Choraka (Angelica glauca / Angelica archangelica)

Common Names: Choraka, Sugandha, Himalayan Angelica, Chorak Root
Sanskrit Synonyms: Choraka, Sugandhā, Sugandha-vilāsa, Surabhi, Angalika
Family: Apiaceae
Part Used: Mūla (Root), Pañcāṅga (Whole plant)

Ayurvedic Pharmacology (Dravya Guṇa)

• Rasa (Taste): Kaṭu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)

• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Tikṣṇa (Sharp), Rukṣa (Dry)

• Virya (Potency): Uṣṇa (Hot)

• Vipāka (Post-digestive effect): Kaṭu (Pungent)

• Karma (Actions):
  Dīpana (Kindles digestive fire), Pācana (Removes Āma/toxins), Vātānulomana (Relieves flatulence), Kāsa-Śvāsahara (Alleviates cough & asthma), Hṛdya (Cardiotonic), Krimighna (Antimicrobial), Medohara (Reduces fat), Śothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Rasāyana (Rejuvenative for respiratory & digestive systems)

Doshic Action

Pacifies Vāta and Kapha doṣas, may slightly increase Pitta when overused.
Acts primarily on Annavaha srotas (digestive channel), Prāṇavaha srotas (respiratory system), and Rasavaha srotas (circulatory pathways).

Therapeutic Indications

Choraka is a Sugandhī dravya highly valued for its aromatic, stimulant, and expectorant qualities.
It enhances appetite, clears Āma, promotes circulation, and balances the respiratory tract.

It is beneficial in:

• Agnimāndya (Loss of appetite, indigestion)

• Āma-vāta (Rheumatic disorders, sluggish metabolism)

• Kāsa–Śvāsa (Cough, asthma, congestion)

• Śūla (Colic, abdominal pain)

• Gulma (Abdominal bloating, gas, and Vāta accumulation)

• Śotha (Inflammation, swelling)

• Hridaya-vikāra (Cardiac weakness)

• Śiro-rogas (Headache, sinus congestion, heaviness)

• Kṛśatā (Weakness, poor nourishment due to impaired digestion)

It is also used in Pañchakarma therapies to enhance Agni and purify the respiratory system.

Pharmacological Insights

Angelica glauca roots contain angelicin, furocoumarins, terpenoids, and essential oils that possess carminative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bronchodilatory actions.
Modern studies validate its digestive stimulant, antimicrobial, and respiratory relaxant effects, consistent with its Ayurvedic profile as a Dīpana–Pācana–Vātānulomana dravya.

Formulations & Classical Preparations

• Sugandhādi Cūrṇa – For appetite and digestive stimulation

• Chorakādi Kaṣāya / Kvātha – For respiratory congestion and indigestion

• Choraka Taila / Ghṛta – For topical and internal use in Vāta-Kapha disorders

• Hingvāṣṭaka Cūrṇa – Occasionally includes Choraka as aromatic adjunct

• Lepa / Dhoopana Dravyas – Used in herbal fumigation for sinus and respiratory clearing

Anupāna & Dose

• Cūrṇa (Powder): 1–3 g with warm water or honey before meals

• Kvātha (Decoction): 30–50 ml twice daily

• Taila (External): For nasal or chest application in congestion
  (Use under supervision of an Ayurvedic physician.)

Special Notes

• The term Choraka denotes “that which steals away obstruction,” referring to its ability to unblock srotas (channels) and relieve stagnation.

• Highly esteemed in Himalayan Ayurveda as a Vāta-Kapha-hara aromatic root.

• Used in Dhoopana (fumigation) and Anulomana (downward Vāta movement) therapies.

• Acts as both a digestive and respiratory tonic, promoting clarity, appetite, and vitality.

• Considered Sattvika Sugandhī dravya, uplifting mood and prāṇa.

Classical References

• Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu – Haritakyādi Varga

• Kaiyadeva Nighaṇṭu – Oṣadhi Varga

• Rāja Nighaṇṭu – Sugandhādi Varga

• Charaka Samhitā – Sūtra Sthāna (Deepanīya–Pācana Mahākāśaya references)

• Astāṅga Hridaya – Sūtra Sthāna (Vāta–Kapha Hara Dravyas)