Arjuna strengthens the human health center – the heart. The Indian tree is particularly valued in Ayurveda for its healing and strengthening effects on our vital organ. Learn here how the medicinal plant is used in European Ayurveda® and what positive effects its powder has on the heart.
Terminalia Arjuna: The Arjuna Tree
The imposing Arjuna tree can grow up to 26 meters tall and is native to large parts of India. While it is a rather inconspicuous, evergreen tree with gray-white bark from the outside, the wood has an extraordinary reddish coloration on the inside.
A powder is obtained from the red inner layer of the bark, which is characterized not only by its beautiful color but also by its special ingredients. It contains 34% calcium carbonate, 16% tannins, 9% other calcium salts, aluminum, magnesium, organic acids, plant pigments, and sugar.
For this reason, the bark of the tree is used in Ayurveda to achieve healing and strength. The spice also has a special meaning in Indian mythology, as it is not only the name of a tree but also that of a hero.
A Heroic Tree: Mythology Surrounding Krishna and Arjuna
The tree shares its name with an Indian heroic figure from the epic Mahabharata. Arjuna was Krishna’s dialogue partner and a brave warrior. It is said that one day the gods brought the Arjuna tree to earth when the hero needed emotional strength.
The tree helped Krishna’s friend regain new strength, and thus humans were also intended to benefit from the tree’s good qualities.
Application and Effects of Arjuna in Ayurvedic Medicine
Similar to the heart-strong warrior and hero, wisdom and strength are also anchored in this tree. It is therefore not surprising that the bark is used in Ayurveda particularly for internal ailments, such as those of the soul or the heart.
The Ayurvedic medicinal plant is attributed with the following effects, among others (2):
- Strengthens the heart
- Purifies the blood and has a blood pressure-lowering effect
- Applied to wounds, it stops bleeding and accelerates healing (also for skin diseases)
- Said to heal bone fractures faster
Arjuna balances the two Doshas Kapha and Pitta and thus ensures a feeling of inner balance and strength. The medicinal plant strengthens the heart in both emotional and physical terms.
“Arjuna is considered a special plant for stability and inner strength in Ayurveda for good reason. Used correctly, it can support the organism holistically.”
Gaurav Sharma, Ayurveda specialist at the European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof in Tyrol
Arjuna for High Blood Pressure
The spice improves the quality of the blood and blood circulation. It has a blood lipid-reducing effect and rebalances the various blood components. In this way, it ensures that the lifeblood flows well again and the circulation is stabilized.
Furthermore, it helps to avoid edema and is used to lower high blood pressure.
Wound-Healing Properties of Arjuna
The tree is also highly valued for its wound-healing abilities. For example, Arjuna can be applied locally as a paste to wounds and ulcers, as it acts as a styptic and supports healing.
But the bark extract is also effective for bone fractures. Due to its astringent properties, it promotes a healthy knitting of the bones.
Arjuna for Skin Diseases
The tree can also unfold its full effect for various skin diseases. In particular, complaints such as itching or conjunctivitis are relieved by local application.
Leukoderma, the loss of skin pigment, can also be treated supportively with it.
Arjuna: Balm for the Heart
In addition to all these positive effects, the tree has a very special significance for the heart in Ayurveda. Due to its strengthening and healing properties, Arjuna has always been used as a heart tonic in Indian medicine.
The heart is the expression of life, as it is a vital organ and simultaneously the center of our emotions. In Ayurveda, the heart is additionally the seat of consciousness, spiritual values, and mental abilities. It can also be particularly addressed through heart meditation.
Therefore, it is particularly important that the heart is well and strong enough to keep us in our mental and physical center. Arjuna has a particularly beneficial effect on the heart and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years for cardiac dysfunction (1).
It strengthens both the emotional and the physical heart and fortifies the heart muscle. This reduces the frequency of heartbeats while simultaneously increasing the stroke volume. In other words: the heart needs fewer heartbeats, but beats with particular strength. This extends the heart’s relaxation period and naturally relieves the muscle (4).
The heart also connects the body with the soul. Ayurveda recognizes this special relationship and therefore also uses the medicinal plant for emotional burdens. The powder is said to help heal broken hearts and provides strength and courage to draw new vitality. For this reason, Arjuna is attributed a particularly life-promoting effect.
Does Arjuna Have Side Effects?
In principle, no specific side effects of the powder have been proven (2). However, if you suffer from heart problems, an additional consultation with a doctor is still recommended.
Always adhere to the recommended dose when taking it. Since there is still little research on the intake of Arjuna during pregnancy, you should avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if in doubt.
Caution:
You should only take dietary supplements after consultation with your doctor. The information provided in this article is purely for educational purposes and does not constitute a substitute for medical advice! The intake of recommended dietary supplements is at your own discretion.
Taking Arjuna as a Powder or Capsules
Arjuna has been used in Ayurveda for many thousands of years as a natural dietary supplement and as a tonic (3). It is usually taken in powder form, known as Arjuna Churna. It can also be well combined with other spices such as Ashwagandha or Guggul.
Arjuna Powder with Milk or as Tea
Due to its particularly dry properties, Arjuna should ideally be boiled in milk. Especially for nervousness and heart complaints, Arjuna milk can be soothing before bedtime.
Simply boil a glass of milk and stir about ½ tsp of the bark powder into the drink. If you like, you can also add a little Ashwagandha.
Another option is to treat yourself to a nice, warming tea. Arjuna tea is particularly recommended for high cholesterol levels or high blood pressure.
Discover our European Ayurveda® teas now
Ayurvedic tea is an integral part of Indian healing teachings. You can use it to cleanse, heal, and stimulate your body – or simply relax with a cup of tea. With us, you will find selected Ayurveda teas of various types in the best quality.
To do this, simply boil ½ tsp of the powder with hot water and then add a little honey to taste. Many different ready-made Arjuna tea blends are also available in stores, which of course work just as well.
Taking Arjuna Capsules: Dosage and Effects
Of course, there are also Arjuna capsules that can be taken as a dietary supplement. The recommended daily dose is usually one capsule three times a day, taken with meals.
The heart is our starting point for emotional and physical strength. With a little bark powder from the Arjuna tree, the vital muscle’s function can be strengthened and our emotional and physical balance can be restored.
Longevity: Factors and Practical Tips for Healthy Aging
A long and healthy life is a desirable goal for many people today. To age healthily, you should start early to keep your body and mind fit with a conscious lifestyle. This article shows you what to look out for regarding the topic of ‘Longevity’.
Header image: © ziprashantzi – istockphoto.com (File No.: 2157420317)
Body text image: © reddees – istockphoto.com (File No.: 679252860)
Sources:
(1) Dwivedi, S. (2007). Terminalia arjuna Wight & Arn.—A useful drug for cardiovascular disorders. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 114(2), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.08.003.
(2) Kumar, V. et al. (2023). Therapeutic potential and industrial applications of Terminalia arjuna bark. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 310, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116352.
(3) Ramesh, P., & Palaniappan, A. (2023). Terminalia arjuna, a Cardioprotective Herbal Medicine–Relevancy in the Modern Era of Pharmaceuticals and Green Nanomedicine—A Review. Pharmaceuticals, 16(1), 126. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16010126.
(4) Thakur, S. et al. (2021). Terminalia arjuna: A Potential Ayurvedic Cardio Tonic. International Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, 8(2), 227-236. https://doi.org/10.31033/ijrasb.8.2.30.
