Photo: Forest and Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 us
Aam आम
Mangifera indica
Also known as: Aam Ki Guthli
Part used: Stem Bark, Endocarp (Seed Kernel), Seed Kernel
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Mangifera indica
- Part used: Stem Bark, Endocarp (Seed Kernel), Seed Kernel
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Seed kernel powder 1–3 g per day with honey or buttermilk; bark decoction 40–60 ml, or used externally as a wash.
Aam in other languages
Introduction
Aam (Mangifera indica) is the mango, and Ayurveda uses far more of the tree than its fruit. The stem bark, the leaf and above all the seed kernel are the medicinal parts.
All are astringent. The kernel in particular is a classical Grahi and Raktastambhaka drug, used in diarrhoea and in bleeding, and it is the part specified in the formulations of this catalogue.
Classification
Family Anacardiaceae. Stem bark and seed kernel (endocarp) are officinal. Rasa: Kashaya, Madhura, Amla. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
The seed kernel is given in diarrhoea, dysentery and bleeding piles, and in excessive menstrual bleeding. The bark decoction is used as a mouthwash for spongy gums and applied to wounds. In this catalogue the kernel appears in Ashokarishta and the bark in Chandanasava.
Mango kernel for the loose bowel
Strongly astringent, the powdered kernel checks diarrhoea and dysentery and is one of the classical household remedies for it.
Mango bark for gums and wounds
The decoction is used as a gargle in bleeding, spongy gums and as a wash for slow-healing wounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Seed kernel powder 1–3 g per day with honey or buttermilk; bark decoction 40–60 ml, or used externally as a wash.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Aam?
The citations held for Aam in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthana — Nyagrodhadi Gana); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Amradi Phala Varga — Amra).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Aam?
Grouped with the astringent drugs used in wounds and discharge. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana — Nyagrodhadi Gana.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Aam?
Kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; the kernel described as grahi and raktastambhaka. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Amradi Phala Varga — Amra.
What is Aam traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
The seed kernel is given in diarrhoea, dysentery and bleeding piles, and in excessive menstrual bleeding. The bark decoction is used as a mouthwash for spongy gums and applied to wounds. In this catalogue the kernel appears in Ashokarishta and the bark in Chandanasava.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Aam?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Aam classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Aam carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Aam is used medicinally?
The part used is Stem Bark, Endocarp (Seed Kernel), Seed Kernel.
How much Aam is taken, and how?
Seed kernel powder 1–3 g per day with honey or buttermilk; bark decoction 40–60 ml, or used externally as a wash. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Aam be avoided?
Well tolerated. Strongly astringent, so prolonged use may cause constipation. The fresh sap and unripe fruit skin can irritate sensitive skin — mango is in the same family as poison ivy and cross-reactions occur in a small number of people.
Where does Aam grow?
Cultivated throughout India and one of the most widely grown fruit trees on the subcontinent; medicinal material is a by-product of the fruit harvest.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Amradi Phala Varga — Amra
Kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; the kernel described as grahi and raktastambhaka. - Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana — Nyagrodhadi Gana
Grouped with the astringent drugs used in wounds and discharge.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated. Strongly astringent, so prolonged use may cause constipation. The fresh sap and unripe fruit skin can irritate sensitive skin — mango is in the same family as poison ivy and cross-reactions occur in a small number of people.
Where it grows
Cultivated throughout India and one of the most widely grown fruit trees on the subcontinent; medicinal material is a by-product of the fruit harvest.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the mango is the medicine?
Chiefly the seed kernel, and secondarily the stem bark and leaf. The pulp is food rather than drug.
Can mango kernel be used for diarrhoea at home?
It is a traditional household remedy, but persistent diarrhoea — especially with blood or fever — needs medical assessment rather than self-treatment.
