Origin, Distribution and Composition
Arjuna is a dense tree attaining a height of 20 to 27 metres. It has long, cone-shaped round leaves and white bark which gives out a milky juice when cut. Mainly, the bark of the tree is used in medicines.
This tree has been named Nadisarjja in the early Sanskrit treatises, wherein its bark has been described as a cardiac tonic. Vagbhatta, an eminent physician of ancient India, was the first to prescribe bark of this tree for
heart diseases
. Later, Chakradatta, another great Indian physician, described it as a tonic and an astringent, and used it in
heart diseases. He recommended its use either as a decoction with milk and treacle water (syrup) or as a ghrita, a preparation with ghee or clarified butter.
Arjuna tree is indigenous to India. It is found throughout the sub-Himalayan tracts, the Deccan regions, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. It grows chiefly along water channels or marshy belts.
The bark contains unusually large quantities of calcium, small amounts of aluminium and magnesium and tannins —an astringent used in preparing leather and manufacturing ink. It also contains a crystalline compound arjunine, lactone, arjunetin, essential oil, sugars and colouring matter.
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Healing Power and Curative Properties
The bark of the arjuna tree is a cardiac stimulant and has cooling and tonic effects. It is useful in arresting secretion or bleeding. It helps to relieve fever. It is also useful in removing calculi or stones formed in the urinary system; in promoting flow of bile; and in the healing of wounds.
Heart Disorders
The bark and preparations made from it are known to have a marked stimulant action on the heart. The practitioners of Indian system of medicine use them in conditions of
cardiac failure and dropsy. Some practitioners of modern medicine believe in its stimulant effect on the heart and use it as a cardiac tonic. AS a heart stimulant, either a decoction of the thick portion of the bark made with milk should be taken every morning on an empty stomach or its powder, in 0.75 to 2 grams doses, should be used with milk and jaggery.
Asthma
In Ayurueda, the bark of arjuna is considered beneficial in the treatment of
asthma. According to this system, a fine powder of the bark is made and stored in a well-corked bottle. The patient suffering from
asthma should keep fast on the day of the full moon. A dish of condensed milk and rice (kheer) should be prepared and placed where the moonlight falls upon it the whole night. During the early hours, 12 grams of the powdered bark should be sprinkled over the kheer and taken by the patient to his satisfaction. He should not sleep for at least 12 hours after consumption. This is believed to provide relief.
Top Fractures and Contusions
The bark of the tree helps (he bones to regain their strength after a fracture. The powder of the bark can be given with honey.
Diarrhoea and Dysentery
A decoction of the bark taken in doses of 15 to 30 grams may relieve patients of
diarrhoea or dysentery
.
Acne
An ointment made by mixing the bark and honey applied over the affected area, can treat acne successfully.
Other Disorders
The juice of fresh leaves of the tree can be used beneficially in
earache. Ashes of the bark is also prescribed in scorpion sting. The decoction of the herb is used as an astringent for cleaning sores, ulcers and syphilitic sores.
Other Uses
Aphrodisiac: The powder of the bark is an effective sex stimulant, if taken with milk regularly over a period of time.
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