Photo: S.K. Gawali / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Arlu अरलु
Ailanthus excelsa
Part used: Bark
| 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: Ailanthus excelsa
- Part used: Bark
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Bark powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily.
Arlu in other languages
Introduction
Arlu (Ailanthus excelsa) is the tree of heaven, a fast-growing tree of dry Indian plains with large compound leaves and a light, bitter bark.
Ayurveda uses the bark as a Deepana and Grahi drug in dysentery and in fevers with digestive weakness, and it has a long-standing use in the post-partum period.
Classification
Family Simaroubaceae. Stem bark is officinal. Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Given in dysentery and chronic diarrhoea, in fevers with poor appetite, and in the weeks after childbirth to restore digestion. Classical and folk practice also use it in asthma and in worm infestation. It appears in Maha Narayan Tel in this catalogue.
Arlu in dysentery
Bitter and astringent, it checks a loose stool while restoring appetite — the combination that suits fevers with a disturbed bowel.
Arlu after childbirth
A traditional post-partum drug used to rekindle digestion in the weeks following delivery.
Dosage — how much to take
Bark powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily.
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 Arlu?
The citations held for Arlu in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Vatadi Varga — Aralu).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Arlu?
Tikta-kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; grahi and deepana. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Vatadi Varga — Aralu.
What is Arlu traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in dysentery and chronic diarrhoea, in fevers with poor appetite, and in the weeks after childbirth to restore digestion. Classical and folk practice also use it in asthma and in worm infestation. It appears in Maha Narayan Tel in this catalogue.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Arlu?
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 Arlu classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Arlu carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Arlu is used medicinally?
The part used is Bark.
How much Arlu is taken, and how?
Bark powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Arlu be avoided?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Bitter and drying, so prolonged use may aggravate Vata. Consult a physician in pregnancy; its post-partum use is a separate indication.
Where does Arlu grow?
A tree of dry deciduous forest and plains across India, widely planted in Gujarat, Rajasthan and the Deccan for fodder and shade.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Vatadi Varga — Aralu
Tikta-kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; grahi and deepana. - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Aralu
Stem bark of Ailanthus excelsa; identity and dose.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated at classical doses. Bitter and drying, so prolonged use may aggravate Vata. Consult a physician in pregnancy; its post-partum use is a separate indication.
Where it grows
A tree of dry deciduous forest and plains across India, widely planted in Gujarat, Rajasthan and the Deccan for fodder and shade.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the invasive tree of heaven?
A different species. The invasive one is Ailanthus altissima, a Chinese tree. Ailanthus excelsa is native to India and is the medicinal drug here.
Which part is used?
The stem bark, taken as powder or decoction.
