The land of the gods — Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan region — is home to Devdar, a tree as noble as the gods themselves, reaching heights of 200–250 feet, truly divine in stature.
Its Sanskrit name, Bhadradaru, points to its auspicious, excellent nature. Conical when viewed from above, this 200–250 foot tree is grand and beautiful. It begins to bear fruit only after 30–40 years, and can live for 100 to 200 years, growing stronger the older it gets. Being rich in oil, its wood is smooth and glossy, and its fragrant oil makes it all the more pleasant.
Devdar is put to many uses. It is commonly used as sacred wood (samidha) in yagna, homa and havan rituals, while its strong timber graces the furniture of the wealthy. The turpentine oil extracted from it has countless uses, from paints onward, and burning it as incense fragrances the surrounding air. Given how valuable it is in every respect, Devdar deserves to be cultivated much more widely. It has survived in our forests for centuries, but deforestation driven by material demands is steadily reducing its numbers — sad news for all of us. If the government were to plant it with a long-term, even commercial, outlook, it may not benefit us today, but a hundred or two hundred years from now, our fourth or fifth generation — if the right values survive — will surely remember and bless us for it. Those who think only of today forget that the mango tree whose fruit we enjoy was not planted by us.
Known by its Latin name Cedrus Deodara, this entirely Indian tree has always been a favourite among Ayurvedic physicians (Vaidyas) for its medicinal properties. Being Vata-destroying and possessing Stanya-shodhan action (purifying defects in breast milk), it is a true blessing especially for women after childbirth.
Light (laghu) and unctuous (snigdha) in quality, and bitter in taste, it is mainly the bark of Devdar that is used medicinally. It is hot (ushna) in nature and pungent in its post-digestive effect.
Considering its range of actions, Devdar reduces swelling, relieves pain (Vedana-sthapak), is Kushtaghna (clears skin disorders), pacifies Kapha, promotes wound healing (Vranaropan), destroys parasites (Krimi-nashak), stimulates the heart, and being fragrant, helps expel Kapha while removing its foul odour.
Devdar also performs Lekhan karma (a scraping action that reduces excess tissue), making it useful in obesity-related conditions. Its Kushtaghna property helps clear various skin disorders, and being Swedajanan (sweat-inducing), it is used both externally and internally in feverish conditions.
Uses:
- For Urustambha (stiffness of the thigh) — Grind Devdar and apply it as a warm paste.
- For Kaphaj Galgand (Kapha-type goitre) — Grind Devdar together with the roots of Indravaruni in water and apply as a paste.
- For women after childbirth — A decoction prepared from Devdar, cinnamon (Taj), Kuth, long pepper (Pipar), dry ginger (Sunth), Kayaphal, Nagarmoth, Kariyatu, Kadu, coriander (Dhana), Harde, Gajpipar, Bhoringani, Gokhru, Dhamaso, Ativisha, Guduchi (Gado), Bael (Bili) and Shahajiru, given to a postpartum woman, benefits colic pain, breathlessness, cough, fever, excess Kapha, thirst, diarrhoea and vomiting.
- For Sthoulya (obesity) — Since Devdar performs Lekhan karma, drinking a decoction of its bark and applying an Udvartan (rubbing massage) of its fine powder helps reduce excess body fat and obesity. Dietary discipline (pathya) alongside this is equally essential.
- For fever (Jwar) — Being Swedajanan (sweat-inducing), it lowers body temperature. Grinding Devdar and applying it as a paste over the whole body, along with drinking its decoction, quickly induces sweating, which brings relief from intense heat and discomfort. Being Aama-digesting, it is also beneficial in curing fever.
What is Devdar (Cedrus Deodara)?
Devdar is a large, fragrant tree growing in the Himalayan region, whose wood and bark have been used as medicine in Ayurveda for centuries. It is also known as “Bhadradaru”.
What are the main medicinal properties of Devdar?
Devdar has Kapha-pacifying, wound-healing, anti-parasitic, heart-stimulating and Kushtaghna (skin-disease-clearing) properties.
How is Devdar used for weight loss?
Devdar performs “Lekhan karma”, meaning it helps reduce excess body fat. Drinking a decoction of its bark and applying Udvartan (rubbing the fine powder on the body) helps reduce obesity.
How is Devdar useful for skin diseases?
Its Kushtaghna property helps clear various types of skin disorders, and due to its Swedajanan (sweat-inducing) quality, it is also used both externally and internally in feverish conditions.
In what other conditions is Devdar used?
Devdar is used along with other herbs in Urustambha (thigh stiffness), Kaphaj Galgand (goitre), and in decoctions prepared for women after childbirth.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
307, 3rd Floor, Shalin Complex, Above Farki Lassi, Krishnabaug Char Rasta, Maninagar, Ahmedabad – 380008
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