“Shirisho Vishaghnanam” — Acharya Charak also described Shirish as a Vishaghna (poison-destroying) herb. Among the ten different classical Vishaghna substances, Shirish is considered the best. Since ancient times, Shirish has been used to counter poison, and this practice is still very common in villages and tribal areas even today. In India, the Shirish tree (also called “Sarasado”) is found almost everywhere, and it is frequently planted under government afforestation projects as well. Because it stays green year-round and its dense leaves give lovely shade, Shirish is widely planted in many places.
Of its two types — black and white Shirish — the black variety is the one used as a Vishaghna (anti-poison) remedy. This medium-sized tree, 10 to 20 feet tall, blooms beautifully when its yellow flowers appear. Its half-a-foot to one-foot-long, maroon-coloured pods contain 8 to 10 seeds, and these seeds are where the highest concentration of Vishaghna property is found.
The botanical name of Shirish is Albezia lebbeck. Its seeds, bark, and flowers are all used medicinally.
Properties (Gunakarma): Shirish is light, dry, and sharp (tikshna) in quality. In taste it is astringent, bitter, and somewhat sweet as well, and it has a mildly heating nature.
Since it is used mostly in situations where it is readily available on hand, Shirish is generally used fresh. Also, since poisoning incidents and venomous-creature bites are much rarer in cities, ready-made formulations of it are not commonly found there.
“Rase Shirishpushpasya saptaham marichama sitam / Bhavitam sarpadrushtanam nastha panamange hitam” — A powder of white pepper, prepared by giving it seven rounds of bhavana (levigation) with the juice of Shirish flowers, when used as Nasya (nasal drops), taken orally, and applied as an eye-collyrium, helps counter snake venom. This suggests that Shirish has perhaps found its widest historical use specifically for snakebite.
Various historical applications (for snake venom):
- Fresh juice (Swaras) – The juice extracted from fresh, green Shirish leaves was given repeatedly, one cup at a time. If vomiting needed to be induced, a large quantity of the juice was given at once, and if needed, powdered Mindhan or Reetha (soap-nut) water was added to it to bring on vomiting more quickly.
- Powder (Churna) – The inner-bark powder of Shirish was given in doses of 1 teaspoon, or the seed powder in doses of 1 to 2 grams. Ghee was considered the best accompanying substance (anupana) for snake venom, so giving about 10 grams of the powder along with roughly 100 grams of ghee was considered beneficial.
- Decoction (Kwath) – A decoction of the inner bark of Shirish, in doses of around 6 grams (with seed powder in doses of 1 to 2 grams), was considered especially useful for this purpose. There is also a classical reference to using Shirish bark for Kuchla (nux vomica) poisoning. For rat poison too, texts mention giving 1 to 2 grams of Shirish bark powder repeatedly with ghee.
In short, since Shirish, used as a Vishaghna remedy, was believed to remove various types of poison-related toxins (Visha-Aam) as well as blood impurities from the body, it was included in many classical formulations.
Today, the various side effects of allopathic medicines are, in a sense, also a kind of toxic state within the body. It is possible that Shirish could show its poison-countering ability in this area as well, though there is certainly scope for research in that direction — and with the blessings of Lord Dhanvantari, a beginning could certainly be made in this field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main medicinal action of Shirish (Albezia lebbeck)?
Acharya Charak counted Shirish among the ten best classical Vishaghna (poison-countering) substances — its seeds, bark, and flowers were traditionally used to counter poisoning.
How was Shirish traditionally used for snakebite?
The juice of fresh, green Shirish leaves was extracted and given to drink, or a powder made by levigating white pepper powder with the juice of Shirish flowers was used as Nasya, taken orally, and applied as an eye-collyrium.
Can this traditional home remedy be relied upon in case of a snakebite or poisoning?
No. A snakebite or any poisoning is a life-threatening emergency — a traditional remedy like Shirish is shared here for historical information only. The safest and most effective step, without any loss of time after a bite, is to go immediately to the nearest hospital for anti-venom treatment.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
307, 3rd Floor, Shalin Complex, Above Farki Lassi, Krishnabaug Char Rasta, Maninagar, Ahmedabad – 380008
Timings: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM | Saturday–Sunday: Closed
📍 Clinic Location — Google Maps