What is Sharpunkha powder?
Sharpunkha powder is the dried, milled whole plant of Tephrosia purpurea, a small purple flowered legume that grows wild across dry Indian soil. Ayurveda classifies it as a bitter, astringent herb that reduces Kapha and Vata. Practitioners call the powdered form a churna, and they have used it for centuries.
Botanical identity
The plant belongs to the Fabaceae family, the same family as peas and beans. It grows as a low, spreading shrub with fine compound leaves and small purple-pink flowers. Ayurvedic practice uses the panchang, meaning the whole plant: tender twigs, leaves, flowers and root together.
Other names for Sharpunkha
Regional names cause a lot of confusion when people shop for this herb. Therefore it helps to know the alternatives before you buy.
| Language or context | Name |
|---|---|
| Botanical | Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. |
| Sanskrit | Sharapunkha, Plihashatru |
| Hindi | Sarphonka, Sarpunkha, Jhojharu |
| Tamil and Telugu | Vempali |
| Gujarati and Marathi | Sarapankho, Unhali |
| English | Purple tephrosia, wild indigo |
| Also sold as | Sharpunkha churna, Sarphonka powder |
How does Ayurveda describe Sharpunkha?
Classical Ayurveda places every herb on a grid of taste, potency and dosha effect. Sharpunkha sits in a well defined spot on that grid, so its traditional role follows from those properties rather than from any single benefit.
| Ayurvedic property | Classification |
|---|---|
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta and Kashaya, meaning bitter and astringent |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna, meaning warming |
| Dosha effect | Reduces Kapha and Vata |
| Part used | Panchang, the whole plant |
| Traditional form | Churna (powder), kwath (decoction), or external paste |
| Known constituents | Rotenoids including tephrosin and elliptone, plus rutin, sitosterol and related flavonoids |
What we will not claim about this herb
Five claims you will not read on this page
Classical texts associate Sharpunkha with the liver and spleen. However, we cannot repeat that as a product claim, and we will not. Schedule J of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 lists liver disorders, diabetes, cancer, and stones of the kidney and gall bladder. Consequently no product sold in India may claim to prevent or cure any of them.
So this page describes a herb, not a treatment. Sharpunkha powder is a traditional Ayurvedic single herb. It does not cure disease, it does not flush kidneys, it does not heal wounds, and it does not replace anything your doctor prescribed. If you are managing a diagnosed condition, please speak to a qualified practitioner instead of self treating.
How do you take Sharpunkha powder?
Ayurvedic practice uses small quantities of a bitter churna rather than large scoops. Start low, then hold steady.
Measure 1 to 3 grams
Roughly a quarter to half a level teaspoon. Begin at the lower end for the first week.
Mix with warm water
Buttermilk or warm milk soften the bitterness. Traditionally, honey suits it too.
Take it after food
Food buffers the stomach, so you avoid the mild irritation a bitter herb can cause.
Run it as a course
Ayurveda treats churnas as seasonal courses. Review with a practitioner after four to six weeks.
The traditional external paste
Ayurveda also uses Sharpunkha externally. To prepare it, mix the powder with rose water or plain water until it forms a smooth paste. Then apply a thin layer, leave it for 20 to 30 minutes, and rinse with cool water. Always patch test on your forearm first, because bitter herbs can irritate sensitive skin.
How do you judge good Sharpunkha powder?
Single herb powders get adulterated more often than capsules, because cheap leaf matter looks similar once milled. Fortunately, you can check four things yourself the moment the jar opens.
Colour
Expect a natural dull green, sometimes leaning grey or olive. Bright emerald green suggests added colour, so treat it as a warning sign.
Smell
A fresh, dry, grassy aroma is correct. Musty or damp smells point to poor storage, and no smell at all points to old stock.
Taste
Sharpunkha is genuinely bitter and astringent. If the powder tastes bland, it has probably been cut with filler.
Texture
Look for a fine, even mill with no grit or stalk fragments. Also check that it does not clump, since clumping means moisture got in.
Product specification
| Botanical source | Tephrosia purpurea, whole plant |
| Form | Fine powder (churna) |
| Net weight | 100 g |
| Added ingredients | None. No fillers, colours, flavours or preservatives. |
| Suitable for | Vegetarians and vegans |
| Typical serving | 1 to 3 g, once or twice daily after food |
| Jar duration | Roughly 5 to 8 weeks at 2 g twice daily |
| Storage | Keep it dry, cool and sealed. Use a dry spoon every time, because moisture spoils a churna quickly. |
| Shipping | India Post or DHL, 3 to 5 days, free on prepaid orders |
| Policies | Shipping and delivery · Returns and refunds · Contact support |
Who should avoid Sharpunkha powder?
Read this before you order. Human safety research on this herb is limited, so the sensible approach is caution rather than confidence.
- Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, and women who are breastfeeding. Safety data does not exist for these groups.
- Children and anyone under 18.
- Anyone with diagnosed liver disease. Do not self treat a liver condition with a herb. See a hepatologist instead.
- Anyone taking medication for diabetes. Ask your doctor first, because combined effects on blood sugar need monitoring.
- Anyone scheduled for surgery. Stop at least two weeks beforehand and tell your surgeon.
- Anyone on prescription medicine of any kind. Again, ask your doctor first.
- Do not exceed 3 g per serving. Tephrosia contains rotenoid compounds, and larger quantities have never been studied for safety in people.
- Stop immediately and seek advice if you notice nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness or a rash.
- Patch test on the forearm before you apply any paste to the face or to broken skin.
Frequently asked questions
Identity and sourcing
Taking it day to day
Claims and safety
Disclaimer: Sharpunkha powder is a traditional Ayurvedic single herb sold as a food grade botanical powder. It does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It replaces neither a balanced diet nor medicine your doctor prescribed. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic or medical practitioner before use, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a diagnosed condition, or taking prescription medicine.
Amit –
Good quality Sharpunkha Powder, pure and fresh.
Sakshi –
help improve digestion and reduce bloating
rachal –
The packaging was secure, and the product arrived in excellent condition.
Lasya –
A great herbal product
radha –
I’ve been using Sharpunkha Powder for a few weeks and the quality feels very natural and pure.
mahi –
amazing powder . it works great
Ayush Jain –
What I liked the most is it’s packaging and clean product
Prachi Rathore –
It works
Akshay Awasthi –
Very nice product thanks ultra healthcare
Vinod Dushing –
Just buy it.. it’s genuine and effective product
RAJEEV MONDAL –
It was very good and the results are awesome
Abhishek sen –
Product quality and quantity are good
ram –
Looking visually genuine product received
Bharti –
Good does the work
mohan –
Very effective
Ajay Jha –
Product is excellent
Anil kumar –
Looking visually genuine product received
manish awasthi –
Good quality beneficial for health
shyamal roy –
Good product Awesome organic powder
Makhana ghtiya hi . –
What I liked the most is it’s minimal packaging and clean product
manish awasthi –
Good quality beneficial for health
akhil saxena –
पैकिंग बहुत अच्छी है
Arzu Sharma –
Sharpunkha powder is really a very good powder because I was suffering from liver problem for a long time but ever since I started taking this powder So my problem is going away and I feel fit now and for this I thank Ultra Health Care.
Ritik Sharma –
Sharpunkha Powder is really good and amazing. I have almost tried to use it in every aspect and this is really doing wonders and working very fine and given unexpected results. I am really happy with the product and willing to purchase it again.
Prachi –
It works
Dinesh Kumar –
Very good product definitely…. thankyou for your good service
Goutam sur –
Very good product
Arjun gupta –
I’ve been dealing with fatty liver issues for a while, and after just a month of using Sharpunkha Powder, I feel incredible
Makhana ghtiya –
What I liked the most is it’s minimal packaging and clean product
Sumit –
Best product and good quality
Tushar –
Best quality products for hair growth and strength. worth the money and highly recommended
Mayank –
I’ve tried a number of synthetic supplements in the past that have never seemed to make a difference. I’ve been taking this liver Sharpunkha Powder or about 8 months now and it’s made a noticeable difference in energy, mood and sleep quality.
Ruchi –
Love this stuff. Lord knows I need my liver cleaned so I appreciate the quality of this product very much. Thank you and i will be back for more 🙏
Yogesh –
This is a wonderful product. I use this for my kidneys and it has cured me of a problem with leakage. And it never returned. I highly recommend.
Harpreet –
Fresh and finely ground powder. I am taking it as a part of my morning Ayurvedic concoction.
Pooja –
इस अच्छी आयुर्वेदिक दवा के लिए धन्यवाद।
subham –
Natural resource of this sharphunka helps me to make liver strong
mrinal –
this product helps me in kdney stone removal
Syam –
Natural resource of antioxidant and liver medicine