Overview
Peet Kaner is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Peet Kaner (Thevetia neriifolia), the Yellow Oleander, is described as similar to the red Kaner but with yellow flowers. The seeds contain Thevetin, a cardiac glycoside, comprising about 45% of the seed. Like the red variety, it is highly poisonous. The bark and roots are used medicinally. The milky sap is acrid and causes inflammation. In Ayurveda it is used in heart conditions and skin diseases in carefully measured doses. The text warns that its leaves and seeds are extremely toxic and can cause cardiac arrhythmia if misused.
How Peet Kaner Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Peet 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), Tikshna (sharp)
Safety & Precautions
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.
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.