Photo: J.M.Garg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Arjuna अर्जुन
Terminalia arjuna · Combretaceae
Also known as: Arjun, Arjuna bark decoction
Part used: Bark
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is a tall Indian tree whose thick, pale bark is Ayurveda's principal heart medicine. Named as a Hridya drug in Charaka and Vagbhata, it is used for cardiac strength, blood pressure, cholesterol and palpitation, and is usually taken as a milk decoction called Arjuna Ksheerapaka.
| 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: Terminalia arjuna
- Part used: Bark
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Bark powder: 3–6 g per day, classically taken as Arjuna Ksheerpaka (boiled in milk) once or twice daily.
Arjuna in other languages
Introduction
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is the herb Ayurveda holds supreme for the heart. The thick bark of this tall riverside tree has been used for centuries as a Hridya (cardiac tonic) to strengthen the heart muscle and support healthy circulation.
Classification
Of the Combretaceae family, Arjuna is classically grouped among the Hridya (heart-beneficial) dravyas. Its astringent taste, light-dry qualities and cooling potency tone and strengthen the cardiac tissue while pacifying Kapha and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
The classical heart drug of Ayurveda. Arjuna bark is given in Hridroga — disorders of the heart — where the complaint is weakness, breathlessness on exertion or palpitation. Its astringency also makes it a Raktastambhaka drug, used in bleeding and in the healing of fractures, and it is traditionally taken with milk in the evening over long courses.
Arjuna for heart strength
The classical Hridya drug — literally 'that which benefits the heart'. It has the longest continuous record of any Ayurvedic cardiac herb, used for the sensation of a weak or labouring heart.
Arjuna for blood pressure
Traditionally used where blood pressure runs high with a fast or forceful pulse. Supportive alongside prescribed treatment; not a replacement for it.
Arjuna for cholesterol and lipids
Used in Medoroga, the classical category covering disordered fat metabolism. It is a standard component of preparations aimed at circulatory sluggishness.
Arjuna for palpitation and anxiety
Steadies the sensation of a racing or fluttering heart, particularly where anxiety and cardiac symptoms arrive together. Any new palpitation needs medical assessment first.
Arjuna as Ksheerapaka
The bark simmered in milk and water until the water evaporates. This is the classical delivery method and remains the most common way it is taken at home.
Arjuna for wound healing
Its astringency is used externally on ulcers and slow-healing wounds, and internally in bleeding disorders — the same tannins that make it useful for the heart.
Arjuna for bone fractures
Classical texts name it in Asthi (bone) healing, and it is still combined with Asthisamharaka in traditional fracture support.
Arjuna for Raktapitta
Cooling and astringent, used in bleeding disorders — including heavy menstrual bleeding and bleeding piles.
Arjuna for skin complaints
Applied as a bark paste in acne and pigmentation, and taken internally in chronic skin disease on the classical blood-cooling principle.
Arjuna in classical formulations
The lead drug of Arjunarishta, a fermented preparation used specifically for the heart, and a component of many cardiac compounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Bark powder: 3–6 g per day, classically taken as Arjuna Ksheerpaka (boiled in milk) once or twice daily. Best used as an adjunct alongside, not instead of, prescribed cardiac care. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
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 Arjuna?
The citations held for Arjuna in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Hridroga context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Vatadi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Arjuna?
Cited for heart conditions and as a cardiac tonic. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Hridroga context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Arjuna?
Described as Hridya, beneficial to the heart. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Vatadi Varga.
What is Arjuna traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
The classical heart drug of Ayurveda. Arjuna bark is given in Hridroga — disorders of the heart — where the complaint is weakness, breathlessness on exertion or palpitation. Its astringency also makes it a Raktastambhaka drug, used in bleeding and in the healing of fractures, and it is traditionally taken with milk in the evening over long courses.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Arjuna?
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 Arjuna classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Arjuna carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Arjuna is used medicinally?
The part used is Bark.
How much Arjuna is taken, and how?
Bark powder: 3–6 g per day, classically taken as Arjuna Ksheerpaka (boiled in milk) once or twice daily. Best used as an adjunct alongside, not instead of, prescribed cardiac care. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Arjuna be avoided?
Generally well tolerated. Because it acts on the heart, those on cardiac or blood-pressure medication should use it only under professional guidance. Not a substitute for emergency or prescribed care.
Where does Arjuna grow?
Arjuna is a large evergreen tree found along river banks, streams and dry watercourses across the Indian subcontinent, common in central and southern India.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Vatadi Varga
Described as Hridya, beneficial to the heart. - Charaka Samhita & Sushruta Samhita — Hridroga context
Cited for heart conditions and as a cardiac tonic.
Modern research
-
Clinical efficacy of water extract of stem bark of Terminalia arjuna in patients of chronic heart failure: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial
(see source). Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2016)
A double-blind RCT (n=100) evaluating Terminalia arjuna stem-bark extract as an adjunct in NYHA class II chronic heart failure on standard therapy.
View study doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2016.02.007 -
Efficacy of Terminalia arjuna in chronic stable angina: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study comparing Terminalia arjuna with isosorbide mononitrate
Bharani A, Ganguly A, Mathur LK, et al.. Indian Heart Journal (2002)
A crossover RCT reporting improvement in clinical and exercise parameters in chronic stable angina with Terminalia arjuna, comparable to isosorbide mononitrate.
View study
Safety & precautions
Generally well tolerated. Because it acts on the heart, those on cardiac or blood-pressure medication should use it only under professional guidance. Not a substitute for emergency or prescribed care.
Where it grows
Arjuna is a large evergreen tree found along river banks, streams and dry watercourses across the Indian subcontinent, common in central and southern India.
Frequently asked questions
What is Arjuna used for?
Arjuna bark is Ayurveda's primary cardiac herb, used for heart strength, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and palpitation. It is also used in bleeding disorders, fractures and skin complaints, all resting on its strongly astringent, cooling character.
How do I take Arjuna for the heart?
The classical method is Ksheerapaka: simmer 3–6 g of bark powder in 100 ml milk and 100 ml water until only the milk remains, then drink it warm. Bark powder 3–6 g daily or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily also work.
Can Arjuna replace my blood pressure medication?
No. Arjuna is supportive and has a long traditional record, but it is not a substitute for prescribed cardiac or antihypertensive treatment. Tell your cardiologist you are taking it, keep monitoring your readings, and never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
How long does Arjuna take to work?
It is used over months rather than days. Classical practice treats it as a tonic that gradually improves cardiac tone, so a course of eight to twelve weeks is typical before any assessment.
Does Arjuna have side effects?
It is well tolerated at classical doses. Being astringent and drying, prolonged heavy use may aggravate Vata and cause constipation. Consult a physician in pregnancy, and if you take blood thinners or thyroid medication.
What is the difference between Arjuna and Arjunarishta?
Arjuna is the crude bark. Arjunarishta is a classical fermented liquid preparation built on that bark with other herbs, self-generating a small amount of alcohol that acts as the carrier. The Arishta form is often preferred for chronic cardiac use.
Which part of the Arjuna tree is used?
The stem bark only — thick, pale and flaking, harvested without felling the tree so it regenerates. Leaves and fruit are not the medicinal parts.
