Benefits and Side effects of Varuna

2022-02-18 00:00:00

There are many medicinal herbs in the world which are considered very beneficial for the body. Varuna is one such herb whose botanical name is Crataeva Nurvala and it is also known in colloquial language as Barna, Lengum Tree. In Ayurveda, Varuna is used to cure many diseases. There are many uses of it. It is helpful in the treatment of stones, urinary tract infections, rheumatism and many other women-related problems.

Varuna is a medium sized plant, which is commonly found on the banks of rivers. Its flowers are light white and yellow in colour. Its fruits are like berries and become red in color when ripe. From its leaves to flowers, there are many medicinal properties and it is used in many Ayurvedic remedies. For this reason, this herb is used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine as well as in the Unani and Siddha systems of medicine.

Importance of Varuna in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, different parts of Varuna like fruits, flowers, leaves etc. are considered very beneficial for health. Due to its nutritional and curative properties, it is used as a medicine in Ayurveda for many diseases. Varuna is hot, bitter, astringent and removes pain due to the effect of Vata. Its flowers are beneficial in bleeding from the uterus. Its bark is effective in stone and urinary diseases. The decoction of Varuna acts as a medicine in fever. Thus, it is very beneficial in the problem of loss of appetite, diabetes, arthritis and joint pain, piles, bleeding disorders and urinary diseases.

Benefits of Varuna

Beneficial in kidney stones-

Varuna has been used for centuries as a medicine to remove kidney and bladder stones. According to the research done on this, Lupole is found in the bark of the root of Varuna. It exhibits properties of pentacyclic triterpenes. It reduces the deposition of minerals that cause stones. On this basis, experts have used Varuna as a primary medicine for the removal of kidney and urinary stones.

Beneficial in urinary tract infection-

Varuna is an effective natural remedy for urinary tract infections such as difficulty in passing urine, burning and itching. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties work to overcome such problems. Also, the powder of Varuna helps to overcome the difficulty of urination due to its diuretic properties. It allows urine to pass with proper flow. Apart from this, consuming decoction of its bark is beneficial in all kinds of problems related to urination.

Beneficial in arthritis-

The powder of Varuna has an anti-inflammatory effect which helps in getting relief from arthritis. Varuna reduces the symptoms of arthritis by improving blood pressure. Apart from this, the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Varunana help in reducing the pain and swelling caused by arthritis.

Aids in wound healing-

Varuna is a very beneficial medicine for healing wounds because the leaves and flowers of Varuna have the ability to control bleeding and infection. Therefore Varuna is used to cure injuries, wounds, bleeding and infection. Powder of Varuna is made into a paste in coconut oil and applied on the wound which helps the wound heal quickly.

Effective in the problem of loss of appetite-

According to Ayurveda, the problem of loss of appetite is due to a disturbance in the digestive system. The appetizer properties present in Varuna work to improve the digestive system. Its bark helps in digestion of food by stimulating the secretion of saliva and other digestive juices. It also removes toxins from the stomach. Apart from this, consuming Varuna's powder mixed with honey provides relief in stomach-related problems.

Beneficial in menstrual disorders-

Varuna is used to cure various gynecological problems and to treat menstrual disorders in women. It works to balance Kapha, Pitta and Vata. According to Ayurveda, all the problems of the body can be controlled by balancing the tridoshas. Its consumption proves effective in balancing Vata (blood flow), Pitta (fever, metabolic) and Kapha (joint lubrication, wound healing). Apart from this, consuming Varuna's powder mixed with honey is beneficial in the problem of excessive bleeding during menstruation. It helps in regulating menstruation.

Helpful in the treatment of diabetes-

Varuna has anti-diabetic properties which helps in balancing the insulin levels. Thus, it is very beneficial for the diabetic patients. Apart from insulin, the decoction of Varuna also controls the level of glucose in the body. Therefore, consuming Varuna decoction is good for diabetes.

Beneficial in skin related problems-

The plant of Varuna has anti-aging properties which helps to remove wrinkles, fine lines and dry skin. With its regular use, the skin looks youthful and it also delays the signs of aging. Make a paste by mixing the powder of Varuna's bark with coconut oil and apply it on your face. This helps in skin-related problems.

Side effects of Varuna

• Consuming Varuna in excess can cause stomach problems.
• Do not use it if you’re on homeopathic, allopathic or any other medicine or take as per doctor's advice.
• If you are taking any kind of supplement such as vitamins or omega fatty acids, then use it only on the advice of a doctor.

Where is Varuna found?

Varuna's native place is Myanmar, South Asia and Indo-Malaysians but it is a medicinal plant found abundantly in the coastal areas of India.