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.
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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 medium-sized evergreen tree and a beautiful flowering Indigenous herbal verdure often 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 recognized all over the world for producing a 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 Plant
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 for treating 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 management of bronchitis and gastritis or stomach inflammation.
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Stem Bark: The bark of Nagkesar possesses a laxative and stomachic effect which helps in curing low appetite problems, burning sensations in the stomach, piles, abdominal pains, and problems of urinary and vaginal discharge.
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Leaves: The carminative and pain-relieving properties of the leaves help in treating headaches, sore eyes, and burning sensations in the feet. The paste of Nagkesar leaves is applied to the head and chest to manage common cold and cough
Ayurvedic Indications Of Nagkesar
Since the ancient ages, Nagkesar is one of the most recognized therapeutic plants that is mentioned time and again in several texts and scriptures illustrating the excellent qualities of this magnificent herbal plant for various indications which include:
- Kusthahara- Treats skin disorders
- Pachanahara- Helps in digestion
- Amahara- Treats indigestion
- Javarhara- Useful in fever
- Trutahara- Relieves excessive thirst
- Dahahara- Relieves a burning sensation
- Visarpahara- Helpful in herp
- Sheersharujhahara- Useful in headache
- Chardihara- Relieves vomiting
- Mehahara- Treats urinary tract disorder
- Hikkanigrahana- Controls hiccups
Health Benefits Of Nagkesar
Treats Leukorrhea
Leucorrhoea is the flow of a whitish, yellowish, or greenish discharge from the vagina. While it is considered normal in adolescents and adults, sometimes it could be due to infections from bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms. Nagakesar has been found useful to improve Agni (digestive fire) and combat this uncomfortable problem that could be painful and itchy at times.
Cures Chronic Piles
Bleeding piles or hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that can occur around the anus. This makes defecating difficult and is accompanied by bleeding stools. This causes an imbalance in pitta dosha. Nagkesar helps to create a balance in the body’s heat by pacifying pitta dosha by shrinking pile lumps, decreasing inflammation, reducing pain, and controlling anal bleeding.
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Treats Skin Diseases
Nagkesar is used to prevent the symptoms of skin diseases like hives and psoriasis. Nagkesar oil has a curative property and is extremely effective in treating skin infections, scabies, and wounds besides soothing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The flower extracts of Nagkesar are used as an astringent as they contain antiseptic and disinfecting properties that reduce skin eruption. Nagkesar taken with sandalwood can be made into a paste and used on the skin to fade away the dark spots on the face and to get glowing skin.
Alleviates Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common problem as we grow old leading to weak bones and osteoarthritis. Arthritis occurs due to an imbalance in Vata dosha and the gathering of Ama (toxins) in the joints. Anti-arthritis benefits of Nagkesar powder alleviate joint pain. The topical application of essential oil from extracts from Nagkesar seeds also aids in quick relief from all arthritis-related pains.
Keeps Headaches And Migraines At Bay
Nagkesar helps to reduce stress-induced headaches by relaxing tensed muscles. It also helps to manage migraines and various forms of discomforting headaches.
Treats Asthma
Nagkesar is also used to treat asthmatic troubles. The hot potency of this herb has the property of expelling phlegm and curing breathing distress thus reducing the symptoms of asthma.
Aids Relief From Excessive Menstruation Bleeding
Excessive bleeding during menstruation is a common problem that women face. Menstrual bleeding on the higher side is not generally a cause of concern, but excessive bleeding causes weakness, and discomfort and leads to further problems in the later stages. This problem is also known as menorrhagia. Nagkesar consists of hemostatic properties that help to cure excessive bleeding problems and provide long-term relief from many forms of menstrual diseases.
Combats Cough And Respiratory Anomalies
Nagkesar can effectively expel mucus from the body. This helps to get rid of unwanted bacteria-ridden phlegm thus treating chronic cough and respiratory issues. Its anti-inflammatory benefits are also beneficial in reducing inflammation of the lungs.
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Effect On Doshas
Nagkesar pacifies all the three doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It has an astringent and bitter taste and a hot potency. It is also blessed with Katu and Tikta rasas which are bitter and pungent tastes respectively, besides Laghu or light Guna and the ushna virya which is its hot potency. These power-laden pacifying properties of Vata, and Pitta (fire and air) doshas as well as Kapha (earth and water) doshas in the body are a boon in curing diseases related to these abnormalities.
Dosage
It is extremely necessary to consult an Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner for the correct dosage of this herb depending upon particular conditions. However, in general dosage of Nagkesar for adults is:
- Nagkesar Powder: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon once or twice a day
- Nagkesar Oil: 5 to 10 drops can be applied once a day
- Nagkesar Powder Application: 1 teaspoon of powder can be applied with normal water or rose water
Side Effects of Nagkesar
Nagkesar can be safely taken with other herbal medicines and vitamins, and there are no known side effects of this herb, however, it is safe to seek medical advice in case of some underlying disease.
Precautions
Nagkesar must be taken under the supervision of a medical doctor in situations like pregnant women should not consume Nagkesar as it is hot in potency. For breastfeeding women, despite the herb being safe, consulting a doctor is a must before consuming Nagkesar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Nagkesar Helps With Digestive Health?
Nagkesar is known for its carminative properties, which help in relieving gas and bloating. By stimulating digestive enzymes, it aids digestion and promotes gut health. Its astringent properties also help in treating diarrhoea and several gastrointestinal issues.
How Can Nagkesar Be Used In Skincare?
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of Nagkesar make it effective in treating acne, eczema, and other skin infections. It can also be used in face packs to reduce dark spots and to promote skin glow.
What Role Can Nagkesar Play In Managing Diabetes?
Nagkesar can be used in managing blood sugar levels. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Nagkesar improves insulin sensitivity and decrease oxidative stress. However, it should be used only under medical supervision.
How Does Nagkesar Support Respiratory Health?
Nagkesar is beneficial for respiratory health due to its expectorant properties, which help in expelling mucus from the respiratory tract. It is helpful in treating conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough by reducing inflammation and clearing respiratory pathways.
Conclusion
References:
- A concise review on pharmacological applications of potent Unani drug: Mesua ferrea L. (Nagkesar)
Reesha Ahmed, Mohd. Wasim Ahmed, Asma Sattar Khan, Pawan Kumar
Sagar and Shoeb Ahmed Ansari
https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2024/vol13issue1/PartE/13-1-78-257.pdf
2.https://journals.innovareacademics.in/index.php/ijcpr/article/view/42734/25159
