Karamarda

(Karonda)
Sanskrit: करमर्द • Botanical: Carissa carandas Linn.

Karamarda (Karonda) is a thorny shrub or small tree found throughout India, often used as hedging. The ripe fruit is dark purple-black and eaten fresh or pickled. The unripe fruit is used in pickles and chutneys. It is sour and astringent. The fruit is rich in iron and Vitamin C. It is used in digestive disorders and anemia. The root is bitter and used in skin diseases. The plant yields a white milky latex. Dose: As food. Verse: 27.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sour (Amla), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sour (Amla)
Key Constituents
Vitamin C, Tannins, Carissin, Iron
Also Known As
English: Karonda, Christ's Thorn
Sanskrit: करमर्द, कृष्णफल, अवीरफल
Hindi: करौंदा

What is Karamarda (Karonda / करौंदा)?

Karamarda (Karonda) is a thorny shrub or small tree found throughout India, often used as hedging. The ripe fruit is dark purple-black and eaten fresh or pickled. The unripe fruit is used in pickles and chutneys. It is sour and astringent. The fruit is rich in iron and Vitamin C. It is used in digestive disorders and anemia. The root is bitter and used in skin diseases. The plant yields a white milky latex. Dose: As food. Verse: 27.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Ruchya (appetizer)
  • Grahi (absorbent)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

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.