How to Use Arjuna

As ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition of India, becomes better known, more people in North America and Europe are turning to Indian herbal remedies. One herb increasingly in demand in the West is arjuna. Derived from the thick bark of a deciduous tree that grows primarily near rivers and streams in the subcontinent, arjuna offers many healing benefits. It fortifies the heart muscles and is useful in protecting against a variety of conditions including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, asthma, acne and gonorrhea.

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase arjuna extract either online or at your local natural health store. As with any herbal remedy, look for organic versions of the product. Also look at the label for any special dietary concerns, whether you observe kosher laws or avoid gluten or dairy.

• 2

  Take the arjuna pills following the directions of the product label. Depending on your condition and the potency of the extract, this will usually be one or two pills per day.

• 3

  Visit an ayurvedic healer, ayurvedic store or specialty herb outlet. Since arjuna is relatively new to Western consumers and is not used in cooking, finding it in raw form is harder than with, for instance, turmeric. Ayurvedic healers often have more pure forms of the herbs used in ayurvedic treatment.

• 4

  Make a decoction of the powdered bark. Follow the instructions of your ayurvedic expert as far as dosage and frequency for drinking arjuna tea.

• 5

  Make a paste of powdered arjuna and honey. Apply this to skin to treat acne.