Arjun tree: Facts, uses, toxicity and care of Terminalia Arjuna

The Arjun tree, Terminalia arjuna, is indigenous to the Indian Subcontinent, and it is commonly found near marshes. The Arjun tree is a member of the Combretaceae family and can attain a height of 55-80 feet. It also produces beautiful flowers on panicle spikes. The fruit of the tree is a fibrous-woody drupe measuring between 2.5 and five centimetres in length. The Arjun tree blooms from May to June, and its fruit matures from January to March.

Table of Contents

Arjun tree: Key facts

Common name	Arjun tree, Arjuna
Botanical name	Terminalia arjuna
Height	35 metres
Family	Combretaceae
Sun	Direct
Soil	Loamy, black soil

Arjun tree: Physical description

Arjuna is a huge deciduous tree with an expansive canopy and sagging branches. It reaches a maximum height of 35 metres. Its bark is coarse, grey to pinkish green, smooth, thin, and peels off in uneven strips.

The leaves are often sub-opposite, 10–15 cm long, and four to seven cm broad, with a base that is rounded or heart-shaped and frequently asymmetrical, with reticulate veins. Flowers are sessile and appear in spikes that may be simple or panicled.

Calyx has five small triangular lobes and is glabrous. The fruit is a fibrous-woody drupe between 2.5 and five cm in length. It is maturely dark brown and has five firm, protruding, veined wings.

Flowering occurs between May and June, while fruit maturity occurs between January and March.

Arjun tree: How to propagate?

Collect the fruit’s seeds. For optimal results, ensure that the seeds used to establish an Arjun tree are fresh.
In India, the greatest season to propagate this tree is during the summer.
Soak the seeds for three to four hours in water. This will soften the outside layer, facilitating germination.
Now, put the seeds in a container filled with potting mix that drains nicely. Additionally, you can sow the seeds directly in the garden.
Make sure the seeds receive ample moisture and light.
There will be germination in four to eight weeks.
Remember that young seedlings are sensitive to dehydration throughout both the germination and development stages.

Arjun tree: Care tips

Arjun tree: Sunlight requirements

The tree prefers direct sunshine and will flourish there. Choose a location in the garden that receives a minimum of four to six hours of direct sunlight for growing this plant. The more light it receives, the greater its growth will be. Avoid selecting a shady location, as it can inhibit development.

Arjun tree: Soil requirements

The Arjun tree thrives in loamy alluvial or black cotton soil. Choose a growing medium that is loose, wet, fertile, well-drained, and has a high water-holding capacity. Its native habitat consists of riverbanks, streams, and ravines. The tree also survives in open, sunny locations with low precipitation. Nonetheless, it will thrive on ordinary garden soil.

Arjun tree: Watering requirements

If the topsoil of a young Arjun tree feels slightly dry to the touch, water it. Do not regularly water the plant.

Arjun tree: Fertiliser requirements

At the time of planting, amend the soil with an abundance of organic matter, vermicompost, and cow manure to stimulate its growth. Once every seven to ten weeks, use a balanced liquid fertiliser to help it flourish. Additionally, maintain the surrounding area free of weeds.

Arjun tree: Diseases and pests

These trees are susceptible to aphid attacks on their vulnerable leaves, which create galls. This issue can be controlled by spraying neem oil solution or biopesticides like Azadirachtin. Avoid over-watering the plant and soaking the leaves to prevent most infections.

Source: Pinterest

Arjun tree: Harvesting

Arjun trees should be harvested during the months of April and May as it is the dry season. To harvest these trees, cut the thick bark and remove its outer layer for use. Leave the inner and middle layers for regeneration. Make sure to leave the bark in equal portions so that it can be harvested during the next season.

Arjun tree: Post-harvesting techniques

These are the three steps to follow once you’ve harvested the bark from an Arjun tree.

Cut the collected bark into many pieces and leave it to dry in a shaded area under the sun.
Pack the dried bark in airtight bags, preferably made of poly or nylon, to prevent moisture from getting in.
Once dried and packed, you can store this bark for up to 6-12 months in a godown or warehouse. Keep in mind that cold storage is not recommended for Arjuna tree bark.

Arjun tree: Uses

Arjuna has astringent properties that cleanse the blood. Its homeostatic characteristics alleviate bleeding situations and reduce pitta aggravation.
In females, it can support the uterus and control the menstrual cycle. It is administered for various hormonal abnormalities, fibroids, cysts, and endometriosis. This herb can help alleviate menorrhagia-related excessive bleeding.
Arjuna effectively balances the Kapha and pitta doshas within the body. This aids in the healing of wounds and ulcers.

It has therapeutic effects on the respiratory system. It helps maintain clear airways and aids in the battle against major lung diseases.
This herb is most recognised for its cholesterol-lowering properties. Beneficial for those with atherosclerosis, in which cholesterol plaques obstruct arteries at one or more locations.
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial are some of its therapeutic characteristics.
Arjuna reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It strengthens and tones the heart muscles and promotes appropriate heart function. In addition to its antihypertensive properties, the Arjuna tree helps lower high blood pressure.

Arjun plant: Benefits for heart

Among the several benefits of this tree is its ability to boosts heart health. The plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine and commonly recommended for treating disorders caused due to the deficiency of Kapha, Pitta, and Vitta. It is considered a powerful tonic for heart health and cardioprotective herb. The tree has properties that help strengthen the cardiac muscles, enhance circulation of coronary artery blood flow and prevents the heart muscles from ischemic damage. Moreover, it helps control the blood pressure by dilating and relaxing the blood vessels.

Arjun plant: Benefits for skin

The Arjuna tree’s bark is the mainly used component for therapeutic purposes and known to have several skin benefits. According to Ayurveda, hyperpigmentation is linked with aggravated Pitta dosha in the body, occuring due to heat and sun rays, and hormonal imbalances. Arjuna tree bark has pitta balancing properties that aid in reducing tanning and pigmentation.

Moreover, the bark extract is also used for its anti-ageing properties. Its antioxidant properties helps prevent skin from getting damaged by free radicals, promotes regeneration of skin cells, hydrates the skin and enhances its elasticity. Moreover, the extract also has potential in thinning and sagging of the skin.

Furthermore, the extract of Arjuna tree bark is safe for treating acne, pimples and other skin problems. It reduces inflammation owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Acnes usually occur due to excess oil production in the skin. The astringent properties cause the contraction of skin cells and reduce acne.

Arjun tree: Toxicity

Arjuna plant extract, the primary ingredient in Arjunarishta, can cause liver toxicity and hypothyroidism if consumed in excess.

FAQs

Is arjuna beneficial to the liver?

Studies reveal that the hepatoprotective effect of Arjuna bark helps protect the liver and improve its function.

Is Arjuna bark beneficial for the skin?

Arjuna bark extract lowers transepidermal water loss, enhances skin hydration, reduces scaliness, and greatly enhances skin suppleness.

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