Arjuna

Terminalia arjuna

Arjuna is commonly found in India, in the Himalayan foothills, in Bengal, Pradesh and Bihar. Seen growing on hillsides and near large bodies of water it grows wildly in well-watered soil. The soil beneath an arjuna tree is also found to be very rich in calcium.

Reaching heights of up to 80 feet, the arjuna is an evergreen tree with long, drooping branches. Arjuna leaves are oblong and grow to approximately five inches long and two inches wide. Bearing flower and fruit, the arjuna tree's flowers are white or yellow and sprout in summer. Its fruit is approximately one inch long with lobes and notches near the top. Fruit appears on the Arjuna tree in winter or spring. The bark of the tree is smooth, thick and gray in color on the outside, but red on the inside and is shed annually.

The leaves, stem and bark of arjuna are used in herbal treatments.

Often combined with milk, added to boiling water or ground into a paste, arjuna can be consumed as a liquid or applied topically.

Arjuna is commonly used to support good heart health and to reduce nervousness and stress. Known to help in blood pressure regulation, arjuna is commonly used in Ayurvedic cardiovascular health treatments. Arjuna is also helpful in:

• Regulating cholesterol
• Regulating blood pressure
• Treating liver cirrhosis
• Treating congestive cardiac failure
• Treating chronic bronchitis
• Treating insomnia
• Treating skin diseases
• Supporting good urinary tract health

In clinical studies, the effectiveness of Arjuna has been positive. High in Co-enzyme Q-10, it is viewed as favorable treatment for cardiovascular disease and is more effective than nitroglycerin for angina.

Not advisable for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Useful as natural cures and home remedies, herbs like arjuna can be useful in the support of overall health. Most herbs are perfectly safe to use for folk remedies, but some may not interact well with ingredients in over the counter or prescription medications. Anyone under the supervision of a medical doctor should notify their physician before starting a herbal regiment.

A consultation with a professional herbalist is also advisable before starting a new herbal treatment.