Herb × Condition

Shyonaka for Joint Pain & Arthritis

Sanskrit: श्योनाक | Oroxylum indicum Vent.

How Shyonaka helps with Joint Pain & Arthritis according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

Overview

Shyonaka is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for joint pain & arthritis. Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum) is an important member of the Dashamula group (Brihat Panchamula -- five large root drugs). It is a tall tree found in sub-Himalayan tracts and forests. The root bark is the primary part used in medicine. The tree is also known as 'Broken Bones Plant' in English due to the appearance of its fallen pods. Its bark and root bark are bitter and astringent, used especially in managing diarrhea, dysentery, fevers, and inflammatory conditions. It is one of the key ingredients in Dashamularishta.

How Shyonaka Helps with Joint Pain & Arthritis

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Shyonaka has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing joint pain & arthritis:

  • Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
  • Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Oroxylin A (flavone), Baicalein, Chrysin. Root bark contains tannins.
Also Known As
English: Broken Bones Plant, Indian Trumpet Flower
Sanskrit: श्योनाक, शोणक, कटम्भरा, टूण्टुक, नतपत्रक, शुकनास
Hindi: सोनापाठा, सोनमगज, टोना

What the Classical Texts Say

  • Shotha (edema/swelling)
  • Atisara (diarrhea)
  • Jwara (fever)
  • Shwasa (asthma)
  • Kapha-Vata disorders

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Other Herbs for Joint Pain & Arthritis

⟶
Agarwood Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.
⟶
Bael Aegle marmelos Corr.
⟶
Eranda Ricinus communis Linn.
⟶
Leadwort Plumbago zeylanica Linn.
⟶
Chopchini Smilax china Linn.
⟶
Bala Sida cordifolia Linn.
⟶
Garlic Allium sativum Linn.
⟶
Giloy Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers

See all herbs for joint pain & arthritis on the Joint Pain & Arthritis 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.