Karanj

(Indian Beech)
Sanskrit: करंज • Botanical: Pongamia glabra Vent.

Karanj (Pongamia glabra) is a large tree commonly found across India. It is considered one of the important medicinal trees. The seeds yield Karanj oil which is extensively used in skin diseases. The bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds are all used medicinally. Karanj oil is effective against Kushtha (skin diseases), Krimi (worms), and Vrana (wounds). It is described as bitter and pungent in taste. The oil is applied externally on scabies, ringworm, and other parasitic skin conditions. Internally it is used as an anthelmintic and digestive stimulant. The tree bark decoction is given in chronic fevers. Dose: oil 5-10 drops; bark powder 1-2 ratti.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Karanjin (S18H12O4), Pongamol, Fixed oil
Also Known As
English: Indian Beech, Smooth Leaved Pongamia
Sanskrit: करंज, नक्तमाल, घृतपूर्ण, चिरबिल्व
Hindi: करंज, करंजुआ

What is Indian Beech / Karanj (करंज)?

Karanj (Pongamia glabra) is a large tree commonly found across India. It is considered one of the important medicinal trees. The seeds yield Karanj oil which is extensively used in skin diseases. The bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds are all used medicinally. Karanj oil is effective against Kushtha (skin diseases), Krimi (worms), and Vrana (wounds). It is described as bitter and pungent in taste. The oil is applied externally on scabies, ringworm, and other parasitic skin conditions. Internally it is used as an anthelmintic and digestive stimulant. The tree bark decoction is given in chronic fevers. Dose: oil 5-10 drops; bark powder 1-2 ratti.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Kushthaghna (alleviates skin diseases)
  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Vranahara (wound healer)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

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.