Jivak
Jivak
Jivak is an orchid that forms colonies in shady places or moist and wet grounds.It is majorly found in Uttrakhand, India, and is known for its medicinal properties. It is an important ingredient of “Chyawanprash” from ancient times.
Externally, Jivak is beneficial for protecting skin from harmful radiation as it possesses photo-protective activity. In addition, it also prevents skin aging due to its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. In Ayurveda, Jivak is useful in managing joint pain or pain associated with the wound due to its Vata balancing property.
As per Ayurveda, it helps manage diarrhea due to its Vata and Pitta balancing. It is also helpful in bronchitis due to its Vata and Kaph balancing properties. Jivak also maintains the overall health of a person due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. Taking Jivak Chyawanprash protects from infection by strengthening the immune system.
As there is not enough scientific evidence available, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Jivak for medicinal purposes[2][6][8].
Externally, Jivak is beneficial for protecting skin from harmful radiation as it possesses photo-protective activity. In addition, it also prevents skin aging due to its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. In Ayurveda, Jivak is useful in managing joint pain or pain associated with the wound due to its Vata balancing property.
As per Ayurveda, it helps manage diarrhea due to its Vata and Pitta balancing. It is also helpful in bronchitis due to its Vata and Kaph balancing properties. Jivak also maintains the overall health of a person due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. Taking Jivak Chyawanprash protects from infection by strengthening the immune system.
As there is not enough scientific evidence available, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Jivak for medicinal purposes[2][6][8].
What are the synonyms of Jivak?
Malaxis acuminata, Jivya, Dirghayu, Cirajivi, Jeevak, Jeevakam, Jeevakamu[1].
What is the source of Jivak?
Plant Based
Benefits of Jivak
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea, known as Atisara in Ayurveda, is a condition in which a person suffers from watery stools more than 3 times a day. It usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha which disturbs the functioning of the digestive fire (Agni) and results in Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). The other factors which might be responsible for Diarrhea are improper food, impure water, toxins (Ama) and mental stress. Jivak helps to manage diarrhea due to its Vata balancing property. It also helps to maintain the digestion and digestive fire due to its Pitta balancing property, thereby providing relief in diarrhea[8].
2. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the windpipe and lungs, which results in the accumulation of sputum. In Ayurveda, Bronchitis is known as Kasa roga and is caused by an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas. The imbalance of Vata dosha blocks the Kapha dosha in the respiratory tract (windpipe) resulting in the accumulation of sputum. This leads to congestion in the respiratory tract that obstructs the air pathway. Jivak helps to manage Bronchitis due to it’s Vata balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. It prevents the imbalance of Vata and reduces the symptoms of Bronchitis. It also helps maintain the overall health of a person[8].
3. Sexual weakness
Sexual weakness is the condition in which a person faces either loss of libido (low sexual desire in one or both partners) or early discharge of semen (in case of male partner). It usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Jivak helps to manage Sexual weakness due to it’s Vata balancing and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties[8].
Diarrhea, known as Atisara in Ayurveda, is a condition in which a person suffers from watery stools more than 3 times a day. It usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha which disturbs the functioning of the digestive fire (Agni) and results in Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). The other factors which might be responsible for Diarrhea are improper food, impure water, toxins (Ama) and mental stress. Jivak helps to manage diarrhea due to its Vata balancing property. It also helps to maintain the digestion and digestive fire due to its Pitta balancing property, thereby providing relief in diarrhea[8].
2. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the windpipe and lungs, which results in the accumulation of sputum. In Ayurveda, Bronchitis is known as Kasa roga and is caused by an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas. The imbalance of Vata dosha blocks the Kapha dosha in the respiratory tract (windpipe) resulting in the accumulation of sputum. This leads to congestion in the respiratory tract that obstructs the air pathway. Jivak helps to manage Bronchitis due to it’s Vata balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. It prevents the imbalance of Vata and reduces the symptoms of Bronchitis. It also helps maintain the overall health of a person[8].
3. Sexual weakness
Sexual weakness is the condition in which a person faces either loss of libido (low sexual desire in one or both partners) or early discharge of semen (in case of male partner). It usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Jivak helps to manage Sexual weakness due to it’s Vata balancing and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties[8].
Precautions when using Jivak
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Enough evidence is not available about the precautions and safety related to the use of Jivak. So it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Jivak.
Benefits of Jivak
FAQs about Jivak benefits
1. Insect bite
Jivak helps to manage or reduce the poisonous effects of insect bite. It helps to reduce the pain or burning sensation on the affected area due to it’s Vata balancing and Sita properties[8].
2. Rheumatic Pain
Pain felt during the condition of rheumatoid arthritis is known as Rheumatic pain which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. Jivak helps manage Rheumatic pain in the condition of rheumatic arthritis due to it’s Vata balancing property[8].
Jivak helps to manage or reduce the poisonous effects of insect bite. It helps to reduce the pain or burning sensation on the affected area due to it’s Vata balancing and Sita properties[8].
2. Rheumatic Pain
Pain felt during the condition of rheumatoid arthritis is known as Rheumatic pain which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. Jivak helps manage Rheumatic pain in the condition of rheumatic arthritis due to it’s Vata balancing property[8].
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The botanical name of Jivak is Malaxis acuminata[1].
Modern Science View
Oligospermia means low sperm count. Jivak is considered to be helpful in case of oligospermia as it might help increase sperm count as well as improve sperm motility. It also helps to increase the production and quantity of semen[8].
Ayurvedic View
Oligospermia is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha and leads to low sperm count in the semen. Jivak is useful for oligospermia due to its aphrodisiac and Vata balancing properties. It helps prevent the reduction of sperm count and also improves sperm quality.
Modern Science View
Jivak is used in the preparation of chyawanprash. It helps in the smooth functioning of respiratory, nervous and circulatory system and provides good overall health. It also protects from infections by strengthening the immunity[3].
Ayurvedic View
Jivak is one of the essential components of Jivak chyawanprash. It helps to boost the immune system due to it’s Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. This helps maintain the overall health of a person.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jivak Chyawanprash might be helpful in managing indigestion due to its antimicrobial property. It prevents the growth of bacteria in the large intestine and minimizes the risk of stomach infection[3][4].
Modern Science View
Jivak chyawanprash might help control constipation due to its mild laxative property. It helps promote bowel movement and eases the excretion of stool from the body[3][5].
Ayurvedic View
Constipation occurs due to imbalanced Vata dosha. This imbalance leads to dryness in the intestines which hardens the stool and makes it difficult to pass out. Jivak helps reduce the symptoms of constipation by preventing dryness in the intestines and hardening of the stool due to it’s Vata balancing property.
Modern Science View
Jivak is considered to be beneficial for health due to its immunomodulatory activity. It has a high percentage of essential fatty acids and vitamin C. It is also rich in bioflavonoids, carotenoids and bioactive phytochemicals which act as an immune modulators and help improve the immune system and enable it to function properly[3][5].
Ayurvedic View
Jivak promotes the development of the immune system due to which your body can fight against certain infections like common cold and cough due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. This helps in maintaining the overall health and you can stay healthy for a longer period of time.
Modern Science View
Jivak helps prevent skin aging due to the presence of certain bioactive constituents. These constituents have good anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities that prevent the breaking of peptide bonds in collagen. Collagen helps to replace and restore the dead skin cells. Together, this helps in managing premature aging of skin[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Jivak might work as an anti-inflammatory agent due to the presence of certain bioactive constituents that regulate the inflammatory response by reducing the activity of inflammatory mediators. This helps reduce pain and swelling in the affected area.Jivak is also known to accelerate the healing of wounds[6].
Ayurvedic View
Inflammation generally occurs due to an imbalance of the Vata or Pitta dosha. Jivak helps to manage the condition of inflammation due to it’s Vata balancing and Sita properties. It helps reduce the inflammation and provide a cooling effect.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jivak might act as an antioxidant and prevent the damage of cells caused by free radicals. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals present in our bodies which might improve the overall health[7].
Modern Science View
Jivak has been used since ancient times as a main ingredient in the making of Chyawanprash. It can also be used to increase the quantity of semen or to stimulate the production of semen. Jivak is also beneficial when mixed with other medicinal plants for the treatment of rheumatism (chronic pain affecting joints)[3].
Ayurvedic View
Jivak is an important ingredient of “Chyawanprash” from ancient times. It is useful to manage the symptoms of joint pain. Jivak is also helpful in bronchitis due to its Vata-Kapha balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
Modern Science View
Jivak is generally considered to be safe when taken in the recommended quantity as suggested by the doctor.
Modern Science View
It is advised to consult a doctor if you are taking any other medicines or supplements to avoid any interaction.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jivak pseudobulb (bulbous enlargement of the stem) paste is used in case of snake bites.It acts as a snake venom neutralizer and helps in alleviating the toxic effects of snake poisoning[3].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Jivak can be applied externally at the site of the snake bite. It helps reduce the pain and effect of snake bite due to it’s Vata balancing property, thereby providing relief.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jivak might be beneficial in the management of arthritis. The pseudobulb (bulbous enlargement of the stem) paste of Jivak can be applied externally to the affected area to help reduce pain and swelling in the joints. This is due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties[3][6].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Sharma Y, Rani J, Raina R, et al. New insights into the morphology of Malaxis acuminata D Don. International Journal of Farm Sciences.2014;4(4):136-146.
- Sharma P, Nipun M, Pankaj G, et al.Malaxis acuminata: A Review.International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy.2011;2(2):422-425.
- Sharma P, Garg P, Dadhwal S, et al.Antimicrobial activity of butanol extract of Malaxis acuminata.Journal of Pharmacy Research.2011;4(8):2703-2704.
- Singh DR, Kishore R, Kumar R, et al.Orchid Preparations. ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchids; 2016.
- Bose B, Choudhery H, Tandon M, et al.Studies on secondary metabolite profiling, anti-inflammatory potential , in vitro photoprotective and skin- aging related enzyme inhibitory activities if Malaxis acuminata, a threatened orchid of nutraceutical importance.Journal of photochemistry and photobiology.2017;173(C):686-695.
- Garg P,Aggarwal P, Sharma P, et al.Antioxidant activity of the butanol extract of Malaxis acuminata. (Jeevak).Journal of Pharmacy Research.2015;5(5):2888-2889.
- Raturi R, Kaur G, Gupta V, et al.Microstylis muscifera (Jeevak): Highly Therapeutic and Endangered Orchid.JBPR.2017;6(6):1-9.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.