Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Varuna वरुण
Crataeva nurvala · Capparaceae
Also known as: Varun, Three-leaved Caper, Varun Ki Chhal, Barun Chhal
Part used: Bark
Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) is the three-leaved caper, whose bark is Ayurveda's specific drug for urinary stones. Classical texts name it in Ashmari and Mutrakrichra, and it remains the principal herb in Ayurvedic urology, used alongside Gokshura and Pashanabheda.
| 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: Crataeva nurvala
- Part used: Bark
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Bark powder 3–6 g or decoction; used in urinary-stone and prostate formulas.
Varuna in other languages
Introduction
Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) is Ayurveda's foremost herb for urinary stones. Its bark helps break down and flush stones and supports healthy urinary flow and prostate comfort.
Classification
Of the Capparaceae family, Varuna heads the Ashmarihara (anti-lithiatic) and Lekhana (scraping) dravyas. Its bitter-astringent taste and heating potency clear Kapha and scrape stone-forming deposits.
Uses & benefits
Varuna is the classical Ashmarighna drug — the one given for urinary stones and gravel. It is used in difficult urination, prostatic enlargement and urinary retention, and appears in Kanchanar Guggulu, where it supports the clearing of glandular swellings.
Varuna for kidney stones
Its defining indication. The classical Ashmari drug, used to help pass small stones and reduce recurrence.
Varuna for difficult urination
Used in Mutrakrichra, where flow is slow, painful or incomplete.
Varuna for prostate enlargement
Widely used for the urinary symptoms of prostatic enlargement in older men.
Varuna for urinary infection
Used in cystitis with burning, often with Gokshura and Chandana.
Varuna for bladder function
Traditionally used where the bladder empties incompletely.
Varuna for oedema
Its diuretic action extends to fluid retention, used with Punarnava.
Varuna for abdominal tumours
Named in Gulma and Granthi in the classical texts, used within compounds.
Varuna for worms
A Krimighna drug, a secondary classical indication.
Varuna for digestion
A Deepana drug used for poor appetite, which is why it does not sit heavily despite long courses.
Varuna in Varunadi Kwath
The lead drug of the classical urinary decoction, and present in most Ayurvedic stone formulations.
Dosage — how much to take
Bark powder 3–6 g or decoction; used in urinary-stone and prostate 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 Varuna?
The citations held for Varuna in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Mutrakrichra & Ashmari); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Vatadi Varga).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Varuna?
Cited for urinary stones. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Mutrakrichra & Ashmari.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Varuna?
Described as Ashmarihara. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Vatadi Varga.
What is Varuna traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Varuna is the classical Ashmarighna drug — the one given for urinary stones and gravel. It is used in difficult urination, prostatic enlargement and urinary retention, and appears in Kanchanar Guggulu, where it supports the clearing of glandular swellings.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Varuna?
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 Varuna classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Varuna carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Varuna is used medicinally?
The part used is Bark.
How much Varuna is taken, and how?
Bark powder 3–6 g or decoction; used in urinary-stone and prostate formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Varuna be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy or significant kidney disease.
Where does Varuna grow?
Varuna is a medium tree of riverbanks and moist ground across India, its bark collected for medicine.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Vatadi Varga
Described as Ashmarihara. - Sushruta Samhita — Mutrakrichra & Ashmari
Cited for urinary stones.
Modern research
-
Urolithic property of Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): An experimental study
(see source). AYU (2010)
An experimental study reporting Crataeva nurvala (Varuna) prevented formation of urinary calculi and reduced preformed stone size through anti-lithogenic and diuretic action.
View study doi:10.4103/0974-8520.77161
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy or significant kidney disease.
Where it grows
Varuna is a medium tree of riverbanks and moist ground across India, its bark collected for medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Varuna used for?
Urinary stones above all — it is the classical Ashmari drug — and also difficult urination, prostate enlargement, urinary infection and oedema. It is the principal herb in Ayurvedic urology.
Does Varuna dissolve kidney stones?
It is used to help pass small stones and reduce recurrence rather than to dissolve established ones. A stone causing severe pain, fever or obstructed flow is a urological emergency and needs immediate medical care, not a herb.
What is the dose of Varuna?
Bark powder 3–6 g per day, or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. It is taken over months for stone prevention, and is usually combined with Gokshura and Pashanabheda.
Can Varuna help prostate symptoms?
It is widely used for the urinary symptoms of prostatic enlargement — hesitancy, weak flow, incomplete emptying — usually with Gokshura. Get the prostate properly assessed rather than assuming the cause of urinary symptoms.
What is Varuna called in Hindi?
Barna or Baruna. In English it is the three-leaved caper or garlic pear tree. The botanical name Crataeva nurvala is sometimes given as Crataeva religiosa.
Are there side effects of Varuna?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Take medical advice if you have kidney disease or are on diuretics. Consult a physician in pregnancy. Increase fluid intake while taking it, as with any drug used for stones.
How long should I take Varuna for stone prevention?
Three to six months is the classical course, alongside adequate fluid intake and dietary change. Recurrent stones need their cause investigated — some types need specific medical management rather than a herbal approach.
