Rasa (Taste)
Tikta, Kashaya
The primary taste perceived on the tongue.
Varun (Three leaved caper)
Varun is a moderate-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 20 meters in height.
Medicinal Plant
Varun (Three leaved caper)
Crataeva nurvula · Capparidaceae
Varun is a moderate-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 20 meters in height.
Scientific Name
Crataeva nurvula
Family
Capparidaceae
Hindi Name
Barun
Used Part
Twak (bark), Patra (leaves)
Botanical Description
About the Varun Plant
Morphology and field-identification notes as documented in our Dravyaguna library.
Varun is a moderate-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are compound, lanceolate and inflorescence terminal corymb. The fruits are spherical or oval-shaped berries that contain fleshy pulp with numerous reinform seeds. The bark is rough, grey to the greyish brown outside and pale inside.
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa Panchaka — Classical Properties
The five-fold framework Ayurveda uses to describe a drug — Rasa, Guna, Vipaka, Veerya and its effect on the doshas.
Guna (Qualities)
Laghu, Ruksha
Physical and energetic attributes of the dravya.
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
Katu
Taste that emerges after complete digestion.
Dosha Karma (Action on Doshas)
Tridoshahara
Effect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Veerya (Potency)
Ushna
Heating (ushna) or cooling (sheeta) energy.
Ayurvedic Actions (Karma)
Pittala, Bhedi, Deepana, Vatasrahara, Mutraghatahara, Hrudgad, Vataghna, Vidradhihara, Raktadoshahara,Ashmahara, Gulmahara, Sheershavatahara.
Modern Phytochemistry
Chemistry & Pharmacology
How modern science maps onto the classical understanding of this dravya.
Pharmacological Action
What the Science Says
Anti-helmintic, Antipyretic, Antitoxin, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory.
Phytoconstituents
Active Compounds
Saponins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Triterpenes, Tannins, Plant sterols, Glucosilinates.
Therapeutic Usage
Clinical Applications of Varun
Classical Ayurvedic indications drawn directly from the Dravyaguna tradition — paired with the preparations recommended in shastra.
01
In Ajirna and Aruchi, the paste of Varuna should be mixed with its decoction and administered.
02
In Bastishoola and Ashmari, a decoction prepared from the roots of Haridra Varuna should be given mixed with jaggery.
03
In Gandamala, both in new and chronic conditions Varuna bark decoction should be administered with honey.
04
In Vrana, oil processed with the bark of Varuna and mixed with beeswax should be applied externally.
05
In Apakva Vidradhi, a decoction prepared from Shveta Varsha and Varuna should be administered.
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using any herb therapeutically. Dose, anupana and Prakriti-specific suitability matter.
Yoga / Kalpana
Classical Formulations
Common Ayurvedic preparations where Varun is a key ingredient.
- Varunadi Kwatha,
- Varunadi Ghrita,
- Varunadi Vati.
Shastra Pramana
Classical Reference
वरणः पित्तलो भेदी क्षयकफकुष्ठप्रमेहार्शजित् । निहन्ति गुल्मवातासृक् कृमिशोथोऽग्निदीपकः । कषायो मधुरस्तिक्तः कटुको रूक्षको लघुः ॥