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Kaner ki कनेर की
Nerium odorum
Also known as: Kaner ki Jadh
Part used: Root (Rt.)
| 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: Nerium odorum
- Part used: Root (Rt.)
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: External use in this catalogue's preparations.
Kaner ki in other languages
Introduction
Kaner Ki Jadh is the root of the oleander (Nerium odorum, also given as N. indicum), a common ornamental shrub of Indian gardens and roadsides with pink or white flowers.
Every part of the plant is cardiotoxic. Ayurveda uses the purified root externally in skin disease and, in a very small number of classical preparations, internally in minute processed doses. It is a Schedule E1 drug.
Classification
Family Apocynaceae. The root and root bark are officinal, only after Shodhana. Rasa: Katu, Tikta, Kashaya. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Katu. Classified as Sthavara Visha.
Uses & benefits
Used externally in obstinate skin disease, ringworm, scabies and non-healing ulcers, applied as a medicated oil. In this catalogue it appears only in Kasisadi Taila, an external preparation. Internal use is exceptional and confined to classical formulations under supervision.
Kaner in external preparations
Its Lekhana and Kushtaghna action is used on stubborn skin lesions in medicated oils, applied to the lesion only.
Why it stays external
The cardiac glycosides that make oleander dangerous are the reason classical practice confines it almost entirely to external use.
Dosage — how much to take
External use in this catalogue's preparations. Any internal use is strictly on prescription, in purified form and milligram doses.
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 Kaner ki?
The citations held for Kaner ki in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Karavira).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Kaner ki?
Katu-tikta rasa, ushna virya; kushtaghna, used externally. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Karavira.
What is Kaner ki traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Used externally in obstinate skin disease, ringworm, scabies and non-healing ulcers, applied as a medicated oil. In this catalogue it appears only in Kasisadi Taila, an external preparation. Internal use is exceptional and confined to classical formulations under supervision.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Kaner ki?
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 Kaner ki classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Kaner ki carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Kaner ki is used medicinally?
The part used is Root (Rt.).
How much Kaner ki is taken, and how?
External use in this catalogue's preparations. Any internal use is strictly on prescription, in purified form and milligram doses. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Kaner ki be avoided?
PRESCRIPTION ONLY — Schedule E1, and one of the commonest causes of plant poisoning in India. All parts are cardiotoxic; ingestion causes vomiting, slow or irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest, and oleander seed poisoning is frequently fatal. Never take internally except on prescription. Keep all oleander material away from children. Do not apply to broken skin or mucous membranes. Suspected ingestion is a medical emergency.
Where does Kaner ki grow?
Planted throughout India as an ornamental on roadsides, in gardens and along railways; also naturalised on river banks.
Classical references
- Rasa Tarangini — Visha Prakarana — Karavira
Classed among the plant poisons; purification required before any use. - Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Karavira
Katu-tikta rasa, ushna virya; kushtaghna, used externally.
Safety & precautions
PRESCRIPTION ONLY — Schedule E1, and one of the commonest causes of plant poisoning in India. All parts are cardiotoxic; ingestion causes vomiting, slow or irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest, and oleander seed poisoning is frequently fatal. Never take internally except on prescription. Keep all oleander material away from children. Do not apply to broken skin or mucous membranes. Suspected ingestion is a medical emergency.
Where it grows
Planted throughout India as an ornamental on roadsides, in gardens and along railways; also naturalised on river banks.
Frequently asked questions
Is oleander really that dangerous?
Yes. It is among the most frequent causes of fatal plant poisoning in India. Ingestion affects the heart directly and needs emergency treatment.
Why is it in a medicated oil?
Kasisadi Taila is an external preparation for stubborn skin lesions, where the purified root acts locally. That is a very different exposure from swallowing the plant.
