Photo: Dr.S.Soundarapandian / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Gular गूलर
Ficus glomerata
Also known as: Gular Chhal
Part used: Stem 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: Ficus glomerata
- Part used: Stem Bark
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Bark powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 50–100 ml twice daily; externally as a wash.
Gular in other languages
Introduction
Gular (Ficus glomerata, now F. racemosa) is the cluster fig, a large tree that bears its figs directly on the trunk in dense bunches. Its bark is the drug.
Ayurveda groups it with the banyan and the peepal among the Nyagrodhadi astringents, and uses it for bleeding, discharge, diabetes and inflamed skin.
Classification
Family Moraceae. Stem bark is chiefly officinal; fruit and latex are used in some preparations. Rasa: Kashaya, Madhura. Guna: Guru, Ruksha. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Given in Raktapitta and excessive menstrual bleeding, in leucorrhoea and diarrhoea, and in Prameha. The bark decoction is used as a wash for wounds and as a gargle for spongy gums. In this catalogue it appears in Ushirasava.
Gular bark for bleeding and discharge
The classical Stambhana indication, shared with the other Ficus species of the Nyagrodhadi group.
Gular in Prameha
Classical texts list the Ficus barks among the Pramehahara drugs, used in metabolic and urinary disorders.
Dosage — how much to take
Bark powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 50–100 ml twice daily; externally as a wash.
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 Gular?
The citations held for Gular in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthana 38 — Nyagrodhadi Gana); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Vatadi Varga — Udumbara).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Gular?
Grouped with the astringent Ficus barks for wounds and discharge. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana 38 — Nyagrodhadi Gana.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Gular?
Kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; stambhana and pramehahara. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Vatadi Varga — Udumbara.
What is Gular traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in Raktapitta and excessive menstrual bleeding, in leucorrhoea and diarrhoea, and in Prameha. The bark decoction is used as a wash for wounds and as a gargle for spongy gums. In this catalogue it appears in Ushirasava.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Gular?
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 Gular classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Gular carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Gular is used medicinally?
The part used is Stem Bark.
How much Gular is taken, and how?
Bark powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 50–100 ml twice daily; externally as a wash. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Gular be avoided?
Well tolerated. Strongly astringent, so prolonged heavy use may cause constipation. Consult a physician in pregnancy. The latex is irritant to skin and eyes and is not the part used here.
Where does Gular grow?
A large tree of river banks, moist forest and village groves throughout India, easily recognised by figs borne in clusters on the trunk.
Classical references
- Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana 38 — Nyagrodhadi Gana
Grouped with the astringent Ficus barks for wounds and discharge. - Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Vatadi Varga — Udumbara
Kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; stambhana and pramehahara.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated. Strongly astringent, so prolonged heavy use may cause constipation. Consult a physician in pregnancy. The latex is irritant to skin and eyes and is not the part used here.
Where it grows
A large tree of river banks, moist forest and village groves throughout India, easily recognised by figs borne in clusters on the trunk.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the figs grow on the trunk?
Cluster fig bears its fruit directly on the trunk and main branches — a habit called cauliflory. It is the easiest way to identify the tree.
Which part is the medicine?
Chiefly the stem bark, used as powder or decoction. The fruit is eaten and the latex is irritant and not used here.
