What is Arjuna? What are its benefits?

A deciduous tree found abundantly in the Indian subcontinent, Terminalia Arjuna is a heart stimulant that can prove effective in the treatment of a number of heart conditions. Found commonly in the Himalayan region, the bark of the plant is used by traditional Indian medicine for a number of herbal preparations to treat cardiac disorders.

As a herb widely supported by Ayurveda, Arjuna has certain properties which make it effective for cardiac treatment. The tree possesses laghu (light) and ruksh (dry) and an abundance of kashaya (astringent) Rasa. The presence of these properties make in efficacious for the treatment of Pitta and Kapha aggravation.

The extracts of Arjuna are known to help in strengthening the heart muscles, relieving stress, and hypertension.  Arjuna is effective for a variety of heart related conditions like high blood pressure, heart palpitations, rapid heartbeat and high cholesterol. Researches attribute these benefits to certain tannins and glycosides that have specific antioxidant properties congenial for the cardiovascular system. The anti-oxidant properties are what make it congenial for cardiovascular health.

Also believed to be a natural liver tonic, Arjuna regulates cholesterol by decreasing LDL levels in the liver. It is advocated by Ayurveda as a liver tonic. The extracts of Arjuna are known to help in strengthening the heart muscles, relieving stress, and hypertension. Arjuna is also thought to fortify the central nervous system and to quicken individual reflexes.

According to the Ayurvedic classical description of Terminalia Arjuna, it is a cooling, Kapha and Pitta pacifying herb, helpful in healing wounds, countering obesity and treating urinary disorders. Ingestion Arjuna over a period of time ensures significant cardiac protection in myocardial infarction commonly known as heart attack. The herb is also proven to be helpful in the vasodilatation of blood vessels in chronic smokers and is also known to dissolve plaque clogging the arteries.