Stone Flowers

(Stone Flowers)
Sanskrit: शैलेय • Botanical: Parmelia perlata Ach.

Charila (Stone Flowers) is a lichen that grows on rocks and tree barks in hilly regions. The thallus is the used part, appearing as flat, leafy, greenish-grey growths on rocky surfaces. The text describes it as growing on stones and trees in mountainous regions. It absorbs moisture from the air and does not develop typical roots. The lichen has a bitter and astringent taste with cooling potency. It is used in skin diseases for complexion improvement, in bleeding disorders, and as a cooling agent. It is also used in spice blends and as a flavoring agent in cooking. Being an aromatic lichen, it features in many compound formulations for skin care. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha. Dose: 2-4 grams.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Usnic acid, Atranorin, Lecanoric acid, Salazinic acid
Also Known As
English: Stone Flowers, Yellow Lichen
Sanskrit: शैलेय, शिलापुष्प, शैलज
Hindi: छरीला, शिलापुष्प

What is Stone Flowers (Charila / छरीला)?

Charila (Stone Flowers) is a lichen that grows on rocks and tree barks in hilly regions. The thallus is the used part, appearing as flat, leafy, greenish-grey growths on rocky surfaces. The text describes it as growing on stones and trees in mountainous regions. It absorbs moisture from the air and does not develop typical roots. The lichen has a bitter and astringent taste with cooling potency. It is used in skin diseases for complexion improvement, in bleeding disorders, and as a cooling agent. It is also used in spice blends and as a flavoring agent in cooking. Being an aromatic lichen, it features in many compound formulations for skin care. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha. Dose: 2-4 grams.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Varnya (improves complexion)
  • Dahaprashamana (relieves burning sensation)
  • Raktapittahara (controls bleeding disorders)
  • Sheetala (cooling)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Stone Flowers by Condition

Explore how Stone Flowers is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Stone Flowers for Male Sexual Health

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.