Arni (Clerodendrum multiflorum) – Properties, Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Arni, Clerodendrum multiflorum

Introduction

Arni is also known as Agnimantha in Ayurveda. It is called so because of the properties of this herb. The leaves of this tree were rubbed together in ancient days to produce fire. “Agni” means fire and “Mantha” means generation.

This is most befitting explanation for this tree. The Latin name of this tree is Clerodendrum multiflorum and it belongs to Verbenaceae family. Premna mucronata is another name given to this plant.

General Description

The leaves of this herb are elongated, glossy and dark green in color. Flowers are small round whitish or pinkish in color which bloom in August to February. The fruits of this herb is round in shape measuring about 5mm in width. Seeds turn into blackish from green when ripen.

Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Family: Verbenaceae
Order: Lamiales
Genus: Clerodendrum

Synonyms

Hindi Name – Tekar, Arni, Agathu, Ganiyari
English name – Indian headache tree.
Sanskrit name – Arani, Ganakarika, Jaya, Tarkari, Vataghni, Vaijayantika, Sriparna.
Tamil Name – Taludalai, Talanaju, Munnay
Telugu Name – Nelli, Gabbunulli
Marathi name – Eirani, Eran, Takali, Airana, Takalu, Chamari
Gujarati name – Arani, Aranel, Airanamula
Bengali name – Ganibhari, Ganiyari, Ganira
Kannada name – Arani, Taggiberu, Taggi
Malayalam name – Munja
Oriya name – Ganiary
French name – Arbe a la migraine

Properties

Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent), Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet)
Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Lightness), Rooksha (Dry)
Vipaka: Katu (Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion)
Veerya: Ushna (Hot Potency)
Effect on Tridosha: Balances Vata and Kapha dosha

Special Activity

Helps to alleviate kapha and vata vitiated disorders. It is grouped under the “dashamoola” group of herbs which are considered as the best when it comes to managing all kinds of vata disorders in the body.

Its kapha vitiating effect helps to relieve swelling and inflammation in the body as well.

Occurrence

It grows all over India from the Northern plains, the Himalayas all the way to Orissa, Tamil Nadu and the western coastal regions.

Uses

Arani is a digestive herb which helps stimulate the digestive fire and also helps to bring down the Ama levels in body. In this way it works to detoxify the body by getting rid of all the accumulated wastes inside it. It is also good for the heart and the Liver.

The detox effect supports the Liver giving it time to recover from any damage done due to overuse. Going by the quality of food that we eat nowadays.