Nagkeshar is the Sanskrit name for Mesua ferrea herb. It belongs to the family Guttiferae. It is the medicinal plant whose loose fragrant stamens and seeds are used for medicinal purpose. The herb can cure various diseases such as fever, cough, vomiting, leprosy and impotency. The herb is found in Himalayas in India at an altitude of 1500 meters.
According to Ayurveda, Nagkeshar enhances “Agni”, the digestive fire.
Some chemical constituents present in Nagkeshar are Mammeisin, Mesunic acid,Mesuaferrone – a, Mesuafrrone — b, Mesuaferrol, Mesuone, Leucoanthocyanidin, Mesuagin, Mammeigin, Guttiferol Triterpene and Ferrxanthone. Nagkeshar is also known by various other names such as Nagakesara, Cobra’s Saffron, Nagachempakam and Nangu. Some health benefits of Nagkeshar are discussed in this article here.
Ayurvedic Properties of Nagkeshar
- Guna (Quality) — Laghu, Ruksha
- Vipak (Metabolism) — Katu
- Prabhav (Impact) — Rakta stambhan
- Rasa (Taste) — Kashay, Tikta
- Virya (Potency) — Ushna
Medicinal Properties of Nagkeshar
Following plant parts are used for different medicinal actions:
- Blossoms (dried) – Carminative, stomachic, stimulant.
- Blossoms (fresh) – Stomachic, sudorific, aromatic, bitter.
- Oleo-resin from bark – Demulcent, aromatic.
- Bark – Aromatic, tonic and sudorific.
- Unripe fruit – aromatic, purgative and acrid.
- Root — Aromatic, tonic and sudorific.
Health Benefits of Nagkeshar
The herb has following health benefits:
- Cold — Poultice prepared from leaves of Nagkeshar are applied to the head to get relief from cold.
- Antidote — The roots of the herb is used as an antidote for snake poison.
- Hemorrhoids — Dried blossoms of Nagkeshar are used as a cure for mucus dysentery and bleeding hemorrhoids.
- Piles — Dried flowers are made into powder form and taken in doses of 3 to 6 grams with curd which provides instant relief from pain and bleeding.
- Fresh flowers of Nagkeshar are used as a cure for excessive perspiration, excessive thirst, indigestion and cough.
- Seeds oil is used as cure against scabies, sores, rheumatism and wounds.
