Satyori — Arjuna (Arjuna) Herb Quick Card
Herb Quick Card
Arjuna
Arjuna · Terminalia arjuna
Traditional Uses
Vagbhata in the Ashtanga Hridayam provides some of the earliest detailed descriptions of arjuna's cardiotonic properties, recommending the bark decoction for hridshula (chest pain), hridroga (heart disease), and raktapitta (bleeding disorders). He describes the traditional preparation method of boiling arjuna bark in milk and water, straining, and adding ghee and jaggery -- a preparation known as Arjuna Ksheerapaka that remains in clinical use today. The Charaka Samhita references arjuna in the context of raktapitta (hemorrhagic conditions) and classifies it among herbs that arrest bleeding both internally and externally.
Preparations
Arjuna Ksheerapaka: 3-6 grams bark powder boiled in milk and water (traditional cardiotonic preparation). Arjunarishta: classical fermented preparation, 15-30 ml with equal water after meals. Arjuna Churna: bark powder, 3-6 grams with milk, honey, or warm water.
Dosage
Bark powder: 3-6 grams per day, typically divided into two doses. Arjuna Ksheerapaka: 3-6 grams boiled in 1 cup milk + 4 cups water, reduced to 1 cup.
Dosha Guidance
For Pitta types, arjuna is highly compatible. Its cooling virya and astringent-bitter rasa directly counteract Pitta's heat and intensity, particularly in the cardiovascular system. Pitta individuals prone to hypertension, inflammatory heart conditions, and stress-related cardiac symptoms benefit greatly from arjuna.
Synergistic Combinations
With <a href='/herbs/ashwagandha/'>Ashwagandha</a>, arjuna covers both sides of heart health — arjuna strengthens the physical cardiac muscle and vascular tone, while ashwagandha addresses the nervous system component: anxiety, stress hormones, and the autonomic dysregulation that drives stress-related heart disease. Arjuna is cooling; ashwagandha is warming.
Contraindications
Arjuna should be used with caution alongside conventional cardiac medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antihypertensives, digoxin), as it may potentiate their effects and require dose adjustment under medical supervision. Not recommended as a sole treatment for serious cardiac conditions -- should complement, not replace, conventional cardiac care. Its astringent nature may cause constipation in Vata-predominant individuals.
Tissues & Channels
Dhatus: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Asthi (bone)
Srotas: Raktavaha (circulatory), Pranavaha (respiratory), Asthivaha (skeletal)
Where to Buy
Source bark powder from reputable Ayurvedic suppliers who harvest from mature trees (the bark should be from trees at least 15-20 years old for optimal medicinal potency). The powder should be fine-textured, pale reddish-brown, and mildly astringent to taste.
Shop Arjuna on Amazon →Affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Herbal Profile
Arjuna is one of 50 herbs — but which ones are right for your body? Your Herbal Profile reveals your top 10 herbs, herbs to avoid, best preparations, seasonal calendar, and a daily protocol matched to your dosha.