Terminalia Arjuna Bark: Guardian of the Heart Health (Arjun chal)

Table of Content 

1. Introduction

The word "Arjun" in Sanskrit means white or bright, indicating its bark's white and shiny nature. In Ayurveda, the bark has been used as a cardioprotective agent for ages, so it is popularly known as the "Guardian of the heart". In Buddhist literature, Arjun is said to have been used as the tree of achieving enlightenment, or Bodhi by the tenth Buddha.   

Its flowers and leaves are offered to Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganpati on several religious occasions. In Charak Samhita Arjuna is used in the treatment of kustha, vrana, prameha, rajayakshma and yoni roga. 

Leaves of Arjuna are used as the primary food for the kosi silkworm along with the leaves of Asana, Sala, Kanchnar, Madhuka, Shimshapa, Aswaththa. Bark and heartwood of this plant are used for fuel and also used in timber, tanning and dyeing industry.  

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2. Vernacular Names

• Assamese - Arjun, Orjun
• Bengali - Arjhan, Arjun
• Kannada - Matti, Bilimatti, Neermatti, Mathichalle
• Malayalam - Nirmasuthu, Vellamaruthi, Kellemasuthu, Mattimora, Torematti
• Marathi - Arjun, Sadaru
• Oriya - Arjun
• Punjabi - Arjon
• Tamil - Marudam
• Telugu - Tela Maddi
• Urdu - Arjun

3. Synonyms

• Hridyarogaveri - It is useful in heart disease.
• Indradu - Due to its high efficacy, it is well-known as the tree of Lord Indra.
• Madhugandhiprasunaka - Its inflorescence has madhu (honey) like aroma.
• Veervriksha - It is a highly potent drug.

4. Classical Categorization

• Charaka Samhita – Udarda prashamana
• Sushrut Samhita – Nyagrodhadi, Salasaradi
• Ashtanga Hridaya - Nyagrodhadi, Salasaradi
• Dhanvantari Nighantu – Amradi varga
• Madanpal Nighantu – Vatadi varga
• Kaiyadev Nighantu – Oshadhi varga
• Raj Nighantu – Prabhadradi varga
• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Vatadi varga

5. Distribution

Arjuna tree is abundantly distributed in India, Burma, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and throughout the sub-Indo-Himalayas tracts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Deccan, South Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, mainly along riverside streams, ravines, ponds and dry waterways.

6. Morphology

A tall, evergreen deciduous tree of 20 to 25 m in height with a buttressed trunk and spreading crown with drooping branches. 

Bark

Thick, soft, smooth, and whitish cream outside and blood red inside, flakes off in large, flat pieces.

Leaves

Simple, subopposite, oblong, or elliptical short acute or obtuse apex, short petioled, coriaceous, dull green above and pale brown beneath, presence of two glands at the base on the back side of midrib of leaf. 

7. Chemical Constituents

Stem Bark

Stem bark contains tannins, flavonoids and polyphenols, saponins, triterpenoid, glycosides, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, copper, silica, amino acid like tryptophan, tyrosine, histidine and cystine.

Fruit

The fruit contains triterpenoids and flavonoids, such as arjunic acid, arjunone, arachidic stearate, cerasidin, ellagic acid, fridellin, gallic acid, hentriacontane, methyl oleaolate, myristyl oleate. 

Leaves and seeds are rich in flavonoids and glycosides. 

8. Identity, Purity and Strength

• Foreign Matter – Not more than 2%
• Total Ash – Not more than 25%
• Acid-insoluble ash – Not more than 1%
• Alcohol-soluble extractive – Not less than 20%
• Water-soluble extractive – Not less than 20%

9. Pharmacological Actions

Arjuna showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hemostatic, styptic, antidysentric, antibacterial, expectorant, lithontriptic, antitumor, antibacterial, antifertility, antimicrobial and antiallergic. 

10. Ayurvedic properties of Terminalia arjuna bark

1. Rasa (Taste): The bark is known to have astringent and bitter tastes (Kashaya-Tikta Rasa).

2. Virya (Potency): It is cooling in nature (Sheeta Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is pungent (Katu Vipaka).

4. Dosha Effects: Terminalia arjuna bark is believed to balance Kapha and Pitta doshas due to its cooling and astringent nature. However, excessive use may increase Vata dosha.

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11. Benefits of Arjuna Bark

Arjuna Bark stands out due to its distinctive composition, boasting high calcium content alongside traces of aluminum, magnesium, and tannins. Its unique properties encompass cardiac stimulation, toning effects, and cooling attributes. Arjuna bark has also demonstrated effectiveness in various health domains.

Here are some health benefits of Arjuna Tree Bark

For Acne

An ointment made by mixing the bark and honey applied over the affected area is beneficial to treat acne. 

For Diarrhea and Dysentery

Arjuna bark is beneficial in Diarrhea and Dysentery, a decoction of the bark taken in doses of 15 to 30 grams gives relief. 

For Fractures and Contusions

The bark of Arjuna is beneficial for bones to regain their strength post-fracture. The powder of the bark is given with honey. 

For Heart Disorders

The bark and preparations made from it are known to have a stimulant action on the heart. Some practitioners use these in case of cardiac failure and dropsy. 

As a heart stimulant, either a decoction of the thick portion of the bark made with milk be taken every morning on an empty stomach or its powder, in 0.75 to 2 grams doses, should be used with milk and jaggery. 

Helps with Digestive Issues

Arjuna bark has been used to treat digestive issues such as acid reflux, indigestion, and constipation. It can help regulate the digestive system and promote healthy bowel movements.

12. Uses for Health Aliments 

Arjuna bark is used to treat depression and anxiety. It's also used to treat cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammation and digestive problems. Arjuna bark can be used in a variety of forms, including capsules, powders, and teas. It is commonly used to treat heart problems, digestive issues, stress, and respiratory problems. Additionally, arjuna bark can be used as a natural remedy for skin problems such as acne and eczema.

There are many ways to use Arjuna bark it depends upon what is the purpose. Arjuna bark powder can be taken with milk, honey, or water, decoction is another method of using Arjuna bark. Below listed methods are suggested only, kindly follow as recommended or consult the doctor before use.

Water Decoction Method

• Mix a tablespoon of Arjuna bark powder with 2 cups of water.
• Boil and reduce it to half.
• Filter and consume when hot.
• Dosage: 10-20 ml, twice a day before meals.

Milk Decoction Method for Heart

• Take 10 grams of Arjuna Bark Powder, 80 ml boiled and cooled milk, and 320 ml water.
• Mix the milk with the powder and add water.
• Boil on low heat while stirring continuously until the mixture reduces to 80 ml.
• Filter the mixture and collect the milk.
• Dosage: 10-20 ml, twice a day before meals.

For Pimples

• Create a paste by mixing Arjuna bark powder with fuller's earth and milk.
• Apply the paste on your face to reduce pimples (acne).

For Black Spot

• Combine Arjuna bark powder and manjistha herb powder with honey to create a paste.
• Apply the paste on your face to reduce black spots.

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For Fracture

• Make a paste of Arjuna bark powder with water and apply it to the fractured area to support healing.

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13. Dosage

Bark Powder - 3 to 6gm

Decoction - 50 to 100 ml

Kshirapaka (decoction prepared with milk) - 5 to 10 gm

14. DIY Herbal Recipes

Here are some DIY herbal recipes which you make at home easily with less efforts. 

Arjun Chaal tea

Arjun Chaal tea is not only delicious but also beneficial for heart health, blood pressure, and cholesterol management. Enjoy a cup of this tea daily in the morning. Please note that this tea is not recommended for pregnant women.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 tsp of Arjuna bark powder
• Green tea or Kashmiri Kahwa (as desired)

Instructions:

• In a pan, combine one cup of water, half a cup of milk, and 1 tsp of Arjuna bark powder along with green tea or Kashmiri Kahwa.
• Mix the ingredients well and place the pan on medium heat.
• Boil the mixture until it reduces to half.
• Turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
• Strain the tea using a filter and enjoy it while it's still warm.

Heart-Healthy Tonic

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 1 cup warm water

Instructions:

• In a cup of warm water, dissolve Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder and Cinnamon powder.
• Add honey and stir well.
• Sip this heart-healthy tonic daily to support cardiovascular well-being.

Immunity-Boosting Tonic

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon Tulsi (holy basil) leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
• Add Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder, Tulsi leaves, and turmeric powder to the boiling water.
• Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Add lemon juice and honey (if desired) to the tonic.
• Stir well and strain into a cup.
• Sip this immunity-boosting tonic warm or at room temperature to support overall well-being.

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Read Blog - Tulsi (holy basil) Benefits

Arjun Chal Nourishing Porridge:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 tablespoon chopped dates.
• 1 tablespoon chopped almonds.
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, heat ghee over medium heat.
• Add Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder and sauté for a minute.
• Add oats and stir for another minute.
• Pour in almond milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Cook the porridge for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add chopped dates, chopped almonds, and cardamom powder. Mix well.
• If desired, sweeten with raw honey.
• Serve this nourishing porridge warm and savor its comforting and balancing qualities.

Infusion for Digestion:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder
• 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
• Add Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder, dried peppermint leaves, and fennel seeds to the boiling water.
• Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
• Strain the infusion into a cup.
• If desired, add honey for sweetness.
• Enjoy this herbal infusion warm after meals to aid digestion and promote a balanced system.

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Rejuvenating Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder
• 1 tablespoon Sandalwood powder
• 1 teaspoon Rosewater
• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder and sandalwood powder.
• Add rosewater and raw honey to the mixture.
• Mix well until you have a smooth paste.
• Apply the face mask evenly to your face and neck.
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Enjoy the rejuvenating effects of this face mask, which helps balance the skin and promote a healthy glow.

Herbal Hair Rinse

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon Amla (Indian Gooseberry) powder
• 1 tablespoon Brahmi (Gotu Kola) powder
• 1 tablespoon Hibiscus flower petals

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
• Add Terminalia Arjuna Bark powder, Amla powder, Brahmi powder, and Hibiscus flower petals to the boiling water.
• Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
• Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
• Strain the herbal infusion into a jug or container.
• After shampooing your hair, pour the herbal rinse over your scalp and hair.
• Gently massage it into your scalp for a few minutes.
• Rinse your hair with cool water.
• Enjoy the nourishing and strengthening effects of this herbal hair rinse, promoting healthy and lustrous locks.

Buy Amla (Indian Gooseberry) powder

Buy Brahmi (Gotu Kola) powder

Buy Hibiscus Flower Petals Powder

Read Blog - Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Brahmi (Gotu Kola)

Remember to adjust the recipes according to your taste preferences and consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice. Embrace the art of Ayurvedic cooking as you incorporate Terminalia Arjuna Bark into your daily routines, nourishing both body and soul.

15. Side Effects of Arjuna Bark / Arjun ki Chaal

While arjuna bark is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects that should be noted. Some people may experience upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea when taking arjuna bark. It is also important to note that arjuna bark can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, so it is always best to speak with a doctor before using it.