Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter, sweet, astringent
- Quality (Guna)
- Dry, light
- Potency (Virya)
- Heating
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent
- Dosha Effect
- Dos.aHIIHFW9.ï3
- Key Constituents
- Alkaloids Cadabicine Tannins Triterpenes Diosgenin, շVLWRVWHUROOXSHRO Flavonoids Rutin, quercetin (Williamson 2002)
- Dhatu
- Blood, fat, bone
- Srotas
- Digestive, circulatory, urinary, excretory
What is Sacred Garlic Pear (Varuna / वरुण)?
Varuna is one of the most important trees in Ayurvedic surgery. It is a medium to large sized tree found throughout India. The bark is the main medicinal part and is extensively used in Ashmari (urinary calculi), Mutrakrichhra (dysuria), and Gulma (abdominal tumors). The bark is diuretic and lithotriptic. It is considered the best drug for breaking kidney and bladder stones. The tender leaves are used as a vegetable and the fruit is edible. The bark decoction is given with honey for urinary stones. The tree is also useful in enlargement of the prostate and other urinary disorders. Dose: Bark decoction 1-2 tola; churna (powder) 1-2 ratti. Verses: 13.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5
Ayurvedic Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rasa (taste) | Bitter, sweet, astringent |
| Vīrya (energy) | Heating |
| Vipāka (post-digestive) | Pungent |
| Guṇa (quality) | Dry, light |
| Doṣa effect | Dos.aHIIHFW9.ï3 |
| Dhātu (tissue) | Blood, fat, bone |
| Srotas (channel) | Digestive, circulatory, urinary, excretory |
Therapeutic Actions
- Bhedanı-ya: Purges deposits from the urinary system
- Dı-pana: Enkindles the digestive fire Vātānulomana Directs the flow of vata downwards
- Gan• d•: amalana-śaka Clears lymphatic swellings
- Mu-trakr.cchraghna: Reduces dysuria Aśmarı-ghna Clears urinary calculi Lithotriptic, diuretic, bladder tonic, lymphatic, carminative
Safety & Contraindications
Contraindications: Pregnancy, due to its descending; action
Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.
Dosage & Combinations
Dosage: 1–6g per day or 3–15ml of a 1:3 @ 25% tincture.
Combinations:
- Gokshura, punarnava, licorice in kidney, bladder and ureter stones.
- Punarnava, guggulu, ginger, kanchanara in lymphatic swelling.
- Cardamom, fresh ginger in low agni for vata types.
How to Use Varuna by Condition
Explore how Varuna is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
96 तकार व णं वाद ु स त तं कफवातिजत ् वषा वौ कालशाकं च स ारं कटु त तकम ् द पनं भेदनं हि त गरशोफकफा नलान ् Tarkari and varuna are sweet and slightly better and mitigate kapha and vata.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
References in Charaka Samhita
), venu varuna (crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham), agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
References in Sushruta Samhita
An amulet made of Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) and Arishta (soapberry) wood, along with Ruchaka and Sainduka, should be constantly worn.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 31: Revatipratishedha
Kapotavanka, Arluka, Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), Paribhadraka (Erythrina indica), and Asphota should be used for sprinkling on children.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 32: Putanapratishedha
In the varuna group powder, chira should be cooked in half water.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 26: Chapter 26
The Varunadi Gana consists of: varuna, artagala, shigru (drumstick), madhu, shagrutaka, karkari, mesha-shringi, putika, naktamala, morata, agnimantha, saireyaka (two types), bimbi, vasuka, vasira, chitraka, shatavari, bilva, ajashringi, darbha, and two brihatis (verse 10).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Vata-pacifying group includes: bhadradaru, kushtha, turmeric, varuna, mesha-shringi, bala, atibala, artagala, kachchura, shallaki, kuberachi, virataru, sahachara, agnimantha, vatsadani, eranda, ashmabhedaka, kalakarka, shatavari, punarnava, vasuka, vashiraka, achchhanaka, bhargi, karpa, sivrishchikali, pattura, badara, yava, kola, kulattha, and others from the Vidarigandhadi group (verse 7).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 39: Shodhanasanshmaniya Adhyaya - On Purification and Pacification
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 31: Revatipratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 32: Putanapratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 26: Chapter 26; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 39: Shodhanasanshmaniya Adhyaya - On Purification and Pacification
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.