Know about the Importance and Benefits of Malkangani in Ayurveda

2022-01-14 00:00:00

There are many medicinal plants that have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicines. One of them is Malkangani. It has a special place in Ayurveda which is called Jyotishmati and Black Oil in Ayurveda. It is a medicinal herb, which belongs to the family Celastraceae whose botanical name is Celastrus paniculatus. It is bitter in taste. Its leaves are round and the edge of the leaves is prickly. The fruits of Malkangani are round in shape. Its unripe fruits are green in color and appear yellow when ripe. Its seeds, fruits, roots, leaves etc. are used as medicine in Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda, Malakangani i.e. Jyotishmati has many health benefits. Consuming its fruit develops intelligence in a person. It kills stomach worms and is beneficial for the treatment of gout. For centuries, malkangani has been used in the treatment of epilepsy and leprosy. Apart from this, it relieves problems like headache, jaundice, and menstruation. Due to these qualities, Malkangani has got a special place in Ayurvedic medicine.

Benefits of Malkangani

Beneficial for the brain

Malkangani is good for improving the functioning of the brain. Research done on it shows that malkangani has been used for centuries to treat neurological problems and enhance memory. In fact, according to Ayurveda, in Malkangani i.e. Jyotishmati, Jyoti means enlightenment and Mati means the functioning of the brain. Therefore, jyotishmati improves memory and concentration by improving memory. It has a positive effect on brain function. Apart from this, sedative (mind calming property) is found in Malkangani which reduces headache, anxiety, stress and depression. This is the reason why a decoction made from the roots or seeds of Malkangani is known as a brain tonic.

Effective in the treatment of gout

The use of Malkangani or oil made from it is an effective medicine for the treatment of arthritis. According to a report published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), anti-arthritic properties are found in Malkangani which work to get relief from arthritis. For this, applying Malkangani oil on the painful areas provides benefits.

To prevent infection

Consuming Malkangani is an effective way to avoid infection because it contains antibacterial and antiviral properties which work to fight and protect against infection. On this basis, it can be said that the use of Malkangani is beneficial in preventing infection.

For swelling

Malkangani is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which is helpful in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Apart from this, the anti-inflammatory effect in Malkangani is also helpful in reducing or preventing inflammation.

For menstrual disorders

Malkangani is beneficial in the menstrual problems of women. The research done on this shows that Malkangani is an igneous substance and artvajana in nature, which proves to be helpful in removing menstrual problems. At the same time, to induce menstruation, it is advised to roast dry leaves of Malkangani in ghee and grind them with kanji and consume it. Apart from this, the use of malkangani roots reduces pain during periods. It also works to induce fertility.

Beneficial for eyes

Due to the increasing screen exposure, eye problems like dryness, and itching are common. Apart from this, people are also facing problems like computer vision syndrome. In such a situation, the use of Malkangani is very beneficial for the health of the eyes. According to Ayurveda, massaging the feet soles with Malkangani oil cures eye problems.

Beneficial for skin

Apart from health, Malkangani is also used for skin. According to a report published on NCBI, the use of malkangani seeds is beneficial for skin diseases. Malkangani oil has antioxidants (protecting against free radicals) and anti-aging (removing the problem of aging)  properties. In this way, malkangani is an effective medicine in removing the problems related to the skin and the signs of aging.

Beneficial in white spots (skin diseases)

Malakangani i.e. Jyotishmati has a special place in the treatment of white spots. For this, mix equal quantities of Malkangani and Babchi seed oil and keep it in a vessel. Now apply this mixture regularly on the affected areas every day. Doing this for a few days gives benefit in white spots or other skin related disorders.

Beneficial for hair

The ingredients present in the oil made from Malkangani seeds are helpful in keeping the hair healthy and removing the problems associated with it. People in Gujarat mostly use this oil for hair related problems. It works to make hair soft and strong. According to another research done on it, consumption of Malkangani seeds prevents hair from turning white. For this, it is beneficial to consume malkangani seeds, roasted in ghee along with kheer.

Uses of Malkangani

• The roots of Malkangani are consumed in the form of powder.
• Its seeds are roasted and eaten.
• Its leaves are crushed and used as a paste.
• A decoction of the roots of Malkangani is consumed.
• Its oil is used on the skin and hair.
• The dried leaves of Malkangani are consumed directly.
• The boiled water of its husks is used as a wash for swelling and pain.

Side effects of Malkangani

• Malkangani is hot(ushna) by nature which can cause poisoning. Therefore, consume it with cold food or cow's milk.
• In some cases, its use can also cause headache and restlessness.
• Malkangani induces abortion. Therefore, avoid its consumption during pregnancy.

Where is Malkangani found?

The vines of Malkangani are generally found in the deciduous forests at an altitude of about 1200 meters in the hilly areas of India.