Karveer (Nerium indicum), commonly known as Oleander, is a significant medicinal plant in Ayurveda. Known for its potent medicinal properties, it is widely used with caution due to its high toxicity. Karveer is revered for its uses in skin disorders, inflammation, and pain management, but it must be handled carefully due to the plant’s toxic nature.

1. Botanical Name

• Nerium indicum

2. Family

• Apocynaceae

3. Description

Karveer is a small, evergreen shrub with dark green, lance-shaped leaves and showy flowers. The flowers are typically red, pink, or white and have a strong fragrance. Every part of the plant, particularly the roots and leaves, contains a potent poison.

4. Occurrence

Karveer grows widely across tropical and subtropical regions, including India, the Mediterranean, and parts of Southeast Asia. It flourishes in well-drained soils and sunny environments.

5. Chemical Constituents

The primary active compounds include:

• Cardiac glycosides: Oleandrin, neriin
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, rutin
• Triterpenoids: Oleanolic acid
• Saponins and Tannins

These constituents contribute to Karveer’s strong medicinal properties, but also make it toxic.

6. Guna (Properties)

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
• Guna (Quality): Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna (hot)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent)

7. Uses in Ayurveda

Karveer is used in carefully regulated doses due to its toxic nature. Its primary uses include:

• Skin disorders: Effective in treating eczema, ringworm, and other skin conditions.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces joint pain and inflammation.
• Antimicrobial: Acts against various bacterial and fungal infections.
• Cardiac uses: Due to its cardiac glycosides, it has applications in stimulating heart activity (used only under strict medical supervision).

8. Mode of Action

Karveer’s action is primarily driven by its cardiac glycosides, which have a profound effect on heart muscles. These compounds also exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, making Karveer useful in treating skin and joint conditions. Its bitterness and sharp properties help dry excess Kapha and are thus used to treat skin and respiratory disorders.

9. Home Remedies

Due to Karveer’s high toxicity, home remedies are generally not recommended. Traditional use in remedies is strictly regulated and should be supervised by an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner.

10. Dosage

Karveer should be used with extreme caution. Only trained practitioners should prescribe its dosage and form of use.

• External Use: Commonly applied in paste or oil form for skin conditions.
• Internal Use: Rarely used internally, and only in minute amounts within specialized formulations under strict medical supervision.

11. Caution

• Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic, particularly if ingested without proper processing.
• Pregnancy and Children: Not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or children.
• Heart Conditions: Due to its impact on cardiac function, it should not be used by individuals with heart conditions without guidance.
• Handling: Avoid direct contact with the skin, as it may cause irritation or an allergic reaction.

In summary, Karveer’s potent medicinal properties make it a powerful, yet dangerous plant in Ayurveda. While its therapeutic benefits for skin and inflammation are acknowledged, it must be handled with utmost care and used only under professional guidance to avoid severe toxicity risks