Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Gambhari गम्भारी
Gmelina arborea · Lamiaceae
Also known as: Gambhari, Beechwood, Ghambhari
Part used: Root, bark
Gambhari (Gmelina arborea) is a fast-growing Indian tree whose root is one of the ten in Dashamula. Ayurveda uses it as a cooling, Vata-pacifying drug for burning, thirst, oedema and fever, and the fruit is a Rasayana used for anaemia and general debility.
| 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: Gmelina arborea
- Part used: Root, bark
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Root/bark powder 3–6 g or decoction; a key ingredient of Dashamula formulas.
Gambhari in other languages
Introduction
Gambhari (Gmelina arborea) is one of the ten roots of Dashamula and a nourishing, tridoshic Rasayana. Its root and bark support strength, digestion and the nervous system.
Classification
Of the Lamiaceae family, Gambhari is a Brihaniya (nourishing) and Rasayana dravya, and a great-root (Brihat Panchamula) member of Dashamula. Its balanced taste and warming potency nourish while pacifying all three doshas.
Uses & benefits
Gambhari is one of the ten roots of Dashamula and is used in its own right as a Balya and Rasayana drug. Classical texts give it in burning, thirst and general debility, and it appears in the arishtas of this catalogue for its sweet, strengthening quality.
Gambhari in Dashamula
One of the five tree roots of Brihat Panchamula, contributing the cooling element to that otherwise warming group.
Gambhari for burning sensation
A Dahaprashamana drug used where heat and burning dominate, unusual among the Vata-pacifying roots.
Gambhari for oedema
Named in Shotha, used as a decoction for fluid retention and swelling.
Gambhari for fever
Used in Jwara with burning and thirst, part of the classical fever decoctions.
Gambhari fruit for anaemia
The ripe fruit is a Rasayana traditionally given in Pandu for low blood and debility.
Gambhari for thirst
Named among the Trishnanigrahana drugs, taken as a cool decoction.
Gambhari for Raktapitta
Cooling and astringent, used in bleeding disorders of Pitta origin.
Gambhari for piles
Used in Arshas, particularly where burning and bleeding are the main features.
Gambhari for urinary complaints
A mild Mutrala drug used for scanty and burning urination.
Gambhari for the heart
Described as Hridya in the classical texts, included in some cardiac decoctions.
Dosage — how much to take
Root/bark powder 3–6 g or decoction; a key ingredient of Dashamula 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 Gambhari?
The citations held for Gambhari in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Dashamula); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Gambhari?
A great-root member of Dashamula. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Dashamula.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Gambhari?
Described as Rasayana and tridoshic. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga.
What is Gambhari traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Gambhari is one of the ten roots of Dashamula and is used in its own right as a Balya and Rasayana drug. Classical texts give it in burning, thirst and general debility, and it appears in the arishtas of this catalogue for its sweet, strengthening quality.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Gambhari?
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 Gambhari classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Gambhari carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Gambhari is used medicinally?
The part used is Root, bark.
How much Gambhari is taken, and how?
Root/bark powder 3–6 g or decoction; a key ingredient of Dashamula formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Gambhari be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where does Gambhari grow?
Gambhari is a fast-growing deciduous tree of moist deciduous forests across India, its root and bark used in medicine.
Which classical formulations include Gambhari?
Dashamula.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga
Described as Rasayana and tridoshic. - Charaka Samhita — Dashamula
A great-root member of Dashamula.
Modern research
-
Effect of Gmelina arborea Roxb. in experimentally induced inflammation and nociception
(see source). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (2013)
A study reporting Gmelina arborea (Gambhari) reduced inflammation and pain responses in experimental models.
View study doi:10.4103/0975-9476.118697
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Gambhari is a fast-growing deciduous tree of moist deciduous forests across India, its root and bark used in medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gambhari used for?
Gambhari root is used for burning sensations, oedema, fever with thirst, bleeding disorders and piles. It is one of the ten roots of Dashamula. The fruit is used separately as a Rasayana for anaemia and debility.
What is the dose of Gambhari?
Root powder 3–6 g per day, or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. It is more often taken within Dashamula or another compound than on its own.
What is Gambhari called in Hindi?
Gambhar or Khamer. In English it is called white teak, gamhar or beechwood. It is widely planted for timber across India.
Is Gambhari cooling or warming?
Cooling (Sheeta virya), which makes it unusual among the Dashamula roots — most of that group is warming. This is why it can be used for burning and thirst where the others would aggravate.
Can the fruit be eaten?
Yes. The ripe fruit is edible and is traditionally used as a Rasayana for anaemia and weakness, distinct from the root's use as a decoction drug.
Are there side effects of Gambhari?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Consult a physician in pregnancy. It is generally used within compounds, where its safety is that of the finished preparation.
Is Gambhari the same as teak?
No. It is called white teak because of the timber's appearance, but true teak is Tectona grandis. Gmelina arborea is a different tree in a different family.
Part of: Dashamula
