Overview
Arka is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Arka (Calotropis procera), known as Madar or Aak, is a common wasteland shrub found abundantly across India. It grows up to 2000 feet altitude. The plant exudes a thick white milky latex when any part is broken. It has sharp, pungent, and bitter properties. Despite being considered somewhat toxic, it is a highly valued medicinal plant when used properly in processed form. The root bark is the most used part, especially in Arsha (hemorrhoids), skin diseases, and abdominal conditions. The latex (Arka Kshira) is used externally for skin conditions and joint pain. The dried latex is used as a substitute for Dover's powder. The flowers are used in cough and asthma. Two species are described: Calotropis procera (Shveta Arka -- white flowered) and Calotropis gigantea (Rakta Arka -- purple flowered), with the latter also known as 'Alarka'. Arka leaves are used in Swedana (sudation/fomentation therapy).
How Arka Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Arka has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Calotropin, Mudarin (Madaralban). Root bark contains cardiac glycosides -- Giganteol (alpha-Amyrin), Iso-Giganteol. Latex contains isomeric crystalline alcohols.
- Also Known As
- English: Madar, Swallow-wort, Crown Flower, Giant Milkweed
Sanskrit: अर्क, मन्दार, विकीरण, प्रभाकर, भानु, तपन
Hindi: मदार, आक, अकौआ
What the Classical Texts Say
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)
- Gulma (abdominal tumors)
- Pleeha (splenic enlargement)
- Krimi (worms/parasites)
- Shotha (swelling/edema)
- Kasa (cough)
- Shwasa (asthma)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Other Herbs for Inflammation
See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation 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.