Citrullus colocynthis,
Cucurbitaceae
Introduction to Indravaruni
Indravaruni is a powerful medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda for detoxification, digestion, skin diseases, and Panchakarma therapy. It is known for its strong purgative (cleansing) action and is mainly used under expert supervision.
In classical Ayurvedic texts such as Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Indravaruni is described as an important herb for eliminating toxins and balancing aggravated doshas.
Because of its intense medicinal power, Indravaruni is considered a specialized therapeutic herb, not meant for casual daily use.
Botanical Information
- Botanical Name: Citrullus colocynthis
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Common Names:
- Sanskrit: Indravaruni
- Hindi: Tumba, Indrayan
- English: Bitter Apple, Colocynth
- Urdu: Hanzal
Plant Description
Indravaruni is a creeping plant that grows on dry and sandy land. It has:
- Long trailing stems
- Yellow flowers
- Round green fruits (like small watermelon)
- Extremely bitter pulp
The dried fruit pulp and seeds are mainly used for medicine.
It is found in India, Africa, and Middle Eastern regions.
Ayurvedic Properties of Indravaruni
According to Ayurveda, Indravaruni has strong cleansing properties.
Rasa (Taste)
- Tikta (Bitter)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna (Quality)
- Laghu (Light)
- Ruksha (Dry)
- Tikshna (Sharp)
Virya (Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Dosha Effect
Indravaruni mainly balances:
✔️ Kapha
✔️ Vata
❌ May increase Pitta if misused
So, it is mainly used in Kapha-Vata disorders.
Chemical and Active Compounds
Indravaruni contains powerful bioactive compounds such as:
- Cucurbitacins
- Glycosides
- Flavonoids
- Alkaloids
- Resins
- Antioxidants
These compounds are responsible for its strong purgative and detoxifying effects.
Health Benefits of Indravaruni
1. Powerful Detoxifier (Virechana Karma)
Indravaruni is mainly used in Panchakarma therapy for purgation.
Benefits:
- Cleans intestines
- Removes toxins (Ama)
- Purifies blood
- Improves metabolism
It is one of the strongest natural laxatives in Ayurveda.
2. Helps in Chronic Constipation
Indravaruni is useful in severe constipation.
- Stimulates bowel movement
- Clears impacted stool
- Improves colon function
⚠️ Should be used only under medical supervision.
3. Useful in Skin Diseases
Indravaruni helps in skin disorders.
Benefits:
- Reduces eczema
- Controls itching
- Treats psoriasis (supportive)
- Cleans blood
It is often used in blood-purifying formulations.
4. Supports Liver and Spleen Health
Indravaruni helps in detoxifying organs.
- Improves liver function
- Reduces fatty deposits
- Supports spleen health
- Improves digestion
It is useful in chronic liver disorders.
5. Helps in Joint and Rheumatic Pain
Indravaruni is helpful in arthritis and joint pain.
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves circulation
- Decreases stiffness
- Relieves pain
It is useful in Vata disorders.
6. Beneficial in Obesity Management
Indravaruni improves metabolism.
- Reduces excess fat
- Removes water retention
- Improves digestion
- Detoxifies body
It is sometimes used in weight-control therapies.
7. Supports Respiratory Health
Indravaruni helps in Kapha disorders.
- Reduces mucus
- Improves breathing
- Helps in asthma (supportive)
- Clears chest congestion
8. Antimicrobial Properties
Indravaruni has natural antimicrobial effects.
- Fights infections
- Improves immunity
- Protects digestive tract
Uses of Indravaruni in Ayurveda
Indravaruni is used in many traditional medicines, such as:
- Indravaruni Taila
- Virechana Yoga
- Panchakarma formulations
- Blood-purifying medicines
It is mainly used in clinical Ayurvedic practice.
Forms of Indravaruni Available
1. Powder (Churna)
Prepared from dried fruit pulp.
2. Decoction (Kashaya)
Used under guidance.
3. Medicated Oil (Taila)
For external use.
4. Classical Formulations
Used in Panchakarma therapy.
Dosage of Indravaruni
⚠️ Warning: Indravaruni is a strong herb. Self-medication is dangerous.
General Dosage (Under Doctor’s Supervision)
| Form | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powder | 125–500 mg |
| Decoction | As prescribed |
| Oil (External) | As required |
Never exceed recommended dose.
Best Time to Take Indravaruni
- For detox → During Panchakarma
- For constipation → As advised
- For skin disorders → Long-term therapy (doctor’s guidance)
Home Remedies Using Indravaruni
🚫 Indravaruni is NOT recommended for home remedies due to its strong action.
It should only be used by trained practitioners.
Side Effects of Indravaruni
Excess or improper use may cause:
⚠️ Severe diarrhea
⚠️ Dehydration
⚠️ Abdominal pain
⚠️ Vomiting
⚠️ Weakness
⚠️ Electrolyte imbalance
Immediate medical help is needed in case of overdose.
Precautions
✔️ Never self-medicate
✔️ Avoid during pregnancy
✔️ Not for children
✔️ Avoid in weak patients
✔️ Drink sufficient water
✔️ Always consult an Ayurvedic doctor
Indravaruni in Modern Research
Modern studies indicate that Indravaruni has:
- Strong purgative activity
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Antimicrobial properties
- Antioxidant potential
However, research also confirms its toxicity if misused, so professional guidance is essential.
Importance of Indravaruni in Ayurveda
Indravaruni plays a major role in:
- Panchakarma therapy
- Detox programs
- Chronic disease management
- Blood purification
- Metabolic correction
It is a therapeutic herb, not a daily supplement.
Conclusion
Indravaruni is a highly potent medicinal plant in Ayurveda, mainly used for deep detoxification and Panchakarma treatments. It helps in cleansing the digestive system, purifying blood, treating skin diseases, and correcting metabolic disorders.
However, due to its strong action, Indravaruni must always be used under expert supervision. When used correctly, it can bring powerful healing benefits.
Vernacular names
Bengali : Rakhal Sasa Mul
English : Colocynth, Bitter apple
Gujrati : Indravaran, Indrayan,
Indramanoa, Indarvaranova
Hindi : Indrayan
Kannada : Havumekke, Havumakke,
Indravaruni, Tuntikai,
Kadukavadi
Malayalam : Valiyakattuvell, Valiya
Pekkumatti, Cheeiyakattuvellari
Marathi : Endrayana, Indravarana
Oriya : Gothakakucti, Indrayanalata,
Garukhiya
Punjabi : Kaudatumma, Tumbi
Tamil : Paikamatti, Paythumatti,
Varithummati, Aruthununatti
Telugu : Chedu Puchcha
Urdu : Hanzal, Indrayan
Medicinal Uses
- 1 Premature graying of hair:
50 gram of dried seeds paste of
Indravaruni cooked in 400 ml
of sesame oil until it becomes
moisture free. Regular application
of this oil over the scalp is found
to be effective in preventing
premature greying of hair. - Constipation: 1-3gms of
Indravaruni root powder taken
orally with warm water daily
night before going to bed
relieves constipation, abdominal
distension, menstrual pain etc. - Food poisoning: In case of
food poisoning 2-3 gram of
Indravaruni seeds powder is
administered twice or thrice
in a day. This helps to induce
vomiting and hence the probable
danger is checked. Fishermen use
this kind of practice abundantly
as they are repeatedly poisoned
by poisonous fish intake. - Foot ulcers: One fist full of dried
seeds of Indravaruni boiled in
500ml of water and till it reduced
to 1/4th. This decoction is used to
soak the foot for 15-30minutes,
in case of foot ulcers and cracks
caused during rainy seasons. - Scrotal Enlargement: 3grams of
Indravaruni root powder mixed
with castor oil and is taken along
with Cow’s milk twice daily is
beneficial in scrotal enlargement.
