Photo: Ganesh Dhamodkar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Arhar अरहर
Cajanus cajan
Part used: Root
| 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: Cajanus cajan
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Root powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily.
Arhar in other languages
Introduction
Arhar (Cajanus cajan) is the pigeon pea, one of India's staple pulses, grown across the Deccan and central India. It is the root, not the familiar dal, that is used as medicine.
Ayurveda uses the root as a Grahi and cooling drug in diarrhoea and in inflammatory complaints, and the leaf is a household application for mouth ulcers and swelling.
Classification
Family Fabaceae. The root is officinal; leaf and seed are used in domestic practice. Rasa: Kashaya, Madhura. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Given in diarrhoea and dysentery, and in Pitta conditions with burning. The leaf is chewed or applied as a paste for mouth ulcers, spongy gums and local swelling. In this catalogue the root appears in Kankayan Vati.
Arhar root for the bowel
Astringent and cooling, used to check a loose stool where the complaint is hot rather than cold in character.
Arhar leaf for the mouth
A household application for mouth ulcers and inflamed gums, chewed fresh or applied as a paste.
Dosage — how much to take
Root powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. Leaf used externally as required.
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 Arhar?
The citations held for Arhar in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Dhanya Varga — Adhaki).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Arhar?
Kashaya-madhura rasa, sheeta virya; grahi. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Dhanya Varga — Adhaki.
What is Arhar traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in diarrhoea and dysentery, and in Pitta conditions with burning. The leaf is chewed or applied as a paste for mouth ulcers, spongy gums and local swelling. In this catalogue the root appears in Kankayan Vati.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Arhar?
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 Arhar classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Arhar carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Arhar is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Arhar is taken, and how?
Root powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. Leaf used externally as required. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Arhar be avoided?
Well tolerated — the plant is a staple food and the root is a mild drug. Astringent, so heavy prolonged use may cause constipation. No specific contraindication in normal use.
Where does Arhar grow?
Cultivated widely across India as a rain-fed pulse crop, chiefly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Dhanya Varga — Adhaki
Kashaya-madhura rasa, sheeta virya; grahi. - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Adhaki
Cajanus cajan; identity and traditional uses.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated — the plant is a staple food and the root is a mild drug. Astringent, so heavy prolonged use may cause constipation. No specific contraindication in normal use.
Where it grows
Cultivated widely across India as a rain-fed pulse crop, chiefly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Frequently asked questions
Is the dal medicinal?
The pulse is food. The medicinal part is the root, with the leaf used externally.
Is it safe as a food and a medicine?
Yes — pigeon pea is a staple and the root is a gentle drug. Ordinary culinary use raises no concern.
