Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Devadaru देवदारु
Cedrus deodara · Pinaceae
Also known as: Deodar Cedar, Devdar
Part used: Heartwood
Devadaru (Cedrus deodara) is the Himalayan cedar, whose fragrant heartwood is used in Ayurveda for joint pain, swelling, fever and skin disease. The name means "wood of the gods". It is a warming, drying Kapha-Vata drug and a component of many classical anti-inflammatory formulations.
| 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: Cedrus deodara
- Part used: Heartwood
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Heartwood powder 1–3 g or decoction; used in joint and respiratory formulas.
Devadaru in other languages
Introduction
Devadaru (Cedrus deodara), the Himalayan cedar or "wood of the gods," is a warming, aromatic heartwood used for joints, swelling and respiration. It is a classical anti-inflammatory and Vata-pacifying dravya.
Classification
Of the Pinaceae family, Devadaru is grouped among the Shothahara (anti-swelling) and Vata-Kapha-pacifying dravyas. Its bitter taste, unctuous quality and heating potency clear Kapha and calm Vata-driven pain and swelling.
Uses & benefits
Devadaru is a warming, drying wood used in Vata and Kapha conditions — joint pain, stiffness and swelling — and in respiratory complaints with heavy congestion. It appears in most of the great Vata oils and decoctions, and is applied externally as a paste for local swelling.
Devadaru for joint pain
A standard Vatahara drug used in arthritis and rheumatic pain, taken internally and used in medicated oils.
Devadaru for swelling
Named in Shotha, its warming, drying action being directed at cold, boggy swelling.
Devadaru for fever
Used in Jwara with body ache, part of the classical fever decoctions.
Devadaru for skin disease
Applied externally in itching and chronic skin conditions, and taken internally in Kushta.
Devadaru for obesity
Named among the Medohara drugs used in disordered fat metabolism.
Devadaru for cough
Used in Kapha cough with congestion, on its drying, warming character.
Devadaru for urinary complaints
A mild Mutrala drug used in scanty urination within compounds.
Devadaru for insomnia
The oil is traditionally used in scalp and foot massage for restless sleep.
Devadaru as an insect repellent
Cedar oil has a long domestic use protecting cloth and grain, distinct from its medicinal role.
Devadaru in classical formulations
Present in Maha Rasnadi Kwath, Devadarvadi Kwath and most of the classical joint-pain compounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Heartwood powder 1–3 g or decoction; used in joint and respiratory formulas. 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 Devadaru?
The citations held for Devadaru in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Vata & Shotha context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Karpuradi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Devadaru?
Cited for pain and swelling. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Vata & Shotha context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Devadaru?
Described as Shothahara and Vata-pacifying. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga.
What is Devadaru traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Devadaru is a warming, drying wood used in Vata and Kapha conditions — joint pain, stiffness and swelling — and in respiratory complaints with heavy congestion. It appears in most of the great Vata oils and decoctions, and is applied externally as a paste for local swelling.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Devadaru?
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 Devadaru classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Devadaru carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Devadaru is used medicinally?
The part used is Heartwood.
How much Devadaru is taken, and how?
Heartwood powder 1–3 g or decoction; used in joint and respiratory formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Devadaru be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where does Devadaru grow?
Deodar cedar is a large evergreen conifer of the western Himalayas, growing in the hill forests of northern India at moderate to high altitude.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga
Described as Shothahara and Vata-pacifying. - Charaka Samhita — Vata & Shotha context
Cited for pain and swelling.
Modern research
-
Studies on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. wood oil
(see source). Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1999)
A study reporting the wood oil of Cedrus deodara (Devadaru) reduced paw oedema and arthritis in experimental models, supporting its anti-inflammatory and analgesic use.
View study
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Deodar cedar is a large evergreen conifer of the western Himalayas, growing in the hill forests of northern India at moderate to high altitude.
Frequently asked questions
What is Devadaru used for?
Devadaru heartwood is used for joint pain, swelling, fever with body ache, chronic skin disease and Kapha cough. It is a component of the classical anti-inflammatory decoctions such as Maha Rasnadi Kwath.
What is the dose of Devadaru?
Heartwood powder 1–3 g per day, or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. Externally the oil is used in massage without a dose limit.
Is Devadaru the same as cedarwood oil?
Cedarwood oil is distilled from this wood, so they share a source. Devadaru as a drug is the heartwood itself, used as powder or decoction; the oil is used externally and in perfumery.
Who should avoid Devadaru?
It is warming and drying, so it may aggravate Pitta and is less suited to hyperacidity or a hot, irritable constitution. Consult a physician in pregnancy. The essential oil is not taken internally.
What is Devadaru called in Hindi?
Deodar or Devdar. In English it is Himalayan cedar or deodar cedar. The tree is India's most important high-altitude timber species as well as a medicinal one.
Can Devadaru help arthritis?
It is a standard component of the classical joint formulations and is used for pain with stiffness and swelling. It works best as part of a compound and alongside proper diagnosis — arthritis has many causes that need different treatment.
Is Devadaru sustainable?
Deodar is a widely planted timber tree and medicinal heartwood is largely a by-product of forestry, so supply is less constrained than for sandalwood. Even so, prefer suppliers who name their source.
