Overview
Sahjan is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Sahjan (Moringa pterygosperma/oleifera), the Drumstick Tree, is extensively described as both a food and medicine. The text states it grows in all regions of India and in all seasons. The drumstick-shaped pods are 10-25 inches long and widely consumed as a vegetable. The root bark, leaves, flowers, pods, and seeds all have medicinal value. Spirochin and Pterygospermin are identified as unique antibiotic compounds. The seed oil (Ben-oil) is non-drying and used in perfumery. The root tastes like horseradish. The tree has powerful anti-bacterial properties - its extracts are effective against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcal, Streptococcal) and Gram-negative organisms. The bark is used in scurvy, and the leaves as a vegetable provide excellent nutrition. The root bark has rubefacient properties and is used for fevers and inflammation. A related species Moringa concanensis is also mentioned.
How Sahjan Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Sahjan has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Allicin (Spirochin, Pterygospermin (antibiotic compound), Ben-oil, Moringine, Nucleic acid)
- Also Known As
- English: Drumstick Tree, Horse Radish Tree, Moringa
Sanskrit: शोभाञ्जन, शिग्रु, तीक्ष्णगन्ध, अक्षीव, मोचक
Hindi: सहिजन, सुरजना, मुनगा
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.