Kaniar

(Oleander)
Sanskrit: करवीर • Botanical: Nerium indicum Mill.

Karavira (Nerium indicum/Oleander) is a well-known ornamental shrub with beautiful pink, red, or white flowers. However, all parts are highly toxic containing cardiac glycosides. The root, bark, leaves, and flowers are all poisonous. It is used cautiously in Ayurveda for skin diseases and as an external application. The root paste is applied on skin disorders and ringworm. White-flowered variety is considered less toxic. The plant is used in leprosy and other skin conditions in controlled doses. It must be used only under expert supervision due to its cardiac toxicity. Dose: 1 ratti root powder (with great caution). Verse: 45.

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
Oleandrin, Neriine, Cardiac glycosides, Karabin
Also Known As
English: Oleander, Indian Oleander
Sanskrit: करवीर, अश्वमार, शतकुम्भ, विषप्रताप
Hindi: कनेर

What is Kaniar / Oleander (Karavira / करवीर)?

Karavira (Nerium indicum/Oleander) is a well-known ornamental shrub with beautiful pink, red, or white flowers. However, all parts are highly toxic containing cardiac glycosides. The root, bark, leaves, and flowers are all poisonous. It is used cautiously in Ayurveda for skin diseases and as an external application. The root paste is applied on skin disorders and ringworm. White-flowered variety is considered less toxic. The plant is used in leprosy and other skin conditions in controlled doses. It must be used only under expert supervision due to its cardiac toxicity. Dose: 1 ratti root powder (with great caution). Verse: 45.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Hridya (affects heart - caution!)
  • Kushtaghna (skin disease remedy)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Vishaghna (anti-toxic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

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.