Deodar (Devadaru (Cedrus deodara))
Deodar, also known as Himalayan cedar, is a tall evergreen tree traditionally used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and respiratory benefits.
Botanical name: Cedrus deodara. Also known as: Devadaru, Devakashtha, Devadruma, Saptapatrika, Suradruma, Suradaru, Daru, Bhadradaaru, Daruka, Devahvaa, Amarataru, Amaradaru, Surataru, Surabhuruha, Devdar, Deodar, Devdaar, Himalayan cedar, Deodar cedar, Devadaru, Devadaram, Devadar, Devdaar, Beyar, Debdar, Cedro del Himalaya, cedro de la India, Cedro dell'Himalaia, Devdar, Deodar.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Expectorant, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective
Dosage
Bark powder: 1-5 g. Decoction (Kashaya): 50-100 ml in divided doses per day. Oil: 30 to 40 drops. Heartwood powder: 1-1.5 gm.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Vedanasthapana (analgesic)
- Kasahara (anti-cough)
- Swasahara (anti-asthmatic)
- Lekhana (scraping - helps to reduce excess Kapha and Meda)
Traditional uses
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Cough
- Cold
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Acne
- Skin infections
- Wounds
- Neurological disorders
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: decreasing
Preparation methods
- Decoction (Kashaya): Boil a tablespoon of Devadaru heartwood in two cups of water, reduce to half a cup, filter, and administer lukewarm.
- Powder: The bark can be powdered for internal or external use.
- Oil: Extracted from the bark and wood through hydro/steam distillation. The wood is chopped into small pieces, ground into powder, and then steam distilled.
- Paste: The powder can be mixed with water or rose water to make a paste for external application.
Contraindications
- Avoid Deodar during early pregnancy due to its potential emmenagogue effect.
- Deodar can irritate the kidneys. Use cautiously in individuals with kidney issues.
- Consult an Ayurvedic physician before using Deodar internally if you have liver disease.
- Avoid cedarwood oil inhalation in severe asthma without supervision due to potential bronchial sensitivity.
- May cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis if applied undiluted. Perform a patch test before topical use.
- Excessive internal use of bark powder (>6 g/day) may cause nausea and diarrhea.
- The sedative effect of cedarwood oil may potentiate CNS depressants; adjust concomitant dosage accordingly.
- It is advisable to use Deodar under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, especially if you have known allergies or are taking medications for inflammatory, respiratory, digestive, or skin conditions.
Side effects
- No side effects have been recorded when Deodar is used in the correct proportion.
- Generally safe in recommended doses.
- Excessive internal use of bark powder (>6 g/day) may cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea).
- May cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis if applied undiluted. Always dilute to 5-10% in a carrier oil to prevent dermatitis.
- Deodar can irritate the kidneys in larger doses. Small doses can promote circulation to the kidneys and urination in kidney disease.
- Potential emmenagogue effect—avoid during early pregnancy.
Interactions
- Analgesic: If the mechanism of pain relief is narcotic, do not combine with antihistamines.
- Antidepressant: Do not combine with antihistamines.
- Decongestant: For decongestants whose mechanism is vasoconstriction, could potentially increase blood pressure.
- Diuretic: Diuretics may clear pharmaceutical drugs more quickly, lowering the effect. Avoid if taking water pills or pharmaceutical diuretics.
- Muscle-relaxant: The sedative effect of cedarwood oil may potentiate CNS depressants; adjust concomitant dosage accordingly.
- Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Clinical evidence
Limited robust clinical trials exist, though both historical texts and modern studies highlight its potential. A small clinical trial reported symptom improvement in mild osteoarthritis with topical cedarwood oil. An observational study noted that inhalation of Devadaru steam alleviated nasal congestion and bronchospasm in a majority of participants. Preliminary clinical studies suggest its potential as a natural analgesic agent.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Vedanasthapana (analgesic)
- Kasahara (anti-cough)
- Swasahara (anti-asthmatic)
- Lekhana (scraping - helps to reduce excess Kapha and Meda)
Classical clinical indications
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Cough
- Cold
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Acne
- Skin infections
- Wounds
- Neurological disorders