Arjuna

Description

A tall, evergreen tree with smooth, grey bark that flakes off in large sheets. Leaves are green, oblong, with pale undersides. Flowers are small, white-yellowish, and fruits are woody, 5-winged.T. arjuna grows to about 20–25 metres tall; usually has a buttressed trunk, and forms a wide canopy at the crown, from which branches drop downwards. It has oblong, conical leaves which are green on the top and brown below; smooth, grey bark; it has pale yellow flowers which appear between March and June; its glabrous, 2.5 to 5 cm fibrous woody fruit, divided into five wings, appears between September and November. The tree does not suffer from any major diseases or pests, but it is susceptible to Phyllactinia terminale and rot due to polystictus affinis. Distribution and habitat The arjuna is seen across the Indian Subcontinent, and usually found growing on river banks or near dry river beds in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and south and central India, Karachi Pakistan along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It has also been planted in Malaysia, Indonesia and Kenya.

Useful Parts

Leaves

Benefits

Cardiovascular Health: It is known for its cardioprotective properties, helping to strengthen heart muscles, improve circulation, and manage blood pressure. Cholesterol Management: It aids in reducing cholesterol levels and managing triglyceride levels. Respiratory Disorders: It is beneficial for chronic respiratory issues and can help detoxify the blood. Diabetes Management: Terminalia arjuna is useful in managing blood sugar levels. Wound Healing: It helps relieve wounds and ulcers caused by imbalances in the body's doshas. These properties make Terminalia arjuna a valuable herb in traditional medicine practices.

Pharmacological Action

Cardiotonic Antidysentric Diuretic

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Kashaya

Guna: Laghu, Ruksha

Virya: Sita

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Kaphapitta shamaka