Arjuna is a tree of the Combretaceae family commonly found in India. It is also found in parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Kenya. The common name of Terminalia Arjuna is Arjuna or Arjun tree. It is known by different names in different languages and regions. For instance, it is called Neer Maruthu in Kerala, Kamrak in Gujarat, Kumbak in Sri Lanka, and so on. The bark of Arjuna is packed with plant nutrients and micronutrients that lend it a great value. In Ayurveda, Arjuna has a cold Prakriti and is highly beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
What is Terminalia Arjuna used for?
Besides the obvious list of health benefits that we’ll discuss at length, Arjuna is also useful for various other purposes. It has an important role to play in sericulture. The leaves of Arjuna are fed to the Antheraea paphia which is reared to produce tassar silk.
Role of Terminalia Arjuna in Pollution Abatement
The Arjuna tree plays a vital role in pollution abatement as the bark of Arjuna is highly sensitive to environmental pollution. An increase in environmental pollution causes the acidity in the tree bark to increase, thus making it a good indicator.
Health Benefits of Arjuna Tree
The bark of Arjuna comprises various compounds such as tannins, phenols, plant flavonoids, phytosterols, and alkaloids. All these components make it rich in antioxidants. It is thus great for increasing immunity and works excellently as an anti-inflammatory supplement. The bark of Arjuna is often consumed as an additive to tea or with water and milk.
Arjuna is highly valued by both Ayurvedic as well as Siddha medicine.
Vagbhata, in his treatise Ashtanga Hridayam, mentioned Arjuna bark as a panacea for the treatment of wounds and ulcers when applied topically. It has rightfully earned the title of “Guardian of the heart” owing to its ability to treat heart conditions.
Arjuna prevents and cures blockages in the arteries and improves circulation. It is good for hypertension and heart-related chest pain and discomfort. Arjuna is also good for the liver and considerably reduced bad cholesterol and triglycerides when combined with a suitable and healthy diet. Liver diseases like Cirrhosis in which the liver often suffers irreparable damage benefit immensely from Arjuna.
Some common diseases that benefit from Arjuna Tree (Terminalia Arjuna) bark are:
- Diseases of chest and lungs
- Tuberculosis
- Liver diseases
- Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rashes, itchiness, and dryness
- Obesity and diabetes
- Kidney stones
- Mouth ulcers
- Pyorrhoea
- Gastric ulcers, peptic ulcers, and ulcer colitis
- Bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
- Anaemia
Terminalia Arjuna for Liver Health
The components present in Arjuna protect the liver by removing toxins and improving liver function. Arjuna balances the Kapha dosha and has astringent-like properties. It reduces bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and fights against inflammation. It detoxifies the liver and also aids in treating Cirrhosis, a liver condition caused due to alcohol addiction or diseases like hepatitis.
Arjuna for Skin and Hair
Arjuna is used to treat various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, dryness, psoriasis, and itching. It is applied topically on the skin. It is also taken orally to treat skin conditions such as acne caused due to dosha imbalance in the body.
The bark of Arjuna is used in various moisturizers as it prevents moisture loss from the skin and soothes irritated, dry skin. It soothes acne and promotes blood circulation.
The presence of antioxidants prevents free radical damage and promotes skin elasticity. It is also useful in treating hyperpigmentation, which often occurs due to Pitta imbalance.
Arjuna helps treat hyperpigmentation, tanning, and blemishes as it has a cool, soothing nature. Its anti-inflammatory property is what makes it useful in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as rashes, wounds, eczema, and psoriasis. It is often applied after being mixed with turmeric and Multani mitti (fuller’s earth) in equal parts for best benefits.
Arjuna Tree (Terminalia Arjuna) is also useful in the prevention of hair loss. It can either be directly applied to the scalp or can be mixed with amla, bhringaraj, and methi seeds. It promotes healthy hair, promotes hair growth, and imparts shine to the hair.
Arjuna for Hypertension
Arjuna bark has a soothing effect on the body. As a result, it alleviates hypertension and increases tolerance to physical exertion. It promotes sleep and relaxes the mind. It keeps the stress hormone Cortisol in check and aids in the maintenance of heart health.
People who have trouble managing high blood pressure benefit from Arjuna bark. The alleviated blood pressure can also be attributed to an overall improvement in heart health and liver function.
Arjuna for Diabetes
Arjuna bark is also an effective regulator of blood sugar. It is useful in both type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes and makes for an excellent supplement that can be taken in combination with the regular treatment for diabetes.
It is believed to strengthen Agnashay (Pancreas), improve pancreatic function and increase insulin sensitivity. This boosts the body’s metabolism which leads to fat reduction and makes Arjuna a viable treatment option for combating obesity.
Arjuna for Bronchitis
Bronchitis refers to the inflammation in the lining of bronchial tubes. These tubes are crucial to the proper functioning of the respiratory system. Arjuna is adept at managing several diseases of the respiratory system such as inflammation, bronchitis, and dry cough.
Most lung diseases occur due to the buildup of ama (toxins) in the body. Arjuna detoxifies the body and aids in the expulsion of Ama, thus restoring normal lung function.
Terminalia Arjuna for Fertility
Arjuna bark is useful in the treatment of infertility. Packed with antioxidants and micronutrients, it restores hormonal balance in both men and women. It treats impotency in men, improves sperm count, and works as an aphrodisiac. It increases stamina and revitalizes the body.
In women, it treats an array of reproductive disorders such as Leucorrhoea (abnormal vaginal discharge), menorrhagia (abnormally heavy bleeding), and dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation).
Menstrual disorders in women are often caused due to an imbalance in Pitta. Terminalia Arjuna (arjuna tree bark) helps a great deal in correcting the Pitta dosha because of its cooling, anti-inflammatory properties.
Is Arjuna good for the heart?
Of all the benefits of Arjuna bark, its ability to bring about considerable improvement is striking. It prevents and removes blockages, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels and keeps the heart functioning adequately.
The antioxidants present in Arjuna bark work to soothe inflammation. It benefits overall cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation. It is also an effective treatment for Angina pectoris, a condition that results in frequent chest pains due to poor circulation in the coronary artery.
Angina pectoris may result in symptoms that may feel like heaviness or tightness in the chest. One may also feel a squeezing sensation which causes discomfort. Arjuna bark balances Kapha and dilates the blood vessels.
It also reduces the risk of and causes improvement in conditions like atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis that occur due to plaque build-up in the arteries. All of these lead to a healthy heart that functions efficiently. It also stabilizes heart rate and blood pressure.
When should you not take Arjuna bark?
Arjuna bark works as a relaxant. It reduces blood pressure and heart rate in people suffering from hypertension. Therefore, it is best avoided by people who suffer from low blood pressure and other similar issues. It may also cause Bradycardia, a condition in which the heart rate drops to 60 bpm in adults, even at rest.
Arjuna may also interact with blood thinners and yield unfavourable results. It may also cause a rapid fall in blood sugar, especially in people suffering from diabetes. Moreover, it is best avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Conclusion
Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna tree) bark extract is highly potent medicine and is an important component of Ayurvedic herbs. It offers a multitude of health benefits and is particularly instrumental in maintaining a healthy heart. However, one should be cautious of using it in high doses and those suffering from serious health conditions and illnesses should take it only under proper medical supervision as its effects need to be monitored.
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