Herb × Condition

Prishnaparni for Immunity & Disease Prevention

Sanskrit: पृश्नपर्णी | Uraria picta Desv.

How Prishnaparni helps with Immunity & Disease Prevention according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

Overview

Prishnaparni is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for immunity & disease prevention. Prishnaparni (Uraria picta), also known as Pithvan, is a member of the Laghu Panchamula (five smaller root drugs of Dashamula). It is an erect herb found in the forests of India. The leaves are spotted/variegated (hence the name Prishna = spotted, Parni = leaved). The root is used medicinally. A second species, Uraria lagopoides DC., is also mentioned as a substitute. The plant is valued for its anti-pyretic and anti-diarrheal properties and is an essential ingredient in Dashamula combinations.

How Prishnaparni Helps with Immunity & Disease Prevention

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Prishnaparni has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing immunity & disease prevention:

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

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Also Known As
English: Prishnaparni
Sanskrit: पृश्नपर्णी, पृथक्पर्णी, चित्रपर्णी, क्रोष्टुविन्ना, सिंहपुच्छी, गुहा
Hindi: पिठवन, पृश्नपर्णी, डाबरा

What the Classical Texts Say

  • Jwara (fever)
  • Atisara (diarrhea)
  • Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
  • Trishna (excessive thirst)
  • Daha (burning sensation)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Other Herbs for Immunity & Disease Prevention

⟶
Mandar Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) R.Br. ex Ait.
⟶
Amla Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
⟶
Brihati Solanum indicum Linn.
⟶
Camphor Dryobalanops camphora Colebr. (Bhimseni); Cinnamomum camphora Nees & Eberm. (Chini)
⟶
Eranda Ricinus communis Linn.
⟶
Bala Sida cordifolia Linn.
⟶
Gambhari Gmelina arborea Linn.
⟶
Garlic Allium sativum Linn.

See all herbs for immunity & disease prevention on the Immunity & Disease Prevention 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.