Malkangani
Malkangani
Malkangani, also known as “Staff tree” or ‘Tree of Life’, is a large woody climbing shrub.
Its oil is beneficial for hair and is used as a hair tonic. The application of Malkangani on the scalp makes hair healthy and helps reduce dandruff due to its antifungal property. Malkangani is also used for managing dermal problems such as eczema. Malkangani leaves have strong wound healing activity and help reduce pain and inflammation due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to Ayurveda, Malkangani powder can be taken along with honey or water to help manage pain and swelling due to osteoarthritis due to its vata balancing property.
Consuming Malkangani oil with lukewarm water once a day helps in enhancing memory due to its Medhya (improves intelligence) property[2][3].
Its oil is beneficial for hair and is used as a hair tonic. The application of Malkangani on the scalp makes hair healthy and helps reduce dandruff due to its antifungal property. Malkangani is also used for managing dermal problems such as eczema. Malkangani leaves have strong wound healing activity and help reduce pain and inflammation due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to Ayurveda, Malkangani powder can be taken along with honey or water to help manage pain and swelling due to osteoarthritis due to its vata balancing property.
Consuming Malkangani oil with lukewarm water once a day helps in enhancing memory due to its Medhya (improves intelligence) property[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Malkangani?
Celastrus paniculatus, Staff tree, Doddaganugae, Gangunge beeja, Gangunge humpu, Kangondiballi, Ceruppunnari, Uzhinja, Malkangoni, Malkanguni, Jyotishmati, Valuluvai, Peddamaveru[1].
What is the source of Malkangani?
Plant Based
Benefits of Malkangani
1. Weak memory
Malkangani helps to enhance memory. According to Ayurveda, poor memory is due to inactivity of Kapha or aggravation of Vata dosha. Malkangani helps in balancing Vata and improves memory. This is due to its Medhya (improves intelligence) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani oil.
b. Add it to lukewarm milk or water.
c. Have it once a day after taking light food to manage a weak memory.
2. Anxiety
Malkangani is useful to manage the symptoms of anxiety. According to Ayurveda, Vata governs all the movement and actions of the body and nervous system respectively. Anxiety is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Malkangani helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. This is due to its Vata balancing and a unique Medhya (improve intelligence) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 4-6 pinch of Malkangani powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner to control the symptoms of anxiety.
4. Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Taking Malkangani helps to correct male sexual dysfunction and also improves stamina. This is due to its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani oil.
b. Add it to lukewarm milk or water.
c. Have it once a day after taking light food to maintain sexual wellness.
3. Osteoarthritis
Malkangani is useful to manage pain in osteoarthritis. According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement. Malkangani has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis like pain and swelling in the joints. Tips:
a. Take 4-6 pinch of Malkangani powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner in managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Malkangani helps to enhance memory. According to Ayurveda, poor memory is due to inactivity of Kapha or aggravation of Vata dosha. Malkangani helps in balancing Vata and improves memory. This is due to its Medhya (improves intelligence) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani oil.
b. Add it to lukewarm milk or water.
c. Have it once a day after taking light food to manage a weak memory.
2. Anxiety
Malkangani is useful to manage the symptoms of anxiety. According to Ayurveda, Vata governs all the movement and actions of the body and nervous system respectively. Anxiety is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Malkangani helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. This is due to its Vata balancing and a unique Medhya (improve intelligence) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 4-6 pinch of Malkangani powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner to control the symptoms of anxiety.
4. Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Taking Malkangani helps to correct male sexual dysfunction and also improves stamina. This is due to its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani oil.
b. Add it to lukewarm milk or water.
c. Have it once a day after taking light food to maintain sexual wellness.
3. Osteoarthritis
Malkangani is useful to manage pain in osteoarthritis. According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement. Malkangani has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis like pain and swelling in the joints. Tips:
a. Take 4-6 pinch of Malkangani powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner in managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Precautions when using Malkangani
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Malkangani during breastfeeding. So it is advisable to avoid Malkangani or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Malkangani if you are on any anti-diabetic drugs. So it is advisable to avoid Malkangani or use only under medical supervision in such a case.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Malkangani if you are on any anti-hypertensive drugs. So it is advisable to avoid Malkangani or use only under medical supervision in such a case.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor before taking Malkangani during Pregnancy[4].
Recommended Dosage of Malkangani
- Malkangani Powder - 4-6 pinch once or twice a day.
- Malkangani Capsule - 1-2 capsules once a day.
- Malkangani Oil - 2-5 drops once a day.
How to use Malkangani
1. Malkangani Seed Powder
a. Take 4-6 pinch of Malkangani powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
d. Repeat this daily to control the symptoms of anxiety.
2. Malkangani (Jyotishmati) Capsules
a. Take 1-2 Jyotishmati capsules.
b. Swallow it with water once a day.
3. Malkangani (Jyotishmati) Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil.
b. Add it to lukewarm milk or water.
c. Drink preferably in the morning after taking light food for better results.
a. Take 4-6 pinch of Malkangani powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
d. Repeat this daily to control the symptoms of anxiety.
2. Malkangani (Jyotishmati) Capsules
a. Take 1-2 Jyotishmati capsules.
b. Swallow it with water once a day.
3. Malkangani (Jyotishmati) Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil.
b. Add it to lukewarm milk or water.
c. Drink preferably in the morning after taking light food for better results.
Benefits of Malkangani
1. Hair loss
Malkangani is also one of the most useful Ayurvedic herbs that are used for hair related problems. According to Ayurveda, the reason for hair fall is an aggravated Vata dosha. Using Malkangani oil helps in balancing Vata and remove excessive dryness from the scalp.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with coconut oil or olive oil.
c. Massage well on the scalp.
d. Repeat this twice a week to control hair fall.
2. Skin disease
Malkangani powder or oil helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected area. Some of the symptoms of eczema are rough skin, blisters, inflammation, itchiness, and bleeding. Applying Malkangani or its oil reduces inflammation and helps to stop bleeding. This is because of its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with coconut oil or olive oil.
c. Apply or massage on the affected area.
d. Repeat this to manage various skin diseases.
3. Joint Pain
Malkangani oil helps to manage 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 Malkangani oil helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with coconut or olive oil.
c. Apply or massage on the affected area.
d. Repeat to get relief from the symptoms of arthritis.
4. Asthma
Malkangani oil helps to reduce the symptoms of asthma. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga or Asthma. Applying Malkangani oil daily before going to bed on the chest helps to calm Kapha and loosen the accumulated mucus in the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with olive oil
c. Apply or massage on the affected area.
d. Repeat to get relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Malkangani is also one of the most useful Ayurvedic herbs that are used for hair related problems. According to Ayurveda, the reason for hair fall is an aggravated Vata dosha. Using Malkangani oil helps in balancing Vata and remove excessive dryness from the scalp.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with coconut oil or olive oil.
c. Massage well on the scalp.
d. Repeat this twice a week to control hair fall.
2. Skin disease
Malkangani powder or oil helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected area. Some of the symptoms of eczema are rough skin, blisters, inflammation, itchiness, and bleeding. Applying Malkangani or its oil reduces inflammation and helps to stop bleeding. This is because of its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with coconut oil or olive oil.
c. Apply or massage on the affected area.
d. Repeat this to manage various skin diseases.
3. Joint Pain
Malkangani oil helps to manage 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 Malkangani oil helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with coconut or olive oil.
c. Apply or massage on the affected area.
d. Repeat to get relief from the symptoms of arthritis.
4. Asthma
Malkangani oil helps to reduce the symptoms of asthma. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga or Asthma. Applying Malkangani oil daily before going to bed on the chest helps to calm Kapha and loosen the accumulated mucus in the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with olive oil
c. Apply or massage on the affected area.
d. Repeat to get relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Recommended Dosage of Malkangani
- Malkangani Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Malkangani
1. Malkangani (Jyotishmati) Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with coconut oil or olive oil.
c. Apply or massage on the affected area.
2. Malkangani Seeds
a. Take ½-1 teaspoons of Malkangani seeds and grind to make powder.
b. Mix with water or honey and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
d. Use this remedy once a day to manage wounds and ulcers.
a. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with coconut oil or olive oil.
c. Apply or massage on the affected area.
2. Malkangani Seeds
a. Take ½-1 teaspoons of Malkangani seeds and grind to make powder.
b. Mix with water or honey and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
d. Use this remedy once a day to manage wounds and ulcers.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Malkangani can be consumed in the form of capsule, oil or powder[3].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Malkangani is good for digestion. It helps to improve the digestive fire because of its Ushna (hot) nature which helps to digest food easily.
Ayurvedic View
Generally, Malkangani does not cause acidity. But it has Ushna (hot) potency so it should be taken only after taking light food.
Modern Science View
Yes, Malkangani is beneficial for mental disorders like mental confusion, cognitive defects and acts as a brain tonic. It is due to its antioxidant property that helps to prevent cell damage and therefore helps to improve memory and learning in an individual[2][5].
Ayurvedic View
Malkangani is an effective remedy to reduce the symptoms of mental disorders. Malkangani has Medhya (improves intelligence) property which helps to improve brain function and reduce the symptoms of mental disorders.
Tip
1. Take 4-6 pinch of Malkangani powder.
2. Mix with lukewarm milk.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of mental disorders.
Tip
1. Take 4-6 pinch of Malkangani powder.
2. Mix with lukewarm milk.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of mental disorders.
Modern Science View
The powder prepared from the fruits and seeds of this plant helps to remove intestinal worms and other intestinal parasites[3].
Modern Science View
The seed oil of Malkangani has the potential to reduce stress. This is due to its nerve protective and antioxidant properties. It reduces oxidative stress and destroys free radicals responsible for stress[3].
Ayurvedic View
Malkangani is an effective remedy to manage stress or anxiety. According to Ayurveda, stress is due to an aggravated Vata. Malkangani has Vata balancing property and helps reduce stress. It also has Medhya (improves intelligence) property which calms and relaxes the mind.
Tip:
1. Take 4-6 pinch of Malkangani powder.
2. Mix with lukewarm milk.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner to manage stress.
Tip:
1. Take 4-6 pinch of Malkangani powder.
2. Mix with lukewarm milk.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner to manage stress.
Modern Science View
The oil extracted from the seeds of Malkangani has sedative, antidepressant, anticonvulsant anxiolytic, and antiulcer properties. It is beneficial in case of stomach problems, sores, infections and diseases like Beriberi[5].
Modern Science View
Malkangani powder is used in case of malaria and to manage the symptoms of mental disorders. Powdered seeds when taken orally controls gas, acidity, intestinal worms, and manages pain in rheumatism. Powdered root is beneficial in case of cancerous tumors. Powdered bark helps to manage leucorrhoea[3].
Ayurvedic View
Malkagani oil is good for skin diseases when applied externally. It helps to reduce inflammation and fastens the healing process due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Malkangani helps in managing dandruff. The leaves of Malkangani consist of certain constituents that has antifungal properties which helps control dandruff[5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Malkangani or its oil helps to control dandruff when applied on the scalp. It removes excessive dryness and prevents the growth of dandruff because of its Snigdha (oily) nature.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with Coconut or Olive oil.
3. Massage well on the scalp twice a week.
4. Repeat once a week to control dandruff.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with Coconut or Olive oil.
3. Massage well on the scalp twice a week.
4. Repeat once a week to control dandruff.
Modern Science View
Yes, the seed oil of Malkangani when applied externally in winters provides warmth to the body[3].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Malkangani is good during winters due to its Ushna (hot) nature that keeps the body warm. A massage with Malkangani oil gives relief from joint pain and stiffness especially during winter.
Tip:
1. Take Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil as per your requirement.
2. Mix with Olive oil.
3. Massage well on the affected area or the whole body.
4. Repeat daily to keep the body warm and manage joint pain in winter.
Tip:
1. Take Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil as per your requirement.
2. Mix with Olive oil.
3. Massage well on the affected area or the whole body.
4. Repeat daily to keep the body warm and manage joint pain in winter.
Modern Science View
Yes, Malkangani can be used as a hair tonic. Oil extracted from its seeds makes hair healthy and silky. Also the leaves of Malkangani consist of certain constituents (saponins) that has antifungal properties and helps control dandruff[5][6].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Makangani can be used as a hair tonic. Generally Malkangani oil is used on the scalp to prevent hair fall. It helps to reduce excessive dryness on the scalp and also promote hair growth due to its Snigdha (oily) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Malkangani can be used for dermal problems. The leaves of this plant have wound healing, antimicrobial, moisturizing, antifungal properties and reduces pain and inflammation. Therefore Malkangini can be used in the management of skin diseases like pruritus[2][5].
Ayurvedic View
Malkangani or its oil helps to reduce the symptoms of dermal problems due to its Snigdha (oily) property and helps to reduce excessive dryness of the skin. The oil also has Ropan (healing) property that helps in quick healing of wounds when applied on the affected area.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with Coconut or Olive oil.
3. Apply this mixture on the affected area once or twice a day.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with Coconut or Olive oil.
3. Apply this mixture on the affected area once or twice a day.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Bhanumathy M, Chandrasekar SB, Chandur U. Phytopharmacology of Celastrus paniculatus: An Overview. Int J Pharm Sci Drug Res.2010;2(3):176-181.
- Deodhar K, Shinde NW.Celastrus paniculatus;Medicinal and pharmacological properties:A review.International Journal Of Development Research.2015;5(9):5526-5531).
- Sujana KA, Joseph J, Ratheesh Narayana.Ethnomedical uses of Celastrus paniculatus willd. Known to four tribal communities of wayanad district of kerala, India.
- Dwivedi V, Maurya HA.Comprehensive overview of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil intended for the management of human ailments.Indian J.Pharm.Biol.Res.2018;6(2):37-42.
- Arif P T, Shaligram SS, Babasaheb KS. Pharmacological profile of Jyotishmati (Celastrus Paniculatus Willd): A review.International Journal of AYUSH.2018:7(3) 901-923.
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.