Overview
Colocynth is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Indrayan or Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) is a wild climbing gourd with extremely bitter fruits. The fruit pulp is the primary medicinal part. It is one of the most potent purgatives in Ayurvedic practice. The text describes it as bitter (Tikta), hot in potency (Ushna), and strongly purgative. It is useful in constipation, liver disorders, abdominal distension, worm infestations, and Kapha-Vata diseases. The Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum is mentioned as a useful preparation. A diluted tannic acid solution is recommended for managing overdose symptoms. The text covers this herb extensively across pages 404-405, including varieties and medicinal preparations.
How Colocynth Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Colocynth 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), Ruksha (dry)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Colocynthidin (Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum), Bitter principle
- Also Known As
- English: Colocynth, Bitter Apple, Wild Gourd
Sanskrit: इन्द्रवारुणी, विशाला, गवाक्षी, चित्रफला
Hindi: इन्द्रायण, इन्दायन
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.