Why is Nagkesar considered so important in Ayurveda?

2022-03-31 00:00:00

Nagkesar is a herb considered beneficial in Ayurveda as it helps in curing many physical and mental problems. It is used to get rid of all diseases like cough, cold, fever, infertility, menstruation, etc. In addition, it effectively treats vomiting, hiccups, urinary tract disorders, and migraine. This herb belongs to the Calophyllaceae family whose scientific name is Mesua ferrea. Nagkesar is known by different names like Cobra's Saffron, Nagchampa in Hindi, Narmishka in Urdu and Nagpushpa in Sanskrit. It is also known as Bhujangpushpa, Iron-wood, Indian rose chestnut. It is also used for making Chyawanprash. Therefore, Nagkesar has been given the status of a potent medicine in Ayurveda.

Nagkesar is a medicinal plant. Its leaves are red and green and the flowers are white in color and in the middle of them come clusters of yellow saffron which is called Nagkesar. It is hot in nature and bitter in taste. Its roots, bark, leaves, seeds and flowers are used in Ayurveda but the flower is mostly used as medicine.

Benefits of Nagkesar

Helpful in sharpening memory-

Nagkesar has brain-accelerating properties which help in strengthening the memory power. For this, take Nagkesar, Jasmine flowers, Agar, Tagar, Kumkum and fry them in ghee. Now grind this mixture and make a paste. Apply this paste on the head. Doing this sharpens the memory.

Beneficial in cold, cough, fever-

As the weather changes, problems like cold, fever and asthma start arising. In this case, Nagkesar acts as a medicine. For this, the consumption of decoction made from the root and bark of Nagkesar is beneficial. By doing this, one gets rid of cold and fever.

Beneficial in respiratory problems-

Nagkesar flowers act as a medicine in cough, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. For this, take a decoction made from the root and bark of Nagkesar. This provides relief in respiratory problems. Apart from this, in Ayurvedic medicine, it is advised to apply a paste of Nagkesar leaves on the head in case of cold and flu.

Effective in hiccups-

Taking Nagkesar powder with honey four to five times a day reduces the problem of persistent hiccups.

Beneficial in stomach related problems-

Nagkesar is an effective remedy in stomach related problems. These problems include acidity, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, peptic ulcer, abdominal pain, etc. The nutrients present in it are helpful in removing stomach-related disorders. For this, take the powder of Nagkesar flower. By doing this, all the problems related to stomach and intestines get relieved.

Beneficial in inflammation and pain-

Nagkesar is a very effective medicine in removing the swelling on any part of the body. It has been used since ancient times to treat arthritis and gout as anti-inflammatory properties are found in Nagkesar. It also helps in reducing the swelling and pain caused by arthritis. For this, apply oil made from the seeds of Nagkesar on the affected area. It provides relief in swelling and pain on any part of the body.

Helpful in the treatment of piles-

Nagkesar flower is effective for the treatment of piles because it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. For this, make a powder by taking equal quantities of Nagkesar and Surma. Now taking this mixture with honey is beneficial in piles. Apart from this, it is considered good to take Nagkesar powder with sugar candy and butter to get relief from bloody piles.

Beneficial in menstrual disorders-

Nagkesar is used to cure various gynecological problems and to treat menstrual disorders in women. Taking Nagkesar powder with buttermilk is very beneficial in the problem of excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Effective in getting rid of leucorrhoea-

If someone has the problem of white water or leucorrhoea, then take 1 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder with buttermilk twice a day. It helps to get rid of these problems.

Beneficial in itching-

The anti-viral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties present in Nagkesar helps to overcome the problem of itching. It is also beneficial in getting rid of infections. For this, applying Nagkesar oil on itchy, boils and bruised areas is beneficial.

Effective in burning sensation-

Nagkesar has antioxidant properties, which reduce the burning sensation in the soles of the feet. To get rid of this, take the powder of Nagkesar flowers and mix it with ghee and make a paste. Applying this paste on the soles of your feet helps in curing the problem of burning.

Side effects of Nagkesar

●      Nagkesar is hot in effect. Therefore, consuming it in excess can cause vomiting, nausea, burning sensation etc.

●      People who have fluctuations in blood pressure should avoid its consumption.

●      Keep this herb out of reach of children. Consumption of Nagkesar can be harmful for children.

●      If someone is already taking any medicine, then avoid using it or take it only after the advice of the doctor.

●      Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid its consumption.

Where is Nagkesar found?

Nagkesar plant is mainly found in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malacca and Thailand. In India, it is commonly found in the Northeast Himalayas, South India, Eastern and Western Peninsula, East and West Bengal, Assam, Konkan, Karnataka, Andaman at an altitude of 1600 m.