Our theme of the month is justice. How do you feel when you feel unfairly treated? How can Ayurveda help alleviate this distressing feeling?

Medicinal plant Arjuna

The medicinal plant "Arjuna" is found in several Ayurvedic preparations that can be used in life situations where the feeling of emotional pressure is prevalent. "Arjuna" is a medicinal plant from the Terminalia family, as are many other important trees and fruits used in Ayurveda. What is special about "terminalia arjuna" is that the bark of the tree is used instead of the fruit, as is the case with amalaki and bibhitaki, for example.

Application of Arjuna

Arjuna bark is tart, light and dry and has a cooling effect. As a special effect (Prabhava) it is known to have a tonic effect on the heart. Arjuna balances "Sadhaka Pitta" in a special way. If this sub-function of Pitta is in balance, a feeling of inner contentment and strength arises, i.e. the opposite of injustice and weakness.

Arjuna can be used when the "physical heart" is weakened. However, the emotional weakening of the heart is the most important area of application of Arjuna.

Where does the name come from?

The name of the medicinal plant comes from the hero of the Bhagavad Gita, the warrior Arjuna, whose courage sinks and strength fails at the sight of his enemies. He feels trapped in a situation of injustice. This is how his mood is described:

"Thus my limbs sink and my mouth dries up. A tremor runs through my body and my hair bristles. The Gandiva bow slips from my hand, and my skin burns. I can no longer stand upright, and my mind seems to whirl" Bhagavad Gita chapter 1, verse29/30.

The medicinal plant has been given the name Arjuna because it can be used precisely in this mood to raise strength and courage again.

Herbal preparations with Arjuna

Several of our Maharishi Ayurveda medicinal herb complexes contain "Arjuna":

• MA1402 Kapha Balance: in association with Ashwagandha and Amla Fruit, Arjuna provides emotional strength and inner peace.
• Arjunarishta: this traditional Ayurvedic medicinal wine contains Arjuna and sultanas, among other ingredients. It is used to strengthen the heart and emotions in stressful life situations.
• MA1816: Arjuna in combination with myrrh strengthens the physical organ heart and keeps the arteries of the body free from obstructions to blood circulation.