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Jarpal जयपाल
Croton tiglium
Also known as: Jamalgota
Part used: Root* (as printed: Rt.), Seed
| 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: Croton tiglium
- Part used: Root* (as printed: Rt.), Seed
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Strictly as prescribed.
Jarpal in other languages
Introduction
Jarpal, better known as Jayapala (Croton tiglium), is the purging croton — a small tree whose seed yields one of the most violent purgatives known.
Ayurveda classes it among the Upavisha and uses it only after Shodhana, in doses measured in single grains, inside classical compounds for obstinate constipation and abdominal swelling.
Classification
Family Euphorbiaceae. The seed and its oil are officinal, only after Shodhana. Rasa: Katu. Guna: Laghu, Tikshna, Ushna. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Vata; strongly aggravates Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Used in obstinate constipation, ascites and abdominal masses where a drastic downward clearing is required, and in some classical preparations for skin disease. In this catalogue it appears in Kaishor Guggulu, where it is one small purgative element within a large compound.
Jayapala as a drastic purgative
Reserved for cases where gentle purgatives have failed, and always given within a formulation that moderates its violence.
Why the dose is so small
A single purified seed is a full dose in classical practice. The margin between effect and harm is narrow, which is why it is never self-selected.
Dosage — how much to take
Strictly as prescribed. Purified seed in doses of 15–30 mg within a compound. Never taken alone.
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 Jarpal?
The citations held for Jarpal in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Haritakyadi Varga — Jayapala).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Jarpal?
Katu rasa, ushna virya; tikshna virechana. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga — Jayapala.
What is Jarpal traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Used in obstinate constipation, ascites and abdominal masses where a drastic downward clearing is required, and in some classical preparations for skin disease. In this catalogue it appears in Kaishor Guggulu, where it is one small purgative element within a large compound.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Jarpal?
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 Jarpal classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Jarpal carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Jarpal is used medicinally?
The part used is Root* (as printed: Rt.), Seed.
How much Jarpal is taken, and how?
Strictly as prescribed. Purified seed in doses of 15–30 mg within a compound. Never taken alone. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Jarpal be avoided?
PRESCRIPTION ONLY — Schedule E1. Croton oil is a severe irritant: a drop on skin raises blisters, and swallowing unpurified seed causes violent bloody purging, collapse and has proved fatal. Contraindicated absolutely in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, the elderly and the debilitated. Never handle unprocessed seed or oil without protection, and never self-medicate.
Where does Jarpal grow?
A small tree of moist forest in eastern India, Assam, Bengal and the Western Ghats, also cultivated in parts of South-East Asia.
Classical references
- Rasa Tarangini — Upavisha Prakarana
Jayapala classed among the sub-poisons; purification procedures specified. - Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga — Jayapala
Katu rasa, ushna virya; tikshna virechana.
Safety & precautions
PRESCRIPTION ONLY — Schedule E1. Croton oil is a severe irritant: a drop on skin raises blisters, and swallowing unpurified seed causes violent bloody purging, collapse and has proved fatal. Contraindicated absolutely in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, the elderly and the debilitated. Never handle unprocessed seed or oil without protection, and never self-medicate.
Where it grows
A small tree of moist forest in eastern India, Assam, Bengal and the Western Ghats, also cultivated in parts of South-East Asia.
Frequently asked questions
Is Croton seed ever safe to take?
Only as purified material in milligram doses inside a classical compound, prescribed by a registered physician. Raw seed is dangerous and has killed.
What happens if the oil touches skin?
It blisters. Croton oil is a classic severe irritant — wash immediately with soap and water and seek medical advice if a large area is affected.
