Photo: Jayesh Patil / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Priyangu प्रियङ्गु
Callicarpa macrophylla · Lamiaceae
Also known as: Beautyberry, Prayangu
Part used: Flower
Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla) is the beauty berry, whose flowers and fruit are used in Ayurveda as a cooling astringent. It is used in bleeding disorders, burning, diarrhoea and skin complaints, and is a standard component of the classical Raktapitta and women's 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: Callicarpa macrophylla
- Part used: Flower
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Flower powder in styptic and cooling formulas.
Priyangu in other languages
Introduction
Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla) is a cooling, astringent flower used to check bleeding and calm Pitta. Astringent and cooling, it firms the tissues, soothes the skin and supports women's health.
Classification
Of the Lamiaceae family, Priyangu is grouped among the Stambhaka (styptic) and cooling Pitta-pacifying dravyas. Its astringent taste and cooling potency firm tissues and check bleeding.
Uses & benefits
Priyangu is a cooling, astringent drug used in bleeding disorders, burning and excessive thirst, and in women's complaints with heavy bleeding. Externally it is applied for burning skin and inflammation, and it appears in the cooling asavas of this catalogue.
Priyangu for bleeding disorders
A principal Raktastambhaka drug used in Raktapitta and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Priyangu for burning sensation
Cooling and astringent, used in Daha with heat and restlessness.
Priyangu for diarrhoea
Its astringency checks a loose stool, particularly with burning.
Priyangu for leucorrhoea
Used for white vaginal discharge, taken internally and used as a douche.
Priyangu for skin complaints
Applied as a paste in burning, rashes and inflamed skin.
Priyangu for excessive thirst
Named among the Trishnanigrahana drugs.
Priyangu for fever
Used in Pitta fevers with burning, part of the classical cooling decoctions.
Priyangu as a Varnya drug
Described as improving complexion, and used in classical cosmetic preparations.
Priyangu for wounds
Applied as a powder to bleeding wounds and slow-healing ulcers.
Priyangu in classical formulations
Present in Ashokarishta, Chandanasava and most of the women's and cooling compounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Flower powder in styptic and cooling 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 Priyangu?
The citations held for Priyangu in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Raktapitta context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Pushpavarga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Priyangu?
Cited among styptic, cooling herbs. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Raktapitta context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Priyangu?
Described as Stambhaka and cooling. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Pushpavarga.
What is Priyangu traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Priyangu is a cooling, astringent drug used in bleeding disorders, burning and excessive thirst, and in women's complaints with heavy bleeding. Externally it is applied for burning skin and inflammation, and it appears in the cooling asavas of this catalogue.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Priyangu?
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 Priyangu classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Priyangu carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Priyangu is used medicinally?
The part used is Flower.
How much Priyangu is taken, and how?
Flower powder in styptic and cooling formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Priyangu be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses.
Where does Priyangu grow?
Priyangu is a shrub of the Himalayan foothills and hill forests, bearing clusters of small flowers.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Pushpavarga
Described as Stambhaka and cooling. - Charaka Samhita — Raktapitta context
Cited among styptic, cooling herbs.
Modern research
-
Pharmacological and Traditional Insights into Callicarpa macrophylla: A Comprehensive Review
(see source). Journal of Natural Remedies (2024)
A review of Callicarpa macrophylla (Priyangu) documenting its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and analgesic pharmacology.
View study
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses.
Where it grows
Priyangu is a shrub of the Himalayan foothills and hill forests, bearing clusters of small flowers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Priyangu used for?
Bleeding disorders including heavy menstrual bleeding, burning sensations, diarrhoea, leucorrhoea and inflamed skin. It is a cooling astringent used across the classical Raktapitta and women's formulations.
What is the dose of Priyangu?
Flower or fruit powder 3–6 g per day, or decoction 40–80 ml. It is usually taken within a compound such as Ashokarishta rather than alone.
What is Priyangu called in Hindi?
Priyangu or Phulapriyangu. In English it is the beauty berry, after the clusters of small purple fruit. Several species are traded under the name — check the botanical.
Are there side effects of Priyangu?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Astringent, so prolonged heavy use may cause constipation. Consult a physician in pregnancy. Persistent heavy bleeding always needs medical investigation.
Is Priyangu the same as Priyangu millet?
No. Some texts and regional traditions apply the name Priyangu to foxtail millet (Setaria italica), which is a grain rather than this shrub. This is a well-known point of confusion — confirm which is meant in a prescription.
Can Priyangu help heavy periods?
It is a classical Raktastambhaka drug used for exactly this, usually within a compound with Ashoka, Lodhra and Dhataki. Persistent heavy bleeding needs investigation to exclude fibroids and other causes.
Which part of Priyangu is used?
The flowers chiefly, with the fruit used in some preparations. Both are dried and powdered or used in decoctions.
