Herb × Condition

Himalayan Cedar for Skin Disorders

Sanskrit: देवदारु | Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud.

How Himalayan Cedar helps with Skin Disorders according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

Overview

Himalayan Cedar is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. Devadaru (Cedrus deodara, Fam. Pinaceae) is Himalayan Cedar or Deodar, found abundantly in the Western Himalayas at 5000-7000 feet. The tree grows to enormous size — 150 feet tall with girth of 20+ feet. Wood is reddish-brown, aromatic, durable, and insect-resistant. The heartwood and oil are used medicinally. It is bitter-pungent with hot potency, making it useful in Kapha-Vata conditions. Key therapeutic indications include fever, worm infestations, skin diseases, obesity, and urinary disorders. Devadaru oil (Cedarwood oil) is used externally for joint pains and skin diseases. The tree holds sacred significance in Indian tradition. Multiple synonyms reflect its divine association (Deva = divine, Daru = wood). Note: some texts confuse Devadaru with Pita Devadaru (Ougeinia dalbergioides) which is a different plant. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 22-25.

How Himalayan Cedar Helps with Skin Disorders

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Himalayan Cedar has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:

  • Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
  • Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous)

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Cedarwood oil (from heartwood) — contains Atlantone, Deodarone. Oleoresin from bark. Terpenes and sesquiterpenes present.
Also Known As
English: Himalayan Cedar, Deodar, Indian Cedar
Sanskrit: देवदारु, देवकाष्ठ, दारु, दैवदारु, सुरदारु, भद्रदारु, मदराव, दारुक, इन्द्रदारु
Hindi: देवदार, दियार

What the Classical Texts Say

  • Jwara (fever)
  • Krimi (worms/parasites)
  • Kushtha (skin diseases)
  • Prameha (urinary disorders/diabetes)
  • Medoroga (obesity)
  • Kasa (cough)
  • Shwasa (asthma)
  • Arsha (hemorrhoids)
  • Vataroga (diseases of Vata)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Other Herbs for Skin Disorders

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Agarwood Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.
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Mandar Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) R.Br. ex Ait.
⟶
Amla Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
⟶
Camphor Dryobalanops camphora Colebr. (Bhimseni); Cinnamomum camphora Nees & Eberm. (Chini)
⟶
Danti Baliospermum montanum Muell.
⟶
Dhanyaka Coriandrum sativum Linn.
⟶
Gambhari Gmelina arborea Linn.
⟶
Garlic Allium sativum Linn.

See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders 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.