Tagar: Benefits, Uses and Side effects
2022-09-01 00:00:00
Tagar, commonly known as Indian Valerian, is a hairy perennial herb which can reach upto 40-45cm in height. The leaves are sometimes pinnate and 2.5-7 cm long, the flowers are unisexual and white or slightly pink. Tagar is classified in two varieties i.e. Nighantus Tagar and Pinda Tagar. Its botanical name is Valeriana wallichii and belongs to the Valerianaceae family.
Importance of Tagar
Tagar is highly useful in ayurveda for its medicinal properties like Vishaghna(anti-toxin), Vedanasthapana(analgesic), Aksepahara (anticonvulsant), Deepan(appetizer), Hridaya(cardio tonic), Yakrduttejaka(hepatoprotective), Shwashara(bronchodilator), Kusta (antileprotic), Jwaragna(antipyretic), Bhutapasmara nasan(a remedy for epilepsy and averts the evil powers), Mutrajanan(diuretic), and Chaksusya(beneficial for the eyes) properties.
Tagar is a wonderful natural sedative that has been shown to improve sleep, calm the mind and lower blood pressure. It relieves stress and makes you relaxed and happy.
Benefits of Tagar
- Reduces anxiety-Tagar is useful in reducing anxiety as it has a calming effect on the mind and helps the body relax due to anxiolytic properties. It helps flush out toxins and acts directly on the nerve channels.
- Treats sleeping disorders-Tagar acts as a sedative which helps in treating insomnia. It reduces the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that helps in calming brain activities, which further helps in inducing sleep.
- Treats epilepsy symptoms-Tagar helps treat epilepsy symptoms due to its anticonvulsant properties. The special constituents found in Tagar help relieve involuntary muscle spasms. The specific chemicals found in Tagar help minimize the severity of seizures and also reduce their frequency. These anticonvulsant compounds prevent epilepsy.
- Reduces joint pain and inflammation-Tagar helps in reducing joint pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It relaxes tense muscles.
- Useful in dysuria-Tagar has Mutrajanan (diuretic) properties that are useful in dysuria.
Uses of Tagar
- For the treatment of sore wounds and infections, a cold infusion of Tagar roots is given.
- To treat wounds, apply a paste made from Tagar roots.
- Tagar root paste is applied to the joints to relieve pain.
- Cold infusion of roots of tagar is given regularly as a tonic for 1-2 weeks to reduce body weakness.
- A decoction of the roots of the plant is used for the treatment of paralysis, convulsions, hysteria and arthritis.
- Tagar root paste is applied to areas affected by insect bites and scorpion stings.
- A decoction of the roots is given to treat asthma and cough.
- Cold infusion or decoction of Tagar roots is given to treat fever.
Side effects and Precautions of using Tagar
Tagar can cause certain side effects when consumed in excessive quantities or inappropriately such as-
- Stomach upset.
- Dry mouth.
- Lucid dreams.
- Heart problems.
- Tagar may affect the central nervous system when taken with anticonvulsants. Therefore, consult a doctor when taking Tagar with anticonvulsants.
- It is recommended that you avoid Tagar in heart disorders or consult a doctor before consuming Tagar.
- Tagar can interfere with normal liver function, so you are advised to avoid it or consult a doctor before using Tagar for liver diseases.
- It is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before using Tagar during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Where is it found?
Tagar is found in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and South West China. In India, it is found in Meghalaya and in the temperate Himalayas that ranges from 1500 to 3600m.