Overview
Barleria is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Katsareya (Barleria prionitis) is a thorny shrub with yellow or orange flowers. It grows 2 to 4 feet tall. The leaves and roots are used medicinally. It is commonly found along roadsides and in hedges. The root is used in dental complaints - chewed as a toothbrush. The plant is spiny with opposite leaves. Different varieties exist: B. cristata (purple/blue flowers), B. strigosa (blue), and others. The flower is used in cough and Kapha disorders. It has 0.2-0.3% essential oil. Dose: 4-8 tola Kvatha; Churna 2-4 tola. Verse: 26.
How Barleria Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Barleria has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Tikshna (sharp)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Barlerin, Iridoid glycosides, Flavonoids
- Also Known As
- English: Barleria, Porcupine Flower
Sanskrit: सहचर, सैरेयक, कुरण्टक
Hindi: कटसरैया, पियाबासा
Other Herbs for Inflammation
See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.