Bharangi benefits were very well understood by the ancient acharya in Ayurveda especially its role in managing allergies and asthma.
Bharangi, scientifically known as Clerodendrum serratum, is a medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda for its healing properties. Native to India and Southeast Asia, it’s a small shrub that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. The name “Bharangi” comes from Sanskrit, and it has been praised in classical Ayurvedic texts for centuries.
Latin Name: Clerodendrum serratum
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Bashanaiti
- Bengali: Bamunhati
- Tamil: Parangipatti,Kawali
- Telugu: Euntubharangi
- Kannada: Gontu bharangi
- Malayalam: Kanka bharani
- Marathi: Bharangi
- Gujarati: Bharangi
Sanskrit Name & Synonyms: Phanji. Hanjika, Bhargi
Bhramanyasthika : Stem is very thin
Padma : Flower that resembles that of lotus
Kharashka : Leaves are dry
Angarvalli : When blossoms appears like red hot coal
Brahmni : Auspicious plant
Bharangi Benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Bharangi grows in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in forests and hilly areas of India. The leaves are serrated, green and opposite in arrangement. Flowers are beautiful bluish- purple in color and blossom in cluster. Roots are the most valued medicinal part of bharangi, although leaves and stem are also used.
Ras ( Taste)
- Katu ( Pungent)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Benefits of Bharangi
Promotes Respiratory health
Bharangi is highly valued for its effectiveness in treating respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. Its expectorant properties help in expelling mucus from the airways, while its anti-inflammatory effects reduce swelling and irritation in the respiratory tract. Regular use can lead to improved lung function and easier breathing.
Good for Skin
Bharangi’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are beneficial for treating various skin conditions such as eczema psoriasis, and acne. It helps reduce inflammation, redness, and itching, promoting healthier and clearer skin. Its regular application can lead to significant improvement in chronic skin issues.
Reduces Fever
As an antipyretic agent, Bharangi helps reduce fever by promoting perspiration and cooling the body. It is often used in traditional medicine to manage fevers associated with infections and other illnesses, providing relief and comfort to patients.
Improves Digestion
Bharangi is known to stimulate digestive enzymes, enhancing overall digestive function. It helps remedy symptoms of indigestion, bloating, acidity, GERD and constipation. Its carminative properties aid in reducing gas and promoting smooth digestion, making it a valuable herb for maintaining digestive health.
Helps to ease pain in joints
The anti-inflammatory properties of Bharangi make it beneficial for managing conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. It helps reduce joint pain and swelling, improving mobility and comfort for individuals suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions.
Medicinal Qualities of Bharangi
Swashara : beneficial in treatment of asthma and chronic respiratory disorder.
Kaphara: Bharangi has got mucolytic property and helps in expelling mucous from the lungs.
Gulmahar: beneficial in abdominal tumour.
Vata rakth har: Useful in reducing uric acid in the blood.
Yakshmahar : Useful in chronic respiratory conditions and tuberclosis
Penashar : Helps in relieving allergic rhinitis .
Krumighan : Useful in worm infestation, infected wound .
Jwarhara: Helps to relieve fever .
Deepani : Improves digestive strength.
Shophara : Useful in inflammatory conditions.
Vrana shophara : Useful in abcess, infected wound.
Dahahar : Useful in burning sensation.
Varieties of Bharangi
There are 2 vareites of Bharangi that are foound
1. Clerodendrum indicum
How to use Bharangi
Bharangi can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Bharangi Powder (Churna): 2 to 4 grams of powder of bharangi with warm water, to be taken after breakfast 2 times a day.
- Decoction: Prepared by boiling the Bharangi in water, useful for digestive or respiratory issues.
- Part Used : Roots and leaves
Home Remedies of Bharangi
In Asthma : Make decoction of Bharangi and Sonth (dry ginger) add little amount of Honey to it. Drink this decoction this 2 to 3 times helps in relieving asthma and cough.
For Relieving Headache : Take 5 gms of Bharangi mool ( root) powder. Make a paste by adding water to it. Applying this paste on forehead is helpful in relieving headache.
Wound healing : Washing wound with decoction of Bharangi mool helps in fast healing of wound.
Cautions And Contraindications
While Bharangi( Clerodendrum serratam) has many benefits and is generally safe, excessive consumption may cause:
- Dryness of mouth, heart burn, bloating and other pitta dominance symptoms .
- Allergic reactions in rare cases.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic 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 Bharangi take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly shatavari work. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
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 product.
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 Bharangi
Bharangi (Clerodendrum Serratum) is one of the ingredient in following medicines
Vasaavaleh: A very famous ayurvedic medicine used in respiratory problems such as bronchitis, cough and allergic rhinitis.
Khadiradi vati : Very useful ayurvedic medicine for throat problems and irritation in throat.
Bhrangi guda: This medicine is used to treat asthma other chronic respiratory diseases.
Conclusion
Bharangi (Clerodendrum Serratum) is a one of Ayurvedic herb, revered for its anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and wound healing properties. Whether for easing the cough, relieving pain in arthritis , or managing other respiratory diseases Bharangi continues to be a trusted herb for promoting respiratory health and well-being in a natural and holistic way.
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.
.
