Fox Nut

(Fox Nut)
Sanskrit: मखान • Botanical: Euryale ferox Salisb.

Makhana (Fox Nut/Gorgon Nut) is an aquatic plant found in ponds and lakes, particularly in Bihar and Eastern India. The puffed seeds (Makhana) are a popular dry fruit and fasting food. They are sweet, nutritive, aphrodisiac and easy to digest when roasted. Makhana is widely used in Indian sweets and curry preparations. It is strengthening and beneficial in Prameha (diabetes), weakness, and seminal debility. The puffed nuts are light and digestible. They are considered one of the best Vrishya (aphrodisiac) foods. Rich in protein, starch and minerals. Dose: As food; powder 1-2 tola. Verse: 32.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Starch (70-80%), Protein, Fat, Minerals
Also Known As
English: Fox Nut, Gorgon Fruit
Sanskrit: मखान, पद्मबीज
Hindi: मखाना

What is Fox Nut (Makhana / मखाना)?

Makhana (Fox Nut/Gorgon Nut) is an aquatic plant found in ponds and lakes, particularly in Bihar and Eastern India. The puffed seeds (Makhana) are a popular dry fruit and fasting food. They are sweet, nutritive, aphrodisiac and easy to digest when roasted. Makhana is widely used in Indian sweets and curry preparations. It is strengthening and beneficial in Prameha (diabetes), weakness, and seminal debility. The puffed nuts are light and digestible. They are considered one of the best Vrishya (aphrodisiac) foods. Rich in protein, starch and minerals. Dose: As food; powder 1-2 tola. Verse: 32.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Balya (strengthening)
  • Brinhana (nourishing)
  • Grahi (absorbent)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Fox Nut by Condition

Explore how Fox Nut is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Fox Nut for Male Sexual Health

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.