About Ayurveda
Arjuna, also known as arjun, is a majestic, deciduous tree that can reach heights up to 100 feet and has been valued for its wood and therapeutic properties for generations. It grows throughout the wet, marshy, sub-Himalayan regions of India and Sri Lanka, producing clusters of small white or yellow flowers amid its cone-shaped leaves.
The most sought-after part of the tree is its red inner bark, which is respected as a tonic for the h e a r t and is considered similar to hawthorn in European herbalism. The thick, white-to-pinkish-gray outer bark molts naturally once a year and is harvested when the trees are mature. Giving the tree time to recover and regrow its bark is a key component to sustainable harvesting.
The name “arjuna” is well-known and is most associated with the central character of Mahabharata from Hindu lore. Centuries ago, the arjuna tree was given a name befitting its traditional role of protecting the h e a r t, much like its mythological namesake brought fortitude, strength, and protection to his family in battle.
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is one of Ayurveda's quintessential herbs for the h e a r t. Along with strengthening and toning the physical muscle of the h e a r t, this rose-colored tree bark is also known to nourish and uplift the energetic and emotional aspects of the h e a r t, bolstering an inner sense of courage, resiliency, and love.
Ayurveda teaches us that vibrant h e a r t health is not only a matter of physiology, but depends just as much on the cultivation of mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Herbal allies can offer powerful support in all of these realms, and arjuna may just be the h e a r t’s herbal hero. Arjuna helps reduce the risk of h e a r t d i s e a s e s. It strengthens and tones the h e a r t muscles and helps in proper functioning of the h e a r t. Arjuna tree also has strong a n t i-hypertensive property and helps reduce high blood pressure.