Arni (Clerodendrum multiflorum) - Properties, Benefits, Uses & Dosage
Introduction
Arni is also known as Agnimantha in Ayurveda. It is called so because of the properties of this herb. The leaves of this tree were rubbed together in ancient days to produce fire. "Agni" means fire and "Mantha" means generation.
This is most befitting explanation for this tree. The Latin name of this tree is Clerodendrum multiflorum and it belongs to Verbenaceae family. Premna mucronata is another name given to this plant.
General Description
The leaves of this herb are elongated, glossy and dark green in color. Flowers are small round whitish or pinkish in color which bloom in August to February. The fruits of this herb is round in shape measuring about 5mm in width. Seeds turn into blackish from green when ripen.
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Family: Verbenaceae
- Order: Lamiales
- Genus: Clerodendrum
Synonyms
- Hindi Name - Tekar, Arni, Agathu, Ganiyari
- English name - Indian headache tree.
- Sanskrit name - Arani, Ganakarika, Jaya, Tarkari, Vataghni, Vaijayantika, Sriparna.
- Tamil Name - Taludalai, Talanaju, Munnay
- Telugu Name - Nelli, Gabbunulli
- Marathi name - Eirani, Eran, Takali, Airana, Takalu, Chamari
- Gujarati name - Arani, Aranel, Airanamula
- Bengali name - Ganibhari, Ganiyari, Ganira
- Kannada name – Arani, Taggiberu, Taggi
- Malayalam name – Munja
- Oriya name – Ganiary
- French name – Arbe a la migraine
Properties
- Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent), Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet)
- Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Lightness), Rooksha (Dry)
- Vipaka: Katu (Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion)
- Veerya: Ushna (Hot Potency)
- Effect on Tridosha: Balances Vata and Kapha dosha
Special Activity
Helps to alleviate kapha and vata vitiated disorders. It is grouped under the "dashamoola" group of herbs which are considered as the best when it comes to managing all kinds of vata disorders in the body.
Its kapha vitiating effect helps to relieve swelling and inflammation in the body as well.
Occurrence
It grows all over India from the Northern plains, the Himalayas all the way to Orissa, Tamil Nadu and the western coastal regions.
Uses
Arani is a digestive herb which helps stimulate the digestive fire and also helps to bring down the Ama levels in body. In this way it works to detoxify the body by getting rid of all the accumulated wastes inside it. It is also good for the heart and the Liver.
The detox effect supports the Liver giving it time to recover from any damage done due to overuse. Going by the quality of food that we eat nowadays.
Recommended Dosage
- Powder - 1-3 gm
- Decoction - 50-100ml
- Leaf juice - 10-20 ml in per day
Indications
- Digestive disorder
- Measles
- Abdominal pain
- Edema
- Liver disorders
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Anemia
