Photo: Hume Douglas / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Pushkaramula पुष्करमूल
Inula racemosa · Asteraceae
Also known as: Pushkarmool, Pokhar Mul, Pohkar Mul, Pokhar Mool
Part used: Root
Pushkaramula (Inula racemosa) is a Himalayan herb whose aromatic root is Ayurveda's specific drug for chest pain and respiratory complaints. Classical texts name it in Hridroga and Parshvashula — cardiac pain and pain in the side — and it remains a standard drug in Ayurvedic cardiology.
| 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: Inula racemosa
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Root powder 1–3 g with honey; used in chest and respiratory formulas.
Pushkaramula in other languages
Introduction
Pushkaramula (Inula racemosa) is a warming root prized for the heart and lungs. It is a classical remedy for chest pain, cough and breathlessness, uniting cardiac and respiratory support.
Classification
Of the Asteraceae family, Pushkaramula is grouped among the Hridya (heart-beneficial) and Shwasahara (anti-dyspnoea) dravyas. Its pungent-bitter taste, sharp quality and heating potency clear Kapha from the chest.
Uses & benefits
Pushkaramula is a chest drug, used in cough, breathlessness and pain in the chest, and classically described as Hridya. It is the drug the texts name for Parshvashula — pain in the sides — and appears in respiratory formulations rather than digestive ones.
Pushkaramula for chest pain
Its defining indication. Named in Hridroga and Parshvashula — cardiac and intercostal pain — and used in Ayurvedic cardiac practice.
Pushkaramula for asthma
A principal Shwasahara drug, used in bronchial asthma and breathlessness.
Pushkaramula for cough
Warming and drying, used in Kapha cough with congestion.
Pushkaramula for pleuritic pain
Used in pain on breathing, the classical Parshvashula indication.
Pushkaramula for digestion
A Deepana drug used for poor appetite and abdominal distension.
Pushkaramula for fever
Used in Jwara with respiratory involvement.
Pushkaramula for hiccups
Named in Hikka alongside the other respiratory drugs.
Pushkaramula for diabetes
Named among the Pramehahara drugs in some classical texts.
Pushkaramula for joint pain
Used in Amavata within compounds, on its warming, drying action.
Pushkaramula in classical formulations
Present in Pushkaramuladi Kwath and the classical cardiac and respiratory compounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Root powder 1–3 g with honey; used in chest and respiratory 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 Pushkaramula?
The citations held for Pushkaramula in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Hikka-Shwasa context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Haritakyadi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Pushkaramula?
Cited for the chest and breathing. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Hikka-Shwasa context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Pushkaramula?
Described as Hridya and Shwasahara. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga.
What is Pushkaramula traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Pushkaramula is a chest drug, used in cough, breathlessness and pain in the chest, and classically described as Hridya. It is the drug the texts name for Parshvashula — pain in the sides — and appears in respiratory formulations rather than digestive ones.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Pushkaramula?
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 Pushkaramula classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Pushkaramula carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Pushkaramula is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Pushkaramula is taken, and how?
Root powder 1–3 g with honey; used in chest and respiratory formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Pushkaramula be avoided?
Warming and potent; use in appropriate doses and under guidance in pregnancy and high Pitta.
Where does Pushkaramula grow?
Pushkaramula grows in the western Himalayas, its root harvested from the hill regions of northern India at moderate altitude.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga
Described as Hridya and Shwasahara. - Charaka Samhita — Hikka-Shwasa context
Cited for the chest and breathing.
Modern research
-
Phytoestrogenic effect of Inula racemosa Hook f — a cardioprotective root drug in traditional medicine
(see source). Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2017)
A study examining the cardioprotective root drug Inula racemosa (Pushkaramula), traditionally used in angina and ischaemic heart disease, and its phytoestrogenic activity.
View study
Safety & precautions
Warming and potent; use in appropriate doses and under guidance in pregnancy and high Pitta.
Where it grows
Pushkaramula grows in the western Himalayas, its root harvested from the hill regions of northern India at moderate altitude.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pushkaramula used for?
Chest pain and respiratory complaints above all — it is named in the classical texts for Hridroga (cardiac disease) and Parshvashula (pain in the side), and is used in asthma, cough and pleuritic pain.
What is the dose of Pushkaramula?
Root powder 1–3 g per day with honey, or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. It is usually given within a compound.
Can Pushkaramula treat heart disease?
It is a classical drug for cardiac pain and is used in Ayurvedic cardiac practice. It is not a substitute for cardiological assessment — any chest pain needs proper investigation, and new or severe chest pain is an emergency.
What is Pushkaramula called in Hindi?
Pushkarmool or Pokharmool. In English it is Indian elecampane. It is closely related to Inula helenium, the European elecampane, which is used similarly for respiratory complaints.
Is Pushkaramula endangered?
Inula racemosa is a Himalayan species under collection pressure and is listed as threatened in parts of its range. Substitution with Inula helenium and other species occurs — check that the botanical name is stated.
Are there side effects of Pushkaramula?
Well tolerated at classical doses. It is warming and drying, so it may aggravate Pitta and is less suited to a dry irritable cough. Consult a physician in pregnancy.
Is Pushkaramula good for asthma?
It is one of the principal classical Shwasahara drugs and appears across Ayurvedic respiratory formulations. It is supportive — asthma needs proper diagnosis, and prescribed inhalers should not be stopped.
