What can you use Akarkara for?

August 2026 update by Wow Herbs Team | 9 minutes read

Akarkara or Pellitory Root is one of the more unique roots mentioned in Ayurveda that is identifiable by the abnormal tingling or numbing effect on the tongue and gums. It is not a defect in the herb but rather a part of its traditional applications where Akarkara has been used for a long time to relieve oral discomfort and where its traditional qualities of circulation, energy and nerve tone are more than evident and can be applied outside the oral cavity.

The root is used medicinally, depending on the traditional use and is prepared as powder, decoction or chewed in small pieces, as it is native to the Mediterranean area and North Africa but has been used extensively in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for many years. Here we explore what exactly Akarkara is good for, the science behind its unique ingredient, all of its traditional uses and how to use it safely, and how to purchase it properly.

Akarkara is the Compound Science!

The unique experience of smell and reputation of Akarkara is attributed to a certain active compound that is present in a higher concentration in its root.

Pellitorine (an Alkylamide): The main active ingredient which gives Akarkara its characteristic tingling and warming feeling. Pellitorine is part of a group of compounds known as alkylamides, compounds that are used in research because of their local circulatory and nerve-stimulating properties, which are thought to underlie the traditional use of Akarkara as a remedy for oral discomfort as well as its reputation for circulatory activity.

Essential Oils: Akarkara root contains aromatic essential oil compounds that bring its unique taste and is now traditionally linked to enhancing its warming and stimulating actions.

Inulin and Other Constituents: In smaller quantities, these constituents add to the overall traditional use of the root as a warming, invigorating herb in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine.

Akarkara Benefits — What is It Good For?

2. Periodontal Health and Regeneration

This is a traditional use that is most specific and most ancient for Akarkara. Chewing a little part of the root or using the preparation to the gums gives a characteristic tingling and slight numbness which is used for the relief of toothache and oral discomfort, both in Ayurvedic and Unani traditional dental practice.

Increased salivation and digestive stimulation.

The pellitorine content of Akarkara is traditionally attributed to stimulating saliva production, and in ayurvedic philosophy, saliva relates to the early phase of digestion, hence the secondary traditional use of Akarkara as a mild digestive stimulant.

3. Circulatory Support

The circulatory effect, a hallmark of Pellitorine's local warming properties, is the key to Akarkara's wider traditional use for promoting healthy circulation, which has been featured in formulations designed for general circulation.

4. Male Vitality and Reproductive Health

Akarkara is also very renowned for its medicinal value and has been used traditionally in both Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for boosting male vitality and reproductive health, and is commonly added to traditional formulations along with other herbs that enhance male vitality, such as Ashwagandha or White Musli.

5. Nervous System Support

In classical ayurvedic philosophy, Akarkara was thought to have a mildly stimulating, tonic action, useful for nervous system function and alertness.

6. Speaking and Vocalising voice.

The older and more specific traditional use is the association of Akarkara with supporting the clarity of the voice and speech, commonly used by reciters and orators of traditional speech, who were more inclined to use traditional wellness practices involving the throat and mouth.

A general warming and invigorating tonic is used.

In addition to its specific indications, Akarkara is traditionally considered a warming, invigorating herb and is used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine to combat overall coldness, lethargy, or lack of energy.

How to avoid being taken aback by Akarkara?

Akarkara is a strong, unique herb and there are a couple of groups who should be extra careful:

Pregnant women: Akarkara should not be used during pregnancy; however, there is no specific recommendation to avoid use during pregnancy.
People with mouth ulcers or sensitive oral tissues: Due to the warming and stimulating effect, Akarkara could cause discomfort or irritation for those already suffering from mouth ulcers or sensitive gums.
Individuals taking blood pressure/circulatory medications: Individuals taking blood pressure/circulatory medications should consult their doctor before taking Akarkara.

First time users: begin with a very small quantity as the tingling is very strong and may be a surprise if you've never used the root before.
Children: Avoid use without the specific advice of a health care provider or qualified practitioner, as Akarkara tends to have a strong sensory effect and is traditionally not used by children.

What to Look for when buying Akarkara

Different brands can vary in the quality of Akarkara. Prior to purchasing, look for:

True sourcing of Anacyclus pyrethrum: Ensure that it is a true Akarkara root – characterised by the correct botanical name.
Fine, even texture—If purchasing powder form, this is a good sign that the roots have been processed to a fine, even consistency.
Purity and testing: Select brands that provide testing for contaminants and ensure there are no unnecessary fillers.
Transparency in sourcing: Transparency is good sourcing; reputable brands will make them known about growing region and processing.
New, sealed packaging: If the herb has a particular property that depends on the intensity of its active ingredients, such as its 'herbal' property, the freshness of the packaging can be a quality indicator, as the herb may lose its potency over time.

For a quality tested one, visit Shop Akarkara at Wow Herbs.

How to Use Akarkara

If for comfort: chew a little of the root or apply a little powder to the affected gum part and enjoy the characteristic tingle — use a very small amount as it is potent.

Internal dose (powder): It is normally ¼ to ½ teaspoon and is taken with warm water or milk or as directed on the label as Akarkara is quite potent and should be taken in lesser quantity than other milder Ayurvedic powders.

Traditional decoction: Akarkara root can also be boiled in water to make a decoction which has been traditionally used for its wider circulatory and vitality-supporting properties.

Timing: It's typically consumed in the morning as part of a routine aimed at boosting overall vitality but may also be taken as needed if there is oral discomfort.

Use: Akarkara is usually taken for a period of several weeks for general vitality or for circulatory support, but not necessarily daily. If it is used on an as needed basis, it is usually used for oral discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Akarkara cause my mouth to tingle? This happens because upon contact with the mouth and gums, the root's main active compound, pellitorine, causes a characteristic warming, tingling and mildly numbing effect, which is a normal and expected response, and is the reason for the use of the herb for oral discomfort.

Does Akarkara equal Pellitory Root? Yes, the Hindi/Ayurvedic name is Akarkara and common English name is Pellitory Root or Pellitory of Spain, the same plant.

Is it possible to combine Akarkara with other herbs for vitality such as Ashwagandha or White Musli? Yes — Akarkara is a member of a group of herbs traditionally used for improving vitality in Ayurvedic preparations, and therefore is regarded as a tonic to the circulatory and nervous system, as well as to stamina.

Can Akarkara be eaten without being chewed? Chewing a small amount of the root as a traditional remedy for oral discomfort is safe in small amounts, though it can be a surprise for first-time users as this is quite a strong tingling sensation (so a little bit goes a long way).

Conclusion

This tingling doesn't exist as a side effect that needs to be overcome, rather, it is one of the mechanisms through which centuries of traditional use have been associated with oral comfort, circulation and vitality, both in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. Akarkara is one of the most unique and well-targeted root roots of traditional medicine, whether you're interested in its specific reputation for dental discomfort or its wider applications aimed at enhancing circulation and male vitality. When you're on the fence about giving it a try, check out Akarkara at Wow Herbs.

Welcome to WowHerbs, Akarkara is on offer for 10% off for the first time. Free delivery.

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If not for information only. Not a replacement for medical or dental advice and treatment. If pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication or with an oral health condition consult GP/dentist prior to use.