Varuna
Crateva nurvala · वरुण
Herbs & Roots. Ayurveda.
Also called Varuna tree, Barna
Sanskrit: वरुण (Varuna)
Limited human safety dataA tree from India whose bark is used in Ayurveda for urinary stones and urine problems.
Did you know? Varuna is named in classic Ayurvedic formulas for urinary stones, such as Varunadi vati, which is still sold today.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Kidneys, bladder & UTIs. Traditional use for urinary stones and urinary irritation. Human trials are missing.Traditional proof
- Inflammation. Lab studies show some anti-inflammatory action. Human evidence is lacking.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Ayurveda uses varuna bark for urinary stones, urine problems and swelling.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory. Energy: warming.
- Ayurveda
- Calms Vata and Kapha. Taste (rasa): bitter, astringent. Energy (virya): heating. After digestion (vipaka): pungent. Ashmarighna (breaks up stones), Mutrala (diuretic).
How people take it
Bark decoction or powder in tradition. No tested human dose is established.
Decoction, powder and capsule.
Where to get it
Grows in the dry and moist forests of India and nearby areas. Bark and roots are dried. Buy bark powder or Varunadi vati tablets from Ayurvedic brands.
Be careful
Few human safety studies exist. Avoid in pregnancy. People with kidney disease should not use it without a doctor's advice.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; kidney disease; children under 12.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are used together for urinary and kidney health in Ayurvedic practice.
- Works well together
The classic formula Varunadi vati pairs varuna with pashanbhed for urinary stones.
- Works well together
Varunadi vati also includes gokshura, a classic diuretic herb.
- Use cautionWater pills (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
If it has diuretic effects, it may add to water pills and cause low potassium or dehydration.
The honest take
Varuna is a traditional bark for urinary stones and urine problems. The stone-breaking claim rests on tradition and lab work, not trials. Many formula claims come from commercial sites, so treat them with caution.