Sthuneyaka — Common Yew

Ayurvedic herb Sthuneyaka (Taxus baccata) — Common Yew. Pharmacological properties: Rasa Tikta, Kashaya, Virya Ushna, Vipaka Katu. Balances Kapha, Vata.

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

Taxus baccata (Yew) is used in respiratory conditions like cough and asthma.

ⓘ Information
PropertyValueDescription
RasaTikta, KashayaTikta (Bitter) — detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic; Kashaya (Astringent) — drying, absorbent, wound-healing
GunaLaghuLaghu (Light) — easy to digest, promotes lightness
ViryaUshnaUshna (Hot) — heating, increases metabolism and Pitta
VipakaKatuKatu (Pungent) — post-digestive pungent, lightening
PrabhavaKasahara, ShwasaharaKasahara — relieves cough; Shwasahara — relieves dyspnea and asthma

Sanskrit Synonyms

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

Sthuneya, Sukushma, Barhipatra

Parts Used

The medicinal parts of Sthuneyaka are: patra, twak.

Main Indications

Sthuneyaka is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:

Kasa, Shwasa, Hikka, Vata Vyadhi, Krimi.

Dosha Effects

Sthuneyaka pacifies Kapha, Vata.

It may aggravate Pitta when used in excess or in sensitive individuals.

Usage

Sthuneyaka 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).

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API)

Source: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH

Rasa (Taste)Kauu, Tikta, Madhura
Guna (Quality)Snigdha, Guru
Virya (Potency)śita
Vipaka (Post-digestive effect)Madhura
Karma (Action)Medhya, śukravardhaka, Kaphahara, V¡tahara, Pitta¿¡maka, Jantughna, Varḍa Pras¡dana, Lomasaṃjanana
Dose1-3 g of the drug in powder form.
Therapeutic Uses: Rakta Vik¡ra, Trṣḍ¡, Tila K¡laka, D¡ha, Kuṣuha, Krmiroga, Pitik¡,
Important Formulations: Mah¡ N¡r¡yaḍa Taila, Bal¡ Taila
Botanical Name: Taxus baccata Linn. (Taxaceae)
Part Used: Lf.