A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Shigru (Drumstick)
Latin Name: Moringa oleifera Lam.
Family: Moringaceae (Shobhanjana kula)
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka: Svedopaga (Diaphoretics group), Krimighna (Anthelmintics), Shirovirechanopaga (Nasal errhines), Katuka-skandha (Pungent group), Haritakavarga
Sushruta: Varunadi, Shirovirechana (Nasal errhines)
Sanskrit Synonyms: Shobhanjana, Teekshnagandha, Aksheeva, Mochaka, Shigruka, Teekshnamoola, Teekshnagandhaka.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Sahinjana
Marathi: Shevega, Shekat
Punjabi: Sohanjana
Gujarati: Sargavo
Tamil: Murungai
Telugu: Munaga
English: Drumstick plant
Morphology: A medium-sized, soft-wooded tree, 7-8 meters tall. The bark and stem are soft. Leaves are compound, 20-40 cm long, with 6-9 opposite leaflets. Flowers are bluish-white, borne on inflorescences. The fruit is a long, pendulous pod, 15-45 cm in length, smoky green with six furrows. Seeds are triangular with white wings. It flowers from January to March and fruits from April to June.
Types: Two varieties are mentioned: Shvetapushpa (Katushigru) and Raktapushpa (Madhushigru - Moringa concanensis).
Habitat: Found all over India.
Part Used: Root, Bark, Seed.
Purification (Śodhana): Not mentioned in the provided text.
Preservation: Not mentioned in the provided text.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Teekshna (Penetrating), Sara (Mobile)
Vīrya (Potency) Ushna (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-digestive) Katu (Pungent)
Dosha Karma: Primarily Kapha-Vatahara (pacifies Kapha and Vata). Its Tikta and Katu Rasas, along with Ushna Veerya, are effective against Kapha. Its Ushna nature helps pacify Vata. However, due to its Ushna and Teekshna properties, it can aggravate Pitta and Rakta (blood) if used indiscriminately.
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Acts as a Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestive) by eliminating Kapha-induced Agnimandya (low digestive fire). It is Ruchikara (improves taste) and Krimighna (anthelmintic).
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): Its Kapha-reducing properties make it useful in Kasa (cough).
Shirovaha Srotas (Head & Mind): The seed powder is used as Nasya (nasal administration) for Shirovirechana (cleansing nasal passages), relieving headaches, heaviness, and expelling Kapha. It is indicated in Murchchha (fainting), Apasmara (epilepsy), and Putinasa (chronic sinusitis).
Rasavaha / Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory System): Its Ushna Veerya stimulates heart function and can increase low blood pressure, making it useful in cardiac weakness (Hriddourbalya).
Mamsa / Medovaha Srotas (Muscle & Fat Tissue): It digests and absorbs Meda Dhatu (fat tissue), useful in Sthaulya (obesity). It is highly effective in treating Vidradhi (abscesses), Gandamala (cervical lymphadenitis), and Apachi (lymphadenitis) in all stages (Ama, Pachyamana, Pakva).
Svedavaha Srotas (Sweat Channels): Acts as a Svedopaga (diaphoretic) by expelling heat generated by Pitta and by digesting Meda Dhatu, of which sweat is a waste product.
Majjavaha Srotas (Nervous System): Its Ushna and Teekshna properties stimulate nerve channels, making it useful in Pakshaghata (paralysis) and Ardita (facial palsy).
Drishtivaha Srotas (Visual System): Juice is used with honey as Aschyotana (eye drops) or the powder as Anjana (collyrium) for Kaphaja Timira (cataract/vision loss), Linganasha, and Netrabhishyanda (conjunctivitis).
Shukrartavavaha Srotas (Reproductive System): Stimulates menstruation due to its Ushna Guna, useful in Kashtartava (dysmenorrhea) and Anartava (amenorrhea).
Primary Actions: Deepana (Appetizer), Pachana (Digestive), Krimighna (Anthelmintic), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Shirovirechana (Nasal cleanser), Vranaropana (Wound healing), Hriddyota (Cardiotonic), Svedajanana (Diaphoretic).
Dosage (Mātrā):
Root Juice (Mulasvarasa): 10 - 20 ml
Seed Powder: 1 - 3 grams
Anupāna (Vehicle): Water, Honey, Ghee.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Shobhanjanadi Lepa, Shyamadi Churna, Shigrupatrasiddha Taila.
Contraindications (Nivārita): Contraindicated in conditions of elevated Pitta, such as Pittodara (a type of ascites), and in individuals with Pitta-prakriti. Should be used with caution to avoid Raktapitta (bleeding disorders).
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Burning sensation (due to its Katu, Ushna, Teekshna, and Vidahi properties). Chronic, excessive use can vitiate Rakta and Pitta, leading to bleeding disorders.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): Discontinue use. Administer soothing, Snigdha (unctuous) substances like milk, ghee, and butter to counteract the drying, heating effects.
Chemical Composition: A non-crystalline fraction of the bark has been found to act like adrenaline and ephedrine.
Research Notes: The bark extract demonstrates pharmacological effects including:
Raises blood pressure.
Contracts peripheral blood vessels.
Stimulates heart rate.
Depresses involuntary muscles of the intestines and respiratory tract.
Dilates pupils.