What is Nirgundi?Know its Benefits and Uses

2022-01-14 00:00:00

Nature has provided us with many such herbs which work to keep the body healthy and protect it from many diseases. One of them is the Chinese Chaste tree, famously known as Nirgundi which is a nature-given herb. Its roots, leaves, fruits and seeds have been used in Ayurveda for centuries to cure many diseases. Nirgundi in Ayurveda means to protect the body from diseases. It is used both internally and externally. Consuming powder or decoction made from it is good for health. Apart from this, many types of bioactive compounds are found in the Nirgundi plant, which is known to treat many diseases. It is used to reduce pain and inflammation, cure diabetes, promote sexual health, heal the skin, treat arthritis and asthma, etc. Due to all these qualities, Nirgundi is considered an important traditional medicine in Ayurveda.

Nirgundi is a type of shrub, which is found all over India used for medicinal purposes. The botanical name of this plant is Vitex Negundo. Its flowers are white, blue and black. There are many species of this plant, but in Ayurveda, mostly blue and white flowering plants are used. It is called Nirgundi or Shandlu in Hindi, Neelpushpa in Sanskrit. The Nirgundi plant is commonly found in Central Asia and the Mediterranean Sea.

Benefits of Nirgundi

Effective in reducing inflammation

Various ingredients are present in Nirgundi Churna which help in reducing joint pain and swelling due to arthritis or any other reason. According to research conducted by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), nirgundi has anti-inflammatory properties which are effective in reducing inflammation. For this, take a decoction made from Nirgundi powder. Doing this for at least a week gives great relief in swelling and pain. In this way the consumption of Nirgundi is also considered useful for arthritis. Apart from this, heating the juice extracted from the leaves of Nirgundi and applying it on the affected areas also provides relief.

Effective in the problem of headache and migraine

Nirgundi has been traditionally used for years to relieve headaches, migraines and other neurological disorders. The nutrients present in it are known to promote brain health. At the same time, research done on it shows that its leaves have an analgesic effect. This effect relieves headache and migraine related problems. For this, grind the leaves of Nirgundi and make a paste. Now applying this paste on the forehead gives benefits. Apart from this, fumigation with dried leaves of Nirgundi and smelling it provides relief in this problem.

Helpful in regulating menstruation-

Consuming Nirgundi is beneficial in regulating menstruation because it is rich in many types of elements. According to the research done in this subject, the properties of curing the condition of oligomenorrhea (Irregular menstruation and lack of normal blood flow) are found in the leaves of Nirgundi.

Beneficial in infertility

Nirgundi effectively acts as a medicine in problems like infertility. According to research, the antioxidant properties in nirgundi are effective in increasing fertility. It also improves the quality of sperm. For this, from the first day after the end of menstruation, mix the powder of gokhru in a decoction made from nirgundi and consume it.

For sexual health

Nirgundi is also used for good sexual health as it has stimulating properties which increase the libido and slow down the ejaculation. According to a research, it improves the sexual ability and erectile dysfunction of men.

For breast-feeding

Consumption of Nirgundi is beneficial in increasing breast milk of mothers. According to research, the use of nirgundi leaves helps in the increase of milk in the breasts.

Beneficial in cough and respiratory disorders

Nirgundi is considered an effective medicine for cough, asthma and other respiratory diseases. Regularly using Nirgundi is helpful in removing catarrhal (mucous) substances and phlegm present in the bronchial tubes (respiratory tubes) due to which problems like cough, asthma, bronchitis are cured to some extent. For this, take herbal tea made from the leaves of Nirgundi. By doing this, mucus is cleared from the lungs and respiratory problems are removed. Apart from this, taking the juice of Nirgundi leaves with milk in the morning and evening ends the problem of cough.

Effective in wound healing

Nirgundi is one of the effective remedies for wound healing. Almost all parts of this plant are used for wound healing in Ayurveda due to its healing properties. Nirgundi is also rich in antibacterial effects, which kills the bacteria growing in the wound. For this, apply the paste or oil of nirgundi leaves on the affected areas.

Beneficial in skin related problems

Nirgundi is used to get rid of skin related problems due to the antioxidants present in it which slow down the signs of aging. Apart from this, the anti-bacterial property found in it also cures skin ulcers and allergies. For this, applying oil or paste made from nirgundi provides relief. Apart from this, massaging the affected parts with Nirgundi oil cures all types of skin disorders as it helps to purify the blood and makes the skin youthful.

Beneficial for hair

The nutrients present in Nirgundi maintain the growth and strength of hair. For this, mix a few drops of Nirgundi oil with coconut oil and apply it on the hair. This helps in regenerating the hair by nourishing the hair roots. It also prevents hair fall and dandruff.

Uses of Nirgundi

• Nirgundi is used in powder or tablet form.
• It is consumed as a decoction or herbal tea.
• The boiled water of Nirgundi is used for taking a bath after delivery.
• A paste made from its leaves is used on boils and pimples.
• Nirgundi extract can be used with coconut water in burning urination and other urinary problems.
• Its leaves are boiled in water and steamed in case of cold, headache and fever.

Side effects of Nirgundi

• People with pitta (hot) nature should not consume it.
• Consuming it in excess can cause headache, burning sensation and kidney problems.
• Its consumption reduces the effect of hormone replacement therapy.
• Breastfeeding mothers should consume it in limited quantities or it may lead to decrease in breast milk.
• It is advised to avoid its consumption during pregnancy.