What are the benefits of Durva?
In the heart of India’s ancient healing traditions lies a humble yet powerful herb: Durva, also known as Cynodon dactylon. While it may look like ordinary grass, Durva is anything but ordinary. Revered in Ayurveda, respected in spiritual rituals, and explored in modern research, Durva has been quietly supporting health and harmony for thousands of years.
Let’s explore how this unassuming green blade is a treasure trove of benefits — for your body, mind, and soul.
Latin Name: Cynodon dactylon
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Doob/Durva
- Bengali: Duboo ghaas
- Tamil: Arugampul
- Telugu: Garike
- Kannada: Garike hullu
- Malayalam: Karuke
- Marathi: Durva
- Gujarati: Dhro
- Punjabi: Dhub
- English : Conch grass, Bermuda grass
Sanskrit Names:
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Durva
Ras
- Tikta (Bitter)
- Kashay ( Astringent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Sheet (Cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Dosha Effect
Balances: Pitta and Kapha dosha
May increase: Vata (slightly)
Classical Categorization
In Charak Samhita – It is categorized as
- Varnya : Group of herb that helps improve skin complexion.
In Vagbhat samhita –
- Pittashaman : Group of herbs that balances Pitta dosha. According to acharya vagbhat Durva is one of the best pittashamak herb.
Varieties of Durva grass
Durva is known not only for its tough and adaptive structure but also for its cooling nature and medicinal value in Ayurveda. Its morphology — particularly the rooting stems and strong underground network — makes it one of the most durable and sacred grasses in Indian tradition. In Ayurveda it is having different varieties
Bhavprakash nighnatu have mentioned three varieties
1. Neel durva 2. Shvet durva 3. Ganda durva
Where as in Kaidev nighantu there are 4 Varieties
1. Neel durva 2. Shveta durva 3. Maala durva 4. Gandali durva
Health Benefits of Durva
Aid Digestion and help soothe Hyperacidity
The Pitta- Kapha balancing nature and bitter taste of durva a helps relieving excess pitta in the stomach and therefore it is helpful in
- Indigestion due to pitta
- Heartburn
- Acid Reflux
- Headache caused by pitta
Helps reduces fever
In Ayurveda fever is caused when pitta dosha gets aggravated. The bitter and astringent taste of durva helps to reduce the pitta dosha, thereby helps to reduce body temperature. It is helpful in all types of fever such as
- Viral fever
- Malaria fever
- Dengue
- Fever due to heat stroke
Promotes wound healing
Durva is having astringent taste, because of this it is very helpful in promoting the healing of wound. It is useful in healing
- Wound due to Injury
- Non-healing wound in diabetes
- Varicose ulcers
- A research with aqueous extract of cynodon dactylon showed wound healing activity in animal model and subsequent feasibility in human subjects. Phenolic acids and flavonoids present in C.dactylon supports its wound healing property for its anti-oxidative activity that are responsible for collagenesis.
Aids blood purification
Durva is said to be good blood purifier and also posses antibacterial and antifungal properties. Because of this it is very effective in managing skin problems especially the one having pitta-kapha imbalance. This includes problems like
- Eczema
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Non healing wound
Improves urinary health
Durva is having pitta- kapha balancing quality therefore it is useful in burning in urine, urinary tract infections and also detoxify the urine.
Actions (Karma) of Durva in Ayurveda
Asrajit – Useful in bleeding disorder and blood purification
Visarp– Helpful in herpes and cellulities
Trushna – Relieve excess thirst
Daha – helps relieve burning sensation in body
Murchha – useful is vertigo and giddiness
Amaatisaar – helps treat diarrhea associated with Ama.
Kashara: Useful in treatment of cough related with acid reflux.
Mehagna : Useful in treatment of Urinary tract disorder and diabetes.
How to use Durva grass
Durva can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Decoction: To make the decoction you need 2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of durva grass. 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.
- Durva grass powder: 1-2 teaspoon two times daily . It is also used externally for local application.
- Part Used : Whole plant
What are the side effects of Durva
Like any other Ayurvedic herb durva is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to durva they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
Spritual significance of Durva grass
Durva isn’t just a medicinal herb — it’s also a sacred offering.
Lord Ganesha’s Favorite – A Durva garland is one of the most beloved offerings to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Durva pleases Ganesha and helps remove obstacles.
Symbol of Purity – Its cooling nature represents calmness, control of desires, and inner cleansing.
Used in Rituals (Poojas) – Durva is offered during Ganesh Chaturthi, housewarming ceremonies, and Navagraha Shanti.
Mantra Connection:
“दूर्वा यज्ञाय दूर्वाय नमः।” — Chanting with Durva brings peace and healing vibrations.
Offering 21 blades of Durva to Ganesha is said to grant wisdom, health, and success.
Precautions
Always use Durva grass 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 durva grass. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use durva grass 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 durva grass 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 Durva grass
Durva juice for bleeding from nose
For this remedy you will need:
Durva grass – 10 gms
Water
How to use:
Crush the durva grass and extract juice from it. Put 3 to 4 drops of juice in nostrils.
It provide cooling effects and stops nasal bleeding immediately.
For Hiccups
For this you need following ingredients:
Durva grass juice – 1 teaspoon
Honey– 1 tsp
How to use:
Mix durva juice and honey together. Consume this 3 to 4 times a day.
This remedy will give relief from hiccups.
For faster wound healing
To make the you need following ingredients:
Durva grass – 50 gms
Daruhaldi bark – 20 gms
Sesame oil – 100gms
How to make the oil:
Soak both the ingredients in 500 ml of water overnight. Next day boil this water till 1oo ml is left. Now add sesame oil and boil to make oil . Apply this oil on the wound.
The oil helps wound healing by increasing granulation and epithelialization.
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 durva 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 durva powder 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 durva grass
Durva is the main ingredients in following medicines
Durvadi oil : It is one of the ayurvedic oils which is used in treatment of wounds, ulcers, scabies for external application.
Manasmitra Vatakam: This ayurvedic medicine is used in management of insomnia, stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
Durva may grow under your feet, but its benefits rise high into health, healing, and the divine. From balancing your doshas to blessing your home, from treating wounds to purifying your soul — this tiny grass holds massive value.
Ready to connect deeper with ancient wisdom? Start by growing Durva at home, use it in your herbal teas, or simply offer it to Ganesha with gratitude.
Because sometimes, the most powerful remedies are growing right outside your door.
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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