In my clinical practice and personal experience, I have often found safe, effective and relatively inexpensive natural and alchemical medicines a good therapeutic alternative to the use of expensive pharmaceutical drugs with their frequent side-effects.
Arjuna (terminalia arjuna) has long been prescribed in Ayurveda, India’s 5,000 year old traditional medical system, to promote heart health (preventive) and to treat heart and blood vessel diseases (curative). Not only have its positive effects been noted by Ayurvedic doctors and their patients over centuries, but many of Arjuna’s medicinal benefits have been validated using modern scientific and medical research.
To reiterate, Arjuna bark has numerous significant uses in Ayurvedic medical practice. However, it is principally prescribed: 1) as a heart tonic because of its cardio-protective and cardio-strengthening properties and 2) to treat numerous cardiovascular diseases, such as:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dyslipidemia (abnormal concentrations of lipids or lipoproteins in the blood)
- Hypercholesterolemia (excess cholesterol in the blood)
- Arteriosclerosis (narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries)
- Angina Pectoris
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Post Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
According to historical records, the herb was named after Arjuna, the famous warrior of the Indian epic The Mahabharata. One source summarizes Arjuna’s character as follows:
“By virtue of his inner purity and his loyalty to Lord Krishna, Arjuna had the fortune of receiving the divine knowledge of the Bhagavad-Gita. In the Mahabharata war he played a very crucial role by slaying such warriors as Bhishma, Karna, Dronacharya and Jayadhrata. The character of Arjuna symbolizes purity, integrity, loyalty and valor. He had many temptations and dilemmas in his life but always chose to remain on the side of God and with his brothers in their trials and tribulations.” (https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/arjuna.asp)
Special qualities have been attributed to the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects of the heart over millennia, in traditional spiritual and medical systems worldwide. In The Yoga of Herbs, Drs. Frawley and Lad note:
“On a psychological level, Arjuna gives courage and strengthens the will, fortifying our heart to accomplish our true goals in life.”
The health of the heart and circulatory system depends first and foremost on good nutrition, regular exercise and psycho-social factors. In addition, the Indian herb Arjuna should be considered by anyone who understands the value of providing additional protection to their heart and circulatory system. And do not forget the positive spiritual, mental and emotional effects with which this herb has been historically credited.
Please note this article is for educational purposes only and is no substitute for individualized diagnosis and treatment by a competent Ayurvedic practitioner.
We also suggest you consult your primary physician before incorporating Arjuna into your regular routine, particularly if you have a serious medical condition, are currently taking pharmaceutical medications, or are pregnant or nursing.
To your health — spiritual, mental, emotional and physical!
Joseph Michael Contrada, Heilpraktiker
Nutritional and Herbal Therapies
Western Alchemical Medicines (Spagyric, Homeopathic, Anthroposophic)
Esoteric Christianity and Spiritual Healing
Daoist Alchemy and Medical Qi Gong
Yoga, Ayurveda and Pranic Healing
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