Munakka
Munnaka
Munakka is known as the “Tree of Life” because of its regenerative ability. It has a sweet taste and is generally used as a dry fruit, mostly for medicinal purposes.
Munakka is useful for managing constipation due to its laxative property and helps to control acidity due to its cooling property.
It is effective in dry cough and respiratory tract inflammation due to its cough suppressant and soothing properties. It also maintains blood pressure levels by increasing nitric oxide in the blood which helps to widen narrowed blood vessels thereby improving blood flow.
Munakka can either be taken in dried form or soaked overnight to improve digestion.
Applying Munakka paste over wounds helps in faster healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Munakka face mask can be applied on the skin to prevent wrinkles and aging due to its antioxidant property[1][2].
Munakka is useful for managing constipation due to its laxative property and helps to control acidity due to its cooling property.
It is effective in dry cough and respiratory tract inflammation due to its cough suppressant and soothing properties. It also maintains blood pressure levels by increasing nitric oxide in the blood which helps to widen narrowed blood vessels thereby improving blood flow.
Munakka can either be taken in dried form or soaked overnight to improve digestion.
Applying Munakka paste over wounds helps in faster healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Munakka face mask can be applied on the skin to prevent wrinkles and aging due to its antioxidant property[1][2].
What are the synonyms of Munakka?
Vitis vinifera, Zabeeb, Maneka, Dried Grapes, Raisins, Darakh, Drakh, Dakh, Kishmish, Angur, Draksh, Angoore Khushk, Mavaiz, Draksha, Munaqqa, Angoor
What is the source of Munakka?
Plant Based
Benefits of Munakka
How effective is Munakka?
Likely ineffective
Hay fever, Obesity
Insufficient evidence
Athletic performance, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Constipation, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Fatty liver disease, Heart disease, Heavy menstrual bleeding, High cholesterol, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Menopausal symptoms, Mouth ulcers, Piles, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Skin regeneration
Precautions when using Munakka
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Munakka as it can cause loose motion due to its Virechana (purgative) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Munakka if you have indigestion and a weak digestive fire.
Modern Science View
Munakka may interact with blood thinners. So it generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Munnaka with blood thinners and anticoagulants[4].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor before taking Munakka during breastfeeding[4].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Munakka may lower blood pressure. So it is generally advisable to monitor your blood pressure while taking Munnaka with antihypertensive drugs[4].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor before taking Munakka during pregnancy[4].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. High Blood Pressure
2. Nausea
3. Indigestion
4. Dizziness
5. Anaphylaxis[4].
2. Nausea
3. Indigestion
4. Dizziness
5. Anaphylaxis[4].
Recommended Dosage of Munakka
- Munakka Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
How to use Munakka
1. Raw Munakka
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Munakka.
b. Eat it once or twice a day.
2. Munakka (Draksha) Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Munakka.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
3. Munakka Kwath
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Munakka Kwath (Decoction).
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink it after food once or twice a day.
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Munakka.
b. Eat it once or twice a day.
2. Munakka (Draksha) Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Munakka.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
3. Munakka Kwath
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Munakka Kwath (Decoction).
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink it after food once or twice a day.
Benefits of Munakka
How effective is Munakka?
Likely effective
Eye pain
Insufficient evidence
Cough, Melasma
FAQs about Munakka benefits
Precautions when using Munakka
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Use Munakka or Draksha paste with water or honey if your skin is hypersensitive.
Side Effects
Modern Science View
Dry scalp
Itching[4].
Itching[4].
Recommended Dosage of Munakka
- Munakka Paste - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Munakka
1. Munakka Paste Face Mask
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Munakka paste.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 7-10 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a day to get rid of dark skin patches and uneven skin tone.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Munakka paste.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 7-10 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a day to get rid of dark skin patches and uneven skin tone.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Munnaka and Kishmish are dry fruits with different nutritional profiles, shape and size. Munnaka is brown to dark brown in color whereas Kishmish is yellow in color. Munnaka contains seed inside it whereas Kishmish is seedless. Kishmish is more popularly used in cooking whereas Munnaka is frequently used for medicinal value.
Modern Science View
Munnaka is sweet in taste and is considered as the rich source of phenolic compounds and contains resveratrol, flavonoid, quercetin, catechins, procyanidins and anthocyanins. It possesses anti-aging, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, cardiovascular-protection, neuroprotection properties.
Modern Science View
There is no harm in eating Munakka seeds but it might cause choking and thus should be avoided.
Modern Science View
Tips:
1. Soak few pieces of Munakka in water overnight as per your requirement.
2. Then, have these soaked pieces on an empty stomach. This helps improve the iron levels in the body.
Tips:
1. Soak few Munakka seeds as per your requirement.
2. Boil these soaked seeds with milk.
3. Drink this milk before bedtime to manage constipation.
1. Soak few pieces of Munakka in water overnight as per your requirement.
2. Then, have these soaked pieces on an empty stomach. This helps improve the iron levels in the body.
Tips:
1. Soak few Munakka seeds as per your requirement.
2. Boil these soaked seeds with milk.
3. Drink this milk before bedtime to manage constipation.
Modern Science View
Yes, consumption of Munakka helps in controlling bad breath by inhibiting bacterial growth between the teeth and around the gums[8].
Ayurvedic View
Munakka helps to improve digestion when it is added to diet. Sometimes constipation is one of the causes of bad breath. Munakka is a good remedy to get rid of bad breath due to constipation. This is due to its Virechana (purgative) property which corrects constipation and reduces bad breath.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific information is available to support the role of Munakka during pregnancy.
However, it is generally advisable not to use Grape seeds during breastfeeding or pregnancy[3][4].
However, it is generally advisable not to use Grape seeds during breastfeeding or pregnancy[3][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Munakka helps manage constipation due to its laxative property. It helps to loosen the stool and promotes the bowel movement. This helps in easy passage of stool[5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Munakka is an effective remedy to improve digestion and prevents constipation. Using Munakka with warm milk at bedtime promotes bowel movement in the morning because of its Virechana (purgative) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Munakka helps control acidity. Munakka has a cooling effect on the stomach which provides relief from acidity[9].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Munakka helps to control acidity by improving digestion. It also has Pitta balancing property which helps to control excessive production of acid and thus reduces the symptoms of acidity.
Modern Science View
Yes, Munakka might help manage diabetes. This is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the damage of pancreatic cells and enhance insulin secretion. This helps lower blood sugar levels[10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Munakka help manage high blood pressure due to its antioxidant property. It can also reduce blood pressure by making nitric oxide more available in the blood. Nitric oxide widens narrowed blood vessels. This helps in proper flow of blood and thus lowers high blood pressure[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Munakka is effective in management of dry cough due to its cough suppressant activity. It also has a soothing property that reduces irritation in the throat[12].
Ayurvedic View
Munakka might be a good remedy to control dry cough because it soothes and reduces dryness in the throat. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) nature.
Modern Science View
There is not enough scientific evidence available to support the role of Munakka in weight gain.
Ayurvedic View
Munakka helps in gaining weight when added to daily diet because of its Balya (strength provider) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Munakka is good for teeth and gums. Munakka has organic acids which have an antiseptic property. It prevents bacterial growth in teeth and gums and reduces the risk of oral problems[5].
Ayurvedic View
Munakka helps to reduce inflammation of the gums and accelerates the healing process in case of mouth ulcers. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Modern Science View
Munakka has been found effective due to its strong wound healing activity. The antioxidants present in Munakka fight against the free radicals and prevents cell damage. It is useful in controlling aging, wrinkle, and roughness of the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which reduces inflammation and prevents bacterial infection respectively[5-7].
Ayurvedic View
Applying Munakka on wound accelerates the healing process because of its Ropan (healing) property. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles on face due to its Snigdha (oily) property.
Tips:
1. Prepare poultice by crushing Munakka.
2. Then spread the poultice in between a muslin or cheesecloth.
3. Place this cloth over the affected area.
Tips:
1. Prepare poultice by crushing Munakka.
2. Then spread the poultice in between a muslin or cheesecloth.
3. Place this cloth over the affected area.
References
- Gupta D, Vyas M, Shukla V, et al.Pharmacognostical and physico-chemical evaluation of drakshadi gutika - an ayurvedic formulation. Journal of Research in Traditional Medicine.2016;2(2):39-44.
- Xia E, He X, Li H, et al.Biological Activities of Polyphenols from Grapes.Polyphenols in Human Health and Disease.2014;1:47–58.
- WebMD.Grape: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
- Bakhru HK. Foods that heal: The natural way to good health. Orient paperbacks.2014.
- Rekik DM, Khedir SB, Moalla KK, et al.Evaluation of Wound Healing Properties of Grape Seed, Sesame, and Fenugreek Oils. Hindawi publishing corporation.2016;1-12.
- Soto ML, Falque E, Dominguez H. Relevance of Natural Phenolics from Grape and Derivative Products in the Formulation of Cosmetics. Cosmetics.2015;2:259-276.
- Karimi M. The causes of Holitosis in children. Pediatric dental care open access.2016;2(1):1-3.
- Chauhan VS, Maval M, Inaniyan R, et al.Alimental Excellence of Grapes, Prunes and Raisins for a Salubrious and tranquil Body Physiology. IAAST.2015;6(3):1-4.
- Zunino SJ. Type 2 Diabetes and Glycemic Response to Grapes or Grape Products.The journal of nutrition.2009;1794-1800.
- Li SH, Zhao P, Tian HB, et al.Effect of Grape Polyphenols on Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.PLOS One.2015;10(9):1-12.
- Sultana S, Khan A, Safhi MM, et al. Cough Suppressant Herbal Drugs: A Review. IJPSI. 2016;5(5):15-28.
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.