Photo: Deoxyribose12 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Arni अरनी
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Also known as: Agnimantha
Part used: Root, Whole Plant, Stem
| 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: Clerodendrum phlomidis
- Part used: Root, Whole Plant, Stem
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Root bark powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 50–100 ml twice daily.
Arni in other languages
Introduction
Arni, classically Agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), is a thorny shrub of dry Indian scrub. Its name means 'the fire-churner' — the wood was traditionally used to kindle ritual fire by friction, and the drug is credited with kindling digestive fire in the same way.
It is one of the ten roots of Dashamula and is used for swelling, sluggish digestion and Vata pain.
Classification
Family Lamiaceae. Root and root bark are officinal. Rasa: Tikta, Katu, Kashaya. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Vata; one of the Brihat Panchamula.
Uses & benefits
Given in oedema and swelling, in poor appetite and abdominal heaviness, and in Vata disorders with pain and stiffness. As part of Dashamula it contributes the warming, Kapha-clearing action. Classical texts also list it in Prameha and in fever with heaviness.
Agnimantha for swelling
A Shothahara drug used where swelling is cold and heavy rather than hot, and where fluid accumulates with sluggish digestion.
Agnimantha in Dashamula
One of the greater five roots, it supplies warmth and dryness to the compound and is why Dashamula suits Vata-Kapha conditions.
Dosage — how much to take
Root bark powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 50–100 ml twice daily. Usually taken within Dashamula.
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 Arni?
The citations held for Arni in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 4 — Brihat Panchamula); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Agnimantha).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Arni?
One of the five greater roots of Dashamula. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Brihat Panchamula.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Arni?
Tikta-katu rasa, ushna virya; shothahara and deepana. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Agnimantha.
What is Arni traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in oedema and swelling, in poor appetite and abdominal heaviness, and in Vata disorders with pain and stiffness. As part of Dashamula it contributes the warming, Kapha-clearing action. Classical texts also list it in Prameha and in fever with heaviness.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Arni?
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 Arni classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Arni carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Arni is used medicinally?
The part used is Root, Whole Plant, Stem.
How much Arni is taken, and how?
Root bark powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 50–100 ml twice daily. Usually taken within Dashamula. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Arni be avoided?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Heating and drying; may aggravate Pitta if used alone and in excess. Consult a physician in pregnancy.
Where does Arni grow?
A shrub of dry scrub and open forest across the plains of India, common in the Deccan, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Which classical formulations include Arni?
Dashamula.
Classical references
- Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Brihat Panchamula
One of the five greater roots of Dashamula. - Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Agnimantha
Tikta-katu rasa, ushna virya; shothahara and deepana.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated at classical doses. Heating and drying; may aggravate Pitta if used alone and in excess. Consult a physician in pregnancy.
Where it grows
A shrub of dry scrub and open forest across the plains of India, common in the Deccan, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Agnimantha?
Because its wood was used to kindle fire by friction in Vedic ritual. The name carries over to the drug's reputation for kindling the digestive fire.
Is Arni the same as Agnimantha?
Yes — Arni is the common Hindi name for the same drug, Clerodendrum phlomidis. Some texts assign the name to Premna species instead, which is why the botanical name is stated on the label.
Part of: Dashamula
