiled in one drone water (approximately 10.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
A paste of Dhattura (Datura metel), Eranda (castor, Ricinus communis), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Varshabhu (Boerhavia diffusa), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), and Sarshapa (mustard) -- this paste destroys Shlipada (elephantiasis/lymphedema) even when chronic and severe.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
The Urastoya patient should regularly drink the fresh juice of Varshabhu (Boerhavia diffusa) combined with Yavachara (barley preparation), morning and evening, with restraint.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 3: Pleural Effusion (Urastoya Adhikara)
The Urastoya patient should regularly drink the fresh juice of Varshabhu (Boerhavia diffusa) combined with Yavachara (barley preparation), morning and evening, with restraint.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 3: Pleural Effusion (Urastoya Adhikara)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application); Parishishtam, Chapter 3: Pleural Effusion (Urastoya Adhikara)
References in Sushruta Samhita
plaster of Naga-Vrittika, Varshabhu and Vilva-roots pasted together applied;
— Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 20: Kshudra-Roga Chikitsa
plaster of Naga-Vrittika, Varshabhu and Vilva-roots pasted together applied;
— Sushruta Samhita, Kshudra-Roga Chikitsa
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 20: Kshudra-Roga Chikitsa; Kshudra-Roga Chikitsa
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.