Useful in female diseases, this herb is a panacea for more than 70 diseases
Introduction:
Mesua ferrea Linn, also known as Nagkesar in Hindi, and Ceylon ironwood in English is a tree with high ornamental value.
Mesua ferrea or nagkesar is a medium to a large-sized evergreen tree with a short trunk widely distributed in Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nādu, Western, and the Eastern Ghats in India. The flowers and leaves of Nagkesar are used for a variety of conditions.1
Properties of Nagkesar:
It may have beneficial properties for liver
It may be an appetizer.
It may be an expectorant (used to treat cough)
It may have diuretic (expelling excess water from the body) properties
It may have antipyretic (reducing fever) properties
It may have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties
It may have hemostatic (ceasing bleeding)properties
It may have anti-inflammatory properties
It may have antibacterial properties
It may have anti-fungal activity
It may show anti-arthritic properties
It may have anti-oxidant activity.2
Potential Uses of Nagkesar
Different parts of Nagkesar may be used to treat a variety of conditions, either alone or in conjunction with other herbal remedies.1,3,4 Some of the potential uses of brinjal are described as follows.
Nagkesar is a small plant and is considered beneficial in Ayurveda.
Nagkesar is also known by many other names such as Nagachampa, Bhujangkhya, Hem and Nagpushpa.
Nagkesar is found in South India, East Bengal and Eastern Himalayas and more during summer.
Blooms during
Nagkesar is a small plant and is considered beneficial in Ayurveda.
Nagkesar is also known by many other names such as Nagachampa, Bhujangkhya, Hem and Nagpushpa.
Nagkesar is found in South India, East Bengal and Eastern Himalayas and more during summer.
Blooms during
The flowers applied to the saffron plant are used in Ayurveda to cure many diseases.
Nagkesar is also very beneficial in removing weakness of the body and eating it removes weakness of the body.
Grind nagkesar and consume this powder daily.
Eating this powder will not cause weakness in the body.
This powder can also be consumed with honey.
Nagkesar is also rich in many medicinal properties.
Consuming papaya, ginger, black pepper and ghee along with it preserves the fetus in the womb.
It also fulfills the child's desire.
For this take all the ingredients in equal quantity and mix ghee in it.
Consume continuously throughout the day..
Betel nut powder mixed with nagkesar can also be eaten to get pregnant.
It also removes physical weakness and disability.
Grind nagkesar leaves in case of cold.
Then apply this paste on your scalp.
Applying this paste cures cold and flu and opens the nose.
If there is a complaint of itching in any part of the body, massage with saffron oil.
Applying saffron oil relieves the problem of itching and also makes the skin soft.
Cobra is also considered good for the skin of the face and if its oil is applied on the face daily, the complexion improves and the face is always moisturized.
So to get beautiful skin you should apply oil on your face.
Nagkesar is also beneficial for preventing hiccups and eating it stops hiccups. If you have frequent hiccups, mix yellow nag with honey and eat it. Immediately after a snake bite, apply a paste of nagkesar leaves on it. Apply the paste of nagkesar leaves on the affected area.
If there is pain in any part of the body, apply saffron oil to that place. Massaging with saffron oil relieves the pain. Apart from pain, if there is pain, apply this oil on the wound. Its oil also helps in joint pain.
Potential Uses of Nagkesar in Piles:
Piles or hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that can occur inside or around the anus. This makes defecating difficult with continuous throbbing pain accompanied by bleeding stools. Bleeding disorders occur due to an imbalance in pitta (heat) dosha. Nagkesar may have some effect in the management of bleeding piles as may help in pacifying pitta dosha, resulting in a balance in the body’s heat
Nagkesar may help to shrink pile lumps, decreasing inflammation, reducing pain, and arresting bleeding. The paste obtained from the flowers of Nagkesar can be used for treating piles.5 However, more studies on humans are required to validate this clai
Potential Uses of Nagkesar for Arthriti
Arthritis occurs due to an imbalance in Vata dosha and the gathering of Ama (toxins) in the joints. Nagkesar may help balance Vata dosha and it might aid in reducing joint pain due to its Ushana (heat) property.6 However, every person has a different response to different herbs. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor before you use tea tree oil for your acne problems
Potential Uses of Nagkesar for Ski
The kernels of Nagkesar may be helpful in skin eruption. The oil obtained from Nagkesar can be used for skin infections, scabies, and wounds. Nagkesar also contains antiseptic and disinfecting properties.
Nagkesar taken with red sandalwood might be made into a paste and used on the skin to fade away the dark marks on the face and to obtain glowing skin.1,7 It is better to consult a dermatologist for your skin related problems. They will be the best person to guide you with your condition. n:.s:m.. condition.
Can be massaged.
Potential Uses of Nagkesar on the Central Nervous System:
Nagkesar contains potential anticonvulsant properties and may be used in curing seizures. Other central nervous system depressant effects like loss of muscle tone, ptosis (drooping of upper eyelids), and sedation might be observed with Nagkesar.6
Though studies show the benefits of Nagkesar in different health conditions, these studies are insufficient and require further studies to establish the true scope of benefits of tea tree on human health. In addition, every person may respond differently to this herb. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before using Nagkesar for any medical condition.
How to Use Nagkesar:
Mesua ferrea is available in different Ayurvedic formulations like dasamoolarishta, kanakasava, mahakaleshwara, lakshadi Taila, Nagakesaradi Churan, Kumaryasava, and various other churnas that are used to cure many conditions. 6,3
The parts of Nagkesar used for treatment are Buds, bark, leaves, seeds, stamen, and fruits.
Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dosage according to your health condition.
Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dose as per your requirement. However, we advise you not to replace or change your current medications with any ayurvedic or herbal preparations made from the nagkesar.
Side Effects of Nagkesar:
Nagkesar can be safely taken with other herbal medicines, vitamins, or remedies and no side effects are observed.3 However, if you see any side effects, seek immediate medical help from your physician who has prescribed it to you and get proper treatment to overcome your side effects.
Precautions and Warnings to be Taken with Nagkesar:
Nagkesar must be taken under the supervision of a medical doctor in situations like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and diabetes.9 There is a lack of research regarding the safety of nagkesar in pregnant and breastfeeding women, so its use should be avoided during these times.4 It is better to keep nagkesar away from small children and older people to avoid harmful reactions in the body.
Without consulting a doctor, you should not use nagkesar to self-medicate yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What are the Other Names of Nagkesar?
The different names of Nagkesar include Mesua ferrea L, Ceylon Ironwood, Cobra’s Saffron, Penaga Lilin, Indian rose chestnut, etc.9
2) What are the Properties of Nagkesar?
The properties of Nagkesar include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, antifungal, anticonvulsant, anti-ulcer, wound healing, antivenom, disinfectant, diuretic, herbal formulation, anticancer, prevention of COPD, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, hormone balancing, and more.
3) How Can Nagkesar be Used for Bleeding Piles?
Nagkesar can be taken with butter and sugar for the management of bleeding piles.1 However there is requirement for more studies on nagkesar to understand its effect on humans.
4) Is Nagkesar Found Only in India?
Mesua ferrea is distributed in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia.1
5) How is Nagkesar Used for Burning Sensation in Hands and Feet?
The powder made from the dried fruits and leaves of Mesua ferrea mixed with ghee is used by some communities of Bangladesh for the treatment of burning sensation of hands and feet.6 You must consult a doctor for better advice if you observe such symptoms.
6) Can Nagkesar be Used as a Biofuel?
The oil synthesized from the seeds of Nagkesar can be used as an alternate for petroleum gasoline.10 However more research based evidence must be collected to validate such claims.
Amongst plenteous power-laden ayurvedic natural wonders that play an important part in a holistic approach to health and wellness, one fabulous well-known herb that Ayurveda has bestowed us with is Nagkesar or Nag Champa. A part of the Chatrujata group of herbs, Nagkesar goes by the botanical name Mesua ferrea which belongs to the family of Guttiferae.
Native to tropical parts of Nepal, Burma, Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia, it is a national tree of Sri Lanka, the state tree of Mizoram, and the state flower of Tripura. In Indian terrain, it is found in Kerala, Tamil Naidu, Assam, and in the rain forests of Konkan and Karnataka. An ornamental tree with immense medicinal benefits, the parts of Nagkesar that are utilised for various Ayurvedic preparations for ages include its root, bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, and wood. The plant is loaded with anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, wound healing, antivenom, disinfectant, as well as diuretic benefits. It is a powerful medicine to treat ailments such as leucorrhoea, bronchitis, bleeding, migraines, and gastrointestinal and urinary tract disorders. Considered one of the best pain-relieving oils in the world derived from its bark and seeds, incidentally, the tree also provides one of the sturdiest dark red timbers in the world.
Indigenous Names Of Nagkesar
This herbal plant is known by many interesting names in English such as Cobra's Saffron, Ironwood of Assam, Indian Rose Chestnut, and Ceylon Ironwood. Various vernacular names for this powerful plant are:
Hindi- Nagkesara, Pila Nagkesar
Gujrati- Sachunagakeshara, Nagchampa, Pilunagkesar
Sanskrit- Kesara, Nagapuspa, Naga, Hema, Gajakesara
Urdu-Narmushk, Nagkesar
Punjabi-Nageswar
Assamese-Negeshvar, Nahar
Bengali- Nageshvara, Nagesar
Kannada-Nagsampige, Nagakesari, Kanchana
Malayalam-Nangaa, Nauga, Peri, Veluthapala, Nagppu, Nagappovu
Marathi-Nagkesara
Oriya-Nageswar
Tamil-Naugu, Naugaliral, Nagachampakam, Sirunagappu,
Telugu-Nagachampakamu
How To Identify Nagkesar Plant
Nagkesar is a small to the medium-sized evergreen tree and a beautiful flowering indigenous herbal verdure often also adored for its ornamental value. Nagkesar tree grows up to 13 m tall with a wide trunk spreading up to 90 cm in diameter. The tree is recognised all over the world for producing a very hard, and sturdy quality wood. The leaves are narrow, oblong, and deep dark green with an underside that appears whitish. The younger lot of leaves are in hues of yellowish pink. Nagkesar flowers are pearl white and yellow and they bloom after about three to five years of planting. The fragrant white flowers ooze a fabulous fragrance. Its yellow-colored stamens extracts are used in making perfumes and astringents.
Phytoconstituents
Nagakesar is replete with various biochemical components such as essential oil, fatty acids, and oleoresin. Mammeisin is its main chemical constituent which is obtained from the seeds, while stamens provide two novel flavanones mesuaferrone-A and mesuaferrol-B. It also contains mesuaxanthofle A and B, sitosterol, leucoanthocyanidin and ferruol A and B, coumarins, xanthones, pyranoxanthones, flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids.
Ayurvedic Properties of Nagkesar
Owing to its powerful ayurvedic actions, Nagkesar plant showcases immense medicinal value hence is used for treating chronic health conditions. It has Kashaya (Astringent), Katu (Pungent), and Tikta (Bitter) rasa, and the guna or pharmacological action of this herb is found to be Laghu (Light). The potency is considered to be Virya (absolutely hot).
Medicinal Properties Of The Respective Parts
Nagkesar plant being astringent, hot, harsh, aromatic, ulcerative, and emollient in its medicinal course has been used as a home remedy since ancient times to heal wounds, promote blood flow, treat skin woes, and a lot more. Every part has potent benefits to treat many chronic health anomalies. Either alone or in conjunction with other herbal remedies, the following parts of this plant are used to treat a variety of conditions.
Flower And Stamens: Nagkesar florets and flowers contain anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties and astringent properties which help in curing blood and skin diseases. The flower extracts are very effective in the treatment of bleeding piles.
Seed oil: Essential oil from resin exuding from Nagkesar bark and seeds is applied to relieve pain and inflammation. Kernels of Nagkesar are made into a paste and topically applied to treat eczema and various skin eruptions.
Roots: The root of this plant is known to be a very effective antidote for snake bites and scorpion poison. Root extracts are also used in herbal tonics for the management of bronchitis and gastritis or stomach inflammation.