Overview
Prishnaparni is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. 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 Skin Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Prishnaparni has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:
- 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 Skin Disorders
See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders 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.