Hapusa
Juniperus communis
Hapusa (Juniperus communis) is a plant drug, from the Cupressaceae family. Essential oil components (alpha-pinene, sabinene) show good lipophilic absorption. Co-formulation with lipid-based carriers or self-emulsifying systems can enhance terpenoid bioavailability.
| Botanical name | Juniperus communis |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. III: HAPUSA (Fruit) |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Order | Pinales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2684709 · Wikidata Q26325 · NCBI Taxonomy 58039 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Juniper |
| Sanskrit | Hapusa |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Arka (distillate), Taila (oil), Capsule, Tablet
Standard Dosage: 1-3g powder twice daily; 15-30ml Arka; 5-10 drops essential oil externally
Optimal Timing: After meals with warm water for digestive support; external oil application as needed
Storage: Cool, dry place away from light. Essential oil in amber glass bottles, tightly sealed, below 25°C
Marker Compounds: Alpha-pinene, Sabinene, Beta-myrcene, Limonene, Terpinen-4-ol
Synergistic Combinations
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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