Arishtaka — Soapnut

Ayurvedic herb Arishtaka (Sapindus mukorossi) — Soapnut. Pharmacological properties: Rasa Tikta, Virya Ushna, Vipaka Katu. Balances Vata, Pitta, Kapha.

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Soapnut is used as a natural cleanser for hair and skin, and internally to induce vomiting.

ⓘ Information
PropertyValueDescription
RasaTiktaTikta (Bitter) — detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic
GunaLaghu, TikshnaLaghu (Light) — easy to digest, promotes lightness; Tikshna (Sharp) — penetrating, stimulating
ViryaUshnaUshna (Hot) — heating, increases metabolism and Pitta
VipakaKatuKatu (Pungent) — post-digestive pungent, lightening
PrabhavaVamana, LekhanaVamana; Lekhana — scraping, reduces fat and Kapha

Sanskrit Synonyms

In the classical Ayurvedic texts, Arishtaka is known by the following Sanskrit names:

Phenila, Garbhapatana, Arishta, Kumbhabija

Parts Used

The medicinal parts of Arishtaka are: phala twak.

Main Indications

Arishtaka is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:

Kushta, Kandu, Visha, Grahi Roga, Krimi.

Dosha Effects

Arishtaka pacifies Vata, Pitta, Kapha. It is tridoshic — balancing all three doshas.

Usage

Arishtaka is used in classical Ayurvedic formulations. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage and preparation based on your constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalance (Vikriti).

Therapeutic Uses (IMPPAT Database)

Source: Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry And Therapeutics (IMPPAT) v1.0 — CC BY 4.0

Part UsedTherapeutic UseIdentifiersReferences
fruitAntiemeticsMESH:D000932,UMLS:C0003297, ICD-11:XM4VY6ISBN:9788172363093
fruitAntifungal agentsMESH:D000935,UMLS:C0003308, ICD-11:XM83G4ISBN:9788172363093
fruitAnti-inflammatory agentsMESH:D000893,UMLS:C0003209, ICD-11:XM7XD1ISBN:9788172363093
fruitDandruffMESH:D063807,UMLS:C0221244, ICD-11:EA81.1ISBN:9788172363093
fruitEmeticsMESH:D004639,UMLS:C0013973ISBN:9780387706375
fruitEpilepsyMESH:D004827,UMLS:C0014544, DOID:1826, ICD-11:8A6ZISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172360818, ISBN:9788172361266
fruitExpectorantsMESH:D005100,UMLS:C0015314ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172360818, ISBN:9788172361266
fruitFishes, poisonousMESH:D005400, ICD-11:NE61ISBN:9788172361266
fruitSalivationMESH:D012472,UMLS:C0036104, ICD-11:DA04.6ISBN:9788172360818, ISBN:9788172361266
fruitTinea pedisMESH:D014008,UMLS:C0040259, DOID:12403, ICD-11:1F28.2ISBN:9788172363093
seedEpilepsyMESH:D004827,UMLS:C0014544, DOID:1826, ICD-11:8A6ZISBN:9788172360818
seedSalivationMESH:D012472,UMLS:C0036104, ICD-11:DA04.6ISBN:9788172360818
Anti-infective agentsMESH:D000890,UMLS:C0003204, ICD-11:XM4TV0ISBN:9780387706375