Safed Musli
Safed musli or White musli is a wildly grown white-colored herb. It is often referred to as “White gold” or “Divya aushad”. It is a rare Indian herb and also a popular magical folk remedy that has immense healing properties. Famed for its powerful aphrodisiac and adaptogenic effects, this herb is extensively used in all types of healing procedures. Safed Musli not only enhance strength but also boosts physical performance and improves body endurance.
The botanical name of Safed Musli is Chlorophytum Borivilianum and it belongs to the Asparagaceae family.It is a tropical herb that is spread throughout the wet forests of peninsular India.
Chemical Composition –
It is an enriched source of proteins, vitamins, alkaloids, steroids, carbohydrates, and polysaccharides. Owing to the abundance of saponins, fibres, potassium, calcium, magnesium, resins, phenol, and mucilage also present in this herb.
The foamy texture of this herb powder comes from the high levels of saponin content in them. The two active saponin constituents present in musli are stigmasterol and hecogenin, out of which stigmasterol possesses aphrodisiac properties and shows activities similar to the hormone testosterone, whereas hecogenin helps in the synthesis of anabolic hormones, which allows men to build strong muscles.
Properties –
• Spermatogenic
• Anti-stress
• Antioxidant
• Aphrodisiac
• Adaptogenic
• Cardioprotective
• Galactagogue
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anta acid
• Hypoglycemic
Effect on Doshas –
Being heavy and unctuous, it pacifies the Vata (i.e. air) Doshas whereas having a sweet metabolic taste and cold potency, the herb normalises the Pitta (i.e. fire and water) Doshas. However, it can often lead to an aggravation of the Kapha (i.e. water and earth) Dosha levels.
Benefits –
• For Males –
Safed Musli is an extremely beneficial herb that is typically indicated for improving men’s health. It holds high significance in treating oligospermia (i.e. low sperm count), asthenozoospermia (i.e. sperm motility), hypospermia (low volume of semen), teratospermia (i.e. abnormal sperm shape) and enhances spermatogenesis (i.e. sperm production).Since it has vajikaran property, it plays a crucial role in treating conditions like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Being a potent Pitta pacifier herb, safed musli also prevents sudden night falls or nocturnal emission.
• For Females –
Safed musli also helps to boost female reproductive hormones and actively participates in treating a host of conditions including endometriosis (i.e. inflammation of the lining of the uterus). Being a powerful uterine tonic, it maintains hormone levels within the blood, strengthens the female reproductive organs and enhances maturation of the eggs into follicles. Regular use of this herb in any way improves fertility.
• For Libido –
Safed Musli offers strong aphrodisiac effects which help in reducing mental stress and anxiety and stimulates the hormones for increasing libido.
• To Gain Weight –
The abundance of healthful nutrients in Safed musli makes it an appropriate choice for providing nourishment for people suffering from malnourishment, are emaciated or underweight and need to build lean muscle mass.
• For Anxiety and Depression –
It is extremely useful in remedying different types of psychotic problems like depression, dementia, etc. It normalises the vata and pitta doshas in the body which in turn keeps the serotonin hormone level under control and helps to reduce various symptoms of anxiety.
• Manages Diabetes –
The β-pancreatic cells, which helps in the production of insulin becomes extremely active in consuming musli. It also helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn leads to low blood glucose levels in the body.
• Improves Cardiac Functioning –
Owing to its strong antioxidative nature, it strengthens the heart muscles, prevents lipid build up in them, and hence reduces the risk of heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, etc. It also plays a crucial role in lowering the levels of cholesterol in the blood.
• Promotes Lactation –
It is extensively used in lactating women to boost the secretion of milk from the mammary glands.
• Helps in treating Arthritis –
it an appropriate choice for providing relief from pain and inflammation due to arthritis.
• Effective in Urinary problems –
It is also used for treating urinary disorders like urinary incontinence, painful urination, burning sensation while urinating.
Formulations –
• Musli Churna
• Musli Pak
Dosage –
The exact therapeutic dosage may vary from person to person depending upon the age, body strength, effects on appetite, severity, and condition of the patient.
For Teenagers: 1.5 – 2 gm
For Adults: 3 – 6 gm
The maximum dosage for the entire day should never exceed 12 gms. It should be taken with milk, twice a day 2 hours after a meal or as suggested by your doctor.
Precautions –
It is advisable to take Safed Musli only in a recommended dose and duration under a doctor’s supervision.
2. Avoid Safed Musli in case you have a poor digestive system. This is due to its Guru (heavy) property.
3. It is advisable not to use Safed Musli for a long duration as it can cause weight gain due to its Kapha increasing property
Pregnant and lactating mothers can take safed musli but under Ayurvedic physician supervision.
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