Herb · Asia
Oleander
Nerium indicum
Traditionally attributed effects: strongly diuretic and strengthens the heart (like digitalis), abortifacient.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Highly poisonous (all parts), only under expert supervision. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Highly poisonous (all parts), only under expert supervision. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Karavira. All parts of the oleander are highly poisonous because of cardiac glycosides; poisonings in humans and animals are common. In Ayurveda (karavira) the bark was used only externally for skin diseases. Yet it is a popular ornamental shrub around the Mediterranean.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Strongly diuretic and strengthens the heart (like digitalis), abortifacient; root paste for haemorrhoids and ulcers, oil for scaly skin diseases and leprosy, leaf juice in the eyes for eye inflammation, root powder for headache, leaf decoction against swellings.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: powder, oil, paste (partly external).
Caution: Highly poisonous (all parts), only under expert supervision. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Compress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen