What is Iremeda & its benefits?

Iremeda is a traditional medicinal herb valued in many communities for its healing properties. For generations, it has been used in natural medicine to treat everyday health issues and to strengthen overall well-being. While modern research on this herb is still developing, traditional knowledge continues to highlight its importance in home remedies.

Latin Name:  Acacia farnesiana
Vernacular Names:

English name – Sweet acacia, Needle bush, Mimosa bush, Perfume Acacia (flower is used for preparing perfumes -Cassie), Cassie flower, Ironwood, Sweet acacia, Sweet wattle

Hindi name – Guh baboool, Gukikar, Gandh babool
Kannada name – Kasturigibbali
Manipuri name – Chigong lei
Bengali name – Guyababula
Marathi name – Gukikar
Telugu name – Nagatumma
Tamil name – Kadivel, Kasthurivel,
Assamese name – Tarua kadam

Sanskrit Names:

Arimeda, Raamaka, Sarvameda, Skandha, Ahimeda, Arima, Medoripu, Ahimeda, Ahimara, Pootimeda, Kalaskandha
Arimajam – The plant is popularly known as Arimanja
Safed Babul- Resembles Babul plant (Acacia Arabica Wild.)
Vitkadhir – Like plant of Khadira (Acacia cathechu Wild.) but with foul smelling roots.

Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Iremeda

 

Ras

• Tikta (Bitter)
• Kashay ( Astringent)

  Veerya ( Potency) 

• Sheet (Cold)

Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)

• Katu (Pungent)

 Guna ( Qualities)

• Laghu (Lightness)
• Rooksha (Dry)

Also read Basics of Ayurveda: Learn about Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Dosha Effect

• Balances:  Kapha and Pitta dosha

• May increase: Vata ( If overused)

Classical Categorization

In Charak Samhita –  It is categorized as

• Udara Prashamana group of herbs useful in treating tinea infection
• Sanjasthapana – group of herbs useful in restoring consciousness.

In sushrut samhita –  It is categorized as

•  Salasaradi Varga

Bhavprakash Nighantu: Vatadi Varga

Dhanvantari Nighantu : Amradi Varga

Kaiyadeva Nighantu : Aoshadi Varga

Raj Nighantu : Shalmalyadi Varga

Health Benefits of Iremeda

Digestive health

Iremeda is commonly used in teas to support the digestive system.

• Relieves indigestion – The natural compounds in the leaves may help calm stomach discomfort after heavy meals.

• Reduces bloating & gas – Traditional healers recommend it as a mild carminative (helps expel gas).

• Soothes stomach pain – The herb is often brewed into a light decoction to ease cramping or mild ulcers.

This makes it a go-to remedy in households for everyday stomach troubles.

Anti- Inflammatory properties

• The herb is believed to contain flavonoids and essential oils that reduce inflammation.

• Used both internally (as tea) and externally (as poultice) to relieve:

  • Joint pain

  • Muscle soreness

  • Swelling from minor injuries

This makes it helpful for people with arthritis or body aches.

Immune system support

• Traditionally used as a strengthening tonic.

• May stimulate the body’s defense system, helping fight off common colds and infections.

• Often combined with other herbs in community medicine to prevent seasonal illnesses.

 Works as a natural immune booster, especially during flu season.

Useful in gums problems

Devdaru is said to kusthhar and kanduhar and also posses antibacterial  and antifungal properties. Because of this it is very effective in managing skin problems especially the one having vata-kapha imbalance. This includes problems like

• Eczema
• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Non healing wound

Anti microbial and anti fungal effect

• Early research suggests Iremeda might contain natural antimicrobial compounds.

• Traditionally applied on wounds and cuts to prevent infection.

• Some communities use it to treat skin infections, rashes, and fungal issues like athlete’s foot.

 Acts as a natural alternative to chemical antiseptics in folk medicine.

Actions (Karma) of Iremeda in Ayurveda

Kaphaja Krumi – worm infestation of Kapha origin
Kandu – itching, pruritis
Raktadosha – blood impurity and vitiation disorders such as acne, skin diseases, bleeding disorders etc
Basti Dosha – Iremeda benefits in urinary tract disorders
Mukha Dosha, Danta Dosha – diseases of mouth and teeth. Useful in treating mouth ulcers, to stop and reverse tooth decay. For this reason, it is used as ingredient in Irimedadi taila – an oil for oil pulling to treat dental and mouth disorders .
Raktastambhaka – useful in bleeding disorders.
Visha – Toxic conditions, poisoning
Kushta – skin diseases
Bhutahara – useful in psychiatric disorders
Graharoga – Psychiatric disorders
Shopha  – inflammation
Atisara – diarrhoea, dysentery
Kasa – cough, cold
Visarpa – herpes

How to use Iremeda

Iremeda can be consumed in various forms, including:

• Decoction:  To make the decoction you need 2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of powder of Iremeda. Now add this powder in 2 cup of water and boil till one glass is left. Then filter it, your decoction is ready.
• Dosage : 20 to 30 ml two times a day.
• Iremeda powder:  1-2  teaspoon two times daily . It is also used externally for local application.
• Iremedadi oil : For local application.
• Part Used :  Stem. Bark, Heartwood.

What are the side effects of Iremeda

 Like any other Ayurvedic herb Iremeda is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include

Allergic Rashes

If someone is sensitive to iremeda they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .

Precautions

During breast feeding avoid consuming Iremeda

Avoid consuming Iremeda during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.

Always use iremeda in recommended dosage  to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.

If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using iremeda. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.

Don’t use iremeda continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.

Store iremeda in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.

Home Remedies of Iremeda

Iremeda oil for oral health

Massaging gums with irimedadi oil or doing oil pulling with iremedadi oil is very effective in managing oral health problems such gingivitis, pyrohea,tooth ache , cavitiesand others

Iremeda steam inhalation

• Add a handful of leaves to hot water.

• Inhale the steam to help clear congestion and soothe respiratory discomfort.

To improve digestion

• Boil a handful of fresh or dried leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes.

• Strain and drink warm to ease digestion, cough, or mild fever.

Frequently asked question

1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?

Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.

2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?

Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.

3. With western/modern medicine

Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.

When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.

4. How long does iremeda take to start showing benefits ?

It depend on  any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly iremeda benefits are seen.

5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?

Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.

6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?

No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.

Ayurvedic medicine that contains Iremeda

Devdar is the main ingredients in following medicines

Ajmodadi churna :  It is one of the ayurvedic medicine which is used to treat osteo arthritis of knee joint, back pain and sciatica.

 Devdarvadi kwath: This decoction is used in treatment of cold, cough, bronchitis and asthma.

Chandraprabha Vati : This is very famous ayurvedic medicine used in treatment of urinary tract problems, diabetes, enlarged prostrate and male sexual problems.

Conclusion

Devdaru is more than just a fragrant Himalayan tree—it’s a gift from nature, loaded with healing powers. From joint health and respiratory relief to skin clarity and mental peace, this ancient herb continues to offer value in our modern world.

Its versatility, grounding energy, and natural potency make it one of Ayurveda’s most treasured botanicals.

So the next time you light incense, massage with herbal oil, or sip a decoction for cough, think of Devdaru—the divine tree that heals from root to soul.

Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.

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Disclaimer  :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.

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