Overview
Karanj is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for menstrual health. Kant Karanj (Caesalpinia bonducella) is a thorny climber with feathery leaves and yellow flowers. The seeds are used medicinally and are known as Bonduc nuts. It grows up to 2500 feet altitude in many regions of India. The plant has compound leaves that are bipinnate. The seeds are hard, grey, and round. The seed kernel is extremely bitter and used primarily as an antipyretic (febrifuge). It is particularly effective against intermittent fevers (Vishama Jvara). The oil from seeds, called Hongay oil, is used externally for skin diseases including Scabies and Herpes. The bark is also used in treatment of periodic fevers. Chemical analysis shows Bonducin as the key active principle. Dose: seeds 1-3 ratti; bark decoction 2-4 tola.
How Karanj Helps with Menstrual Health
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Karanj has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing menstrual health:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Bonducin (C20H28O8), Saponin, Oil, Phytosterol, Sitosterol, Heptocosane
- Also Known As
- English: Fever Nut, Physic Nut, Bonduc Nut
Sanskrit: करंज, कण्टकारंज, कुपटकरंज, विटपकरंज, कुबेराक्ष, पर्वतीय
Hindi: कँट करंज, कटकरंज, कण्टकरेज
Other Herbs for Menstrual Health
See all herbs for menstrual health on the Menstrual Health 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.