Peet Kaner: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Few plants in the Ayurvedic materia medica come with a warning as stark as this one. Peet Kaner, the Yellow Oleander, is an ornamental shrub with bright yellow flowers, and it is highly poisonous. If you have come here because you saw it growing in a garden or heard it named as a remedy, the most important thing to know is that this is not a herb for home use.

Its botanical name is Thevetia neriifolia Juss. In Sanskrit it is Peet Karavira (Pitakaravira), meaning "yellow Karavira", and in Hindi it is called Peela Kaner. Other English names include Lucky Nut and Exile Tree. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as similar to the red Kaner (red oleander) but with yellow flowers, and like the red variety, highly poisonous.

The seeds contain thevetin, a cardiac glycoside (a compound that acts directly on the heart), which makes up about 45% of the seed. Thevetoxin and cerebrin are also listed among its constituents. The bark and roots are the parts used medicinally, while the milky sap is acrid and causes inflammation.

In Ayurveda it has been used for heart conditions and skin diseases, but only in carefully measured doses. The classical text warns that its leaves and seeds are extremely toxic and can cause cardiac arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat) if misused.

The uses below describe how classical Ayurveda has employed Peet Kaner under expert control. They are not suggestions for self-treatment. Because the plant is highly poisonous, any medicinal use belongs only in the hands of a qualified practitioner using properly processed material.

Heart Conditions

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Peet Kaner as a cardiac stimulant (Hridya), a term for substances that act on the heart. This is why it has been used in heart disease (Hridroga).

The same action is exactly what makes it dangerous. Its cardiac glycosides act powerfully on the heart, and the text warns that misuse can cause cardiac arrhythmia. A heart condition is never something to treat with this plant on your own.

Skin Diseases

The text also lists it as anti-dermatosis (Kusthaghna), meaning it counters skin disorders (Kushtha). Its bitter (Tikta) and astringent (Kashaya) tastes, together with its hot potency (Ushna Virya), explain this classical use, since bitter and astringent tastes are traditionally associated with treating skin complaints.

Note that the milky sap itself is acrid and causes inflammation, so even skin contact with the raw plant is not harmless.

Other Classical Actions

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu also names Peet Kaner as a purgative (Virechana) and as an antidote (Vishahara). Our knowledge graph also links it to inflammation (Shotha), but that link comes from content analysis rather than a classical verse, and no safe home use follows from it.

Peet Kaner is not a herb to use yourself in any form. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu says it is used in carefully measured doses, and the sources we rely on give no dose that would be safe to publish for self-use. Its leaves and seeds are extremely toxic, and misuse can cause cardiac arrhythmia.

What This Means in Practice

Do not make teas, powders, pastes or home preparations from any part of this plant. If you grow it as an ornamental, keep children and pets away from the seeds and wash your hands after handling it.

If you are interested in Ayurvedic support for heart or skin health, speak to a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your doctor about safer options.

Most Ayurvedic herbs are gentle. Peet Kaner is a clear exception. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as highly poisonous, like the red oleander, and this section matters more than any other on the page.

Why It Is Dangerous

• Heart toxicity: the seeds contain thevetin, a cardiac glycoside that makes up about 45% of the seed. The text warns that misuse can cause cardiac arrhythmia.
• Leaves and seeds: described as extremely toxic.
• Milky sap: acrid and causes inflammation on contact.
• Strong, sharp nature: it is light (Laghu), sharp (Tikshna) and hot in potency (Ushna Virya), qualities that make a substance act fast and forcefully.

Never Self-Medicate

Do not take any part of this plant by mouth, and do not combine it with heart medicines or other remedies on your own. Its classical use was only ever in carefully measured doses under expert control.

If Someone Has Swallowed It

Treat any ingestion of the seeds, leaves or other parts as a medical emergency. Contact emergency services or a poison control centre straight away, even if the person seems well.

Peet Kaner is not something to weigh against everyday supplements, because it is not a supplement at all. The useful comparisons are with the plants it is most often confused with.

Because Peet Kaner is highly poisonous, it is not suitable for self-use by anyone. The classical source does not address specific populations, so the guidance below errs firmly on the side of caution.

Pregnancy & Nursing

Avoid completely. Classical sources do not address its use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and a plant whose seeds and leaves can cause cardiac arrhythmia, and which also acts as a purgative (Virechana), has no place in self-care during these times.

Children

Avoid completely. If the shrub grows near your home, keep children away from the seeds and leaves, and treat any suspected ingestion as an emergency.

Elderly

Classical sources give no specific guidance for older adults. Given its action on the heart, anyone with a heart condition or on heart medication should never use it outside expert care.

Athletes

There is no sports use for Peet Kaner. Its effect on heart rhythm makes it especially unsuitable for anyone exerting themselves.