Arjun Benefits , Uses and Home Remedies
If the heart is strong then the mind will be clear and spirit becomes calm.” Do you know that about a million people die every year from some sort of heart problem ? And cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of increased mortality rate in the world. It’s tragic ! However a rise in awareness amongst people, we now are becoming more cautious about our health, especially the ‘Heart Health’. But not too many of us are familiar with the knowledge of herbal component that by adding to our day routine, can easily impact the overall health of our heart. One of such herbal component I will be discussing about in our nineteenth episode of the series #SacredIndianHerbs is Arjuna.
Scientific name: Terminalia arjuna
Family : Combretaceae
English name: Malabar almond
Hindi name: Arjuna, koha, arjan
Telugu Name : Tella Maddi
Tamil Name : Belma / Marudam patti
Malayam Name : Adome / Chola Venmarathu
Gujrati Name : Sedado
Marathi Name : Arjun sadado
Likewise, the Arjuna tree is considered as hero of heart health with divine healing properties and for blessing us a longer life. The arjuna tree is a large evergreen tree that grows upto 25 m of height and is found particularly in the plains of North India. The tree constitutes conical and tender green leaves that appears like the leaves of guava tree from a certain distance. However they are pubescent from beneath that makes it distinguish from many trees of its family. The leaves are in pair and the tree bears small white flowers. The fruits are oval and elongated in shape without seeds. The bark is grey and smooth. As per Ayurveda, arjuna is a valuable component in the treatment of various heart related issues so let’s find out more about it.
Medicinal Properties
Ras ( Taste) : Kashaya ( Astringent)
Guna : Rooksha ( Dry ) , Laghu ( Light)
Vipaka : Katu. After digestion Arjun becomes Pungent in taste.
Veerya : Sheet
Effect on Tridosha : It helps to balance Kapha and Pitta dosha.
Pharmacological Actions
Demulcent: Agent that soothes the irritation of inflamed or injured skin surfaces.
Expectorant : Helps clear mucous from airways
Cardiotonic : Built cardiac muscles
Antidysenteric : Helps in managing dysentry
Urinary astringent : It works as dieuritic
Cardiovascular health
If I talk about my experience, then there is none other better option for curing heart disorders than Arjuna. I have seen how various patients with manifestation of heart failure, episodes of angina, hypertension, atherosclerosis etc have been administered arjuna bark powder because of its cardioprotective properties. And later, when the tests were conducted, a massive improvement in the conditions of their heart was noticed. The bark of arjuna tree is consumed internally to treat a range of heart conditions, especially when blood supply to the heart is poor. So, to strengthen cardiac muscle, eradicating the plaque deposition in blood vessels and normalising the heart beat
Dosage : 5-10g arjuna bark powder can be consumed daily for effective results.
Bone health
The bark of arjuna tree constitute saponins, antioxidants and minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc that aids to improve bone loss and bone mineral density. Since calcium is in higher amounts, it has been used traditionally to strengthen bones and heal fractures. Whenever someone experience bone injury or fracture, he/she can take 5g powder along with water two times a day. It will speed up the recovery process for bone healing and aid to join the fracture segments.
Gastric health
Arjun leaves are astringent in taste. However they are quite helpful in treating diarrhea. The juice is extracted from the leaves and is given 1-2 teaspoon of it along with other medications for immediate benefits. This will help to reduce frequency of defecation and also eradicates the infection.
Bleeding disorders/Raktapitta
Arjuna is used in Ayurveda for bleeding disorders along with other herbs due to presence of anti-hemorrhagic property in it which helps to reduce bleeding and treats haemorrhages. The leaves of arjuna, mango and jamun tree are taken and juice is extracted out of the leaves. You can consume 10ml of this juice daily for 3-4 times a day. The juice aids in vasoconstriction of the blood vessels which can be used as a first aid in stopping abnormal bleeding through the mouth, nose, genitals or stools.
Arjuna ksheer pak: Most effective way of consuming Arjun in cardiovascular diseases.
How to prepare Arjun ksheer pak
Arjuna ksheer pak is an ayurvedic recipe prepared in milk that enhances nutrient value of the herb. Take 1 cup of cow milk, add 1 cup of water and 5-10g of arjuna bark powder. Heat the mixture at lowest setting till it get to half. When one cup of the decoction is left in the pan, turn off the flame. This leftover decoction is called Arjuna Ksheer which is then allowed to cool for sometime. Most people consume it after filtering but I would recommend to consume it without any filtration. Regular use of the ksheer pak will lead to stabilisation of the heart conditions and also shields you from surgeries and/or various chemical medications. However do consult your Ayurvedic doctor for long term use.
Home Remedies of Arjun Bark
In Fracture : Arjun powder 2 to 3 grms with 1 glass of milk helps is faster healing of fracture in bone.
Tuberclosis : Powder of Arjun bark mixed with Adulsa juice should be taken with honey , ghee, or candy sugar ( mishri)
Urinary obstruction : Decoction prepared with Arjun bark should be admistrered.
Joint Pain : When Arjun bark powder mixed with white butter applied on the affected joint helps to relieve pain.
Pimples : Make a paste of Arjun bark and milk. Applying this paste on face helps to relieve pimples.
