Nagkesar
Nagkesar is an evergreen ornamental tree that is found in most of the Asian countries. Various parts of Nagkesar are used either alone or in combination with other medicinal herbs for their health benefits.
It’s botanical name is Messua ferrea and belongs to Guttifereae family.
Nagkesar is a slow growing tree which grows up to 1500 meters which is known for its heaviness and hardness of its timber. It is also cultivated as an ornamental tree as it takes a graceful shape, lush green foliage, pink or red flush of leaves and beautiful white flowers with lovely fragrance.
Chemical composition –
It contains Mesuol, Mammeuisin, Mammegin, bioflavonone called Mesuaferrone A, etc.
Properties –
• Astringent
• Healer
• Antimicrobial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Appetizer
• Digestive
• Antivenom
Parts Used
The parts of Nagkesar used for treatment are Buds, bark, leaves, seeds, stamen, and fruits.
Dosage –
• Nagkesar Powder – ¼ – ½ teaspoon once or twice a day.
• Nagkesar Oil – 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
Benefits –
• Bleeding Piles
It promotes digestive fire because of its Ushna (hot) potency. This corrects constipation and controls bleeding. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) nature.
• Wound Healing
It is useful in wound healing as it contains certain chemical constituent (tannin) which have astringent and antimicrobial properties. These constituents promote contraction of the wound and improve blood flow to the wound site, thus speeding wound healing when applied externally.
• Menstrual Problems
The extract obtained from flowers of Mesua ferrea possesses estrogen and progesterone-like effects which are helpful in the treatment of hormonal imbalance during menstrual problems.
• Asthma
Nagkesar helps in balancing Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
• Seizures
Mesua ferrea contains anticonvulsant properties and has been used in curing seizures.
• Indigestion
Nagkesar helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
• Snake Bite
It’s flowers are generally used for healing scorpion or snake bite poisoning due to its healing property. It helps to reduce the effects of poisoning and provides a relaxing condition.
• Headache
Nagkesar helps to reduce a stress-induced headache. It’s paste alleviates stress, fatigue and relaxes the tensed muscles.
• Joint Pain
Nagkesar or its oil helps to reduce bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying Nagkesar or its oil helps to reduce joint pain by balancing Vata due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
Side Effects –
It can be safely taken with other herbal medicines, vitamins, or remedies and no side effects are observed.
It must be taken under the supervision of a medical doctor in situations like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and diabetes.
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