Devdaru
Devdaru
Devdaru also called as Deodar or Himalayan Cedar is popular known as the ‘Wood of Gods’. All parts of this plant are used for various medicinal benefits.
Devdaru helps to relieve cough by removing mucus from the respiratory tract due to its expectorant property. It might also be beneficial in managing asthma by increasing the movements of the respiratory tract due to its antispasmodic activity. Devdaru might be good for diabetics as it helps manage the blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion. It also helps to calm the mind and improve sleep pattern thereby managing insomnia.
Devdaru oil obtained from Devdaru trees has many benefits. This oil can be applied on the body to manage fever by increasing sweating due to its diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) property.
It can be applied to the joints to manage problems such as inflammation and pain related to arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property. Devdaru oil can also be applied on wounds to prevent infections and speed up wound healing due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory property. Applying Devdaru leaf paste on your skin can also help prevent skin infections as well as itching due to its antifungal property[1][2][11].
Devdaru helps to relieve cough by removing mucus from the respiratory tract due to its expectorant property. It might also be beneficial in managing asthma by increasing the movements of the respiratory tract due to its antispasmodic activity. Devdaru might be good for diabetics as it helps manage the blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion. It also helps to calm the mind and improve sleep pattern thereby managing insomnia.
Devdaru oil obtained from Devdaru trees has many benefits. This oil can be applied on the body to manage fever by increasing sweating due to its diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) property.
It can be applied to the joints to manage problems such as inflammation and pain related to arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property. Devdaru oil can also be applied on wounds to prevent infections and speed up wound healing due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory property. Applying Devdaru leaf paste on your skin can also help prevent skin infections as well as itching due to its antifungal property[1][2][11].
What are the synonyms of Devdaru?
Cedrus deodara, Surabhuruha, Amaradaru, Devakastha, Daru, Suradaru, Shajar Tuljeen, Devdaroo, Deodar, Himalayan Cedar, Devdar, Teliyo Devdar, Devdaroo, Deevdar, Devtaram, Telya Dedaroo, Diyar, Dewdar, Devdari Chettu, Devdaree[1].
What is the source of Devdaru?
Plant Based
Benefits of Devdaru
1. Cough and Cold
Devdaru helps to control cough when taken orally. A cough is a common ailment which usually happens with cold. It is commonly known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda. A cough is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Taking Devdaru helps to balance Kapha and expel out excessive mucus from the lungs. This is because of its Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) potency.
2. Asthma
Devdaru helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Devdaru helps in balancing Kapha and Vata and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
3. Osteoarthritis
Devdaru is useful in Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling and difficulty in moving. Devdaru has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints.
4. Obesity
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Devdaru is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Devdaru helps to control cough when taken orally. A cough is a common ailment which usually happens with cold. It is commonly known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda. A cough is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Taking Devdaru helps to balance Kapha and expel out excessive mucus from the lungs. This is because of its Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) potency.
2. Asthma
Devdaru helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Devdaru helps in balancing Kapha and Vata and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
3. Osteoarthritis
Devdaru is useful in Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling and difficulty in moving. Devdaru has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints.
4. Obesity
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Devdaru is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Precautions when using Devdaru
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Avoid Devdaru or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Avoid Devdaru or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Devdaru
- Devdaru Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Devdaru Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
How to use Devdaru
1. Devdaru Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Devdaru Powder.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
2. Devdaru Decoction
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Devdaru powder.
b. Boil it in 2 cups of water till the volume reduces to a half cup.
c. Take 10-20 teaspoon of this Devdaru decoction.
d. Add the same quantity of water to it.
e. Drink it preferably after meals.
3. Devdaru Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule of Devdaru.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Devdaru Powder.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
2. Devdaru Decoction
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Devdaru powder.
b. Boil it in 2 cups of water till the volume reduces to a half cup.
c. Take 10-20 teaspoon of this Devdaru decoction.
d. Add the same quantity of water to it.
e. Drink it preferably after meals.
3. Devdaru Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule of Devdaru.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
Benefits of Devdaru
1. Anti-wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Devdaru and its oil helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin. This is because of its Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties.
2. Wound healing
Devdaru especially the oil helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
3. Urticaria
Urticaria is a type of allergic reaction which is also known as Sheetpitta in Ayurveda. This is due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha as well as when Pitta gets impaired. Devdaru or its oil gives relief in case of urticaria due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Devdaru and its oil helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin. This is because of its Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties.
2. Wound healing
Devdaru especially the oil helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
3. Urticaria
Urticaria is a type of allergic reaction which is also known as Sheetpitta in Ayurveda. This is due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha as well as when Pitta gets impaired. Devdaru or its oil gives relief in case of urticaria due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
Precautions when using Devdaru
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Always use Devdaru oil after mixing with a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying externally if you have a hypersensitive skin.
Recommended Dosage of Devdaru
- Devdaru Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
- Devdaru Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per requirement.
How to use Devdaru
1. Devdaru Oil
a. Take 5-10 drops of Devdaru oil.
b. Add Coconut oil to it.
c. Massage on the affected area to manage infected wounds and syphilis.
2. Devdaru Paste
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Devdaru paste.
b. Apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 1-2 hours.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to control itching, inflammation, pain and swelling.
a. Take 5-10 drops of Devdaru oil.
b. Add Coconut oil to it.
c. Massage on the affected area to manage infected wounds and syphilis.
2. Devdaru Paste
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Devdaru paste.
b. Apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 1-2 hours.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to control itching, inflammation, pain and swelling.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Devdaru trees are native to the western Himalayas in Eastern Afghanistan and Northern Pakistan.However in India, it is mainly found in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh states and the Darjeeling Region of West Bengal occurring at 1,500–3,200 m(4,921–10,499 ft) altitude.
Modern Science View
Devdaru wood is widely used in the construction of buildings, bridges, canals, railway sleepers, carriages and poles. It is also used widely for making storage vats for beer, packing cases, items of furniture and musical instruments[12].
Modern Science View
Yes, Devdaru may be useful in managing chronic asthma. Devdaru has been used as an anti-asthmatic due to its antispasmodic activity[3][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Devdaru may be useful in managing flatulence. The wood of Devdaru tree has carminative property due to which it helps in expelling gas[3][5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Devdaru gives relief in flatulence and keeps digestion healthy because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It helps to digest food easily and prevents the formation of gas.
Modern Science View
Yes, Devdaru may be useful in managing ulcers. Devdaru oil has antiulcer and anti-secretory properties. It reduces the production of gastric fluid, acidity and increases the pH of gastric fluids. Devdaru also protects the inner lining of the stomach from ulceration and inflammation[2][5][6].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Devdaru in eye diseases, however, it has traditionally been used in allergic eye conditions like conjunctivitis[9].
Ayurvedic View
Eye diseases such as watery eyes or itching, generally occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Devdaru helps to manage these conditions due to its Kapha balancing property. It helps in quick healing due to its Ropan (healing) property when applied in the form of Anjana (kajal) in the eyes.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Devdaru in ear pain.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Devdaru is useful in ear pain which generally occurs due to an imbalanced Vata dosha. The Ushna (hot) property of Devdaru helps to balance the Vata dosha and thus provides relief from ear pain.
Modern Science View
Yes, Devdaru can be used to control diabetes as it has antidiabetic activity. It lowers the blood glucose levels and activates the insulin receptors to absorb the blood sugar and thus controls diabetes[10].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Devdaru help control diabetes, which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha and disturbs the insulin level in the body. Vata and Kapha balancing properties of Devdaru helps to manage insulin levels and reduces the symptoms of diabetes.
Modern Science View
Yes, topical application of Devdaru oil can be used to manage fever as it helps to lower down the body temperature by increasing sweating which is known as its diaphoretic property[13][15].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Devdaru may be good for the skin. In traditional medicine, Devdaru oil is useful in managing skin diseases, skin rashes, boils and ulcers. Also, applying Devdaru oil may give relief from headache and rheumatic pain[7][8].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, in traditional medicine Devdaru oil or gum may be useful in managing pruritus (chronic itching)[2][1][7].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Devdaru oil may be useful in managing headache[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Devdaru oil can help in wound healing as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It reduces the inflammation at the wound site and thus prevents infection in the wound[11].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Devdaru can help in wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) property. It promotes quick healing of the wound and provides normal-healthy-looking skin.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Devdaru in leprosy, however, it has traditionally been used in leprosy since ancient times[14].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Devdaru can be used in the condition of leprosy. Leprosy is a condition which generally occurs due to an imbalance of all three doshas and results in excessive dryness, itching and sometimes burning on the skin. The Vata-Kapha balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties of Devdaru help provides moisture to the skin and prevents it from further damage. It also heals skin due to its Ropan (healing) properties, thus provides relief from this condition.
Modern Science View
Devdaru oil has various benefits. Topical application of Devdaru oil helps manage skin disorders due to its antifungal property. It has an anti-inflammatory property due to which it can be used in problems such as inflammations and arthritis. Apart from this, it is also used in dyspepsia, insomnia, cough, fever, urinary discharges, bronchitis, itching, leucoderma, eye inflammation and piles[11].
Ayurvedic View
Devdaru oil is beneficial in managing certain skin problems such as inflammation, wrinkles, acne or any infection which generally occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. The Vata-Kapha balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties of Devdaru helps to prevent dry skin. It promotes quick healing of skin due to its Ropan (healing) properties.
References
- Sharma A, Prashar B, Arora P, et al. Cedrus Deodara: a medicinal herb.Int J Curr Res.2018;10(2):65758-65762.
- Chaudhary AK, Ahmad S, Mazumder A.Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud.: A review on its ethnobotany, phytochemical and pharmacological profile.Phcog J.2011;3(23):1-6.
- L Singh P, Tripathi K, Yadav RB et al.Devdara (Cedrus deodara (ROXB.) loud.) a critical review on the medicinal plant.Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research.2014;2(1):1-10.
- Sekhar AV, Gandhi DN, Rao NM et al.An experimental and clinical evaluation of anti-asthmatic potentialities of devadaru compound (DC).Indian J Physiol Pharmacol.2003;47(1):101-107.
- Parveen R, Azmi MA, Tariq RM et al.Determination of antifungal activity of Cedrus deodara root oil and its compounds against Candida albicans and aspergillus fumigatus.Pakistan J Bot.2010;42(5):3645-3649.
- Kumar A, Singh V, Chaudhary AK.Gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activities of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. in Wistar rats.J Ethnopharmacol.2011;134(2):294-297.
- Zhang JM, Shi XF, Ma QH et al.Chemical constituents from pine needles of cedrus deodara.Chem Nat Compd.2011;47(2):272-274.
- Kumar M, Paul Y, Anand VK.An Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the locals in Kishtwar , Jammu and Kashmir , India.J Ethnobiol Ethnomed.2009;13:1240-1256.
- Kanaujia S, Vishwanath, Fiaz S.Standardization of an ayurvedic herbal eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis. International Journal of Advanced Research.2015.3(10):494-499.
- Jain S, Jain A, Malviya N, et al.Antidiabetic Activity of Cedrus deodara Aqueous Extract and Its Relationship with Its Antioxidant Properties.Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology .2014;1:187–194.
- Gupta S, Walia A, Malan R.Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Cedrus deodara: An overview. IJPSR.2011;2(8):2010-2020.
- Verma V.Textbook Of Economic Botany.Ane Books Pvt Ltd. 2009.
- Kapoor LD.Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants: Herbal Reference.CRC Press.2000.
- Sinha D.A review on phytochemical, ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and antimicrobial importance of Cedrus deodara (Roxb. Ex D. Don) G. Don. International Journal of Green Pharmacy.2019;13(1):1-12.
- 15. Chaudhary AK, Ahmad S, Mazumder A. Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud.: A Review on its Ethnobotany, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile.Pharmacognosy Journal.2011;3(23):12-17.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.