Nagkesar
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.
Nagkesar is beneficial in relieving cold and cough as it removes excess mucus from the lungs. This also gives relief from certain symptoms of asthma. Taking Nagkesar powder along with honey or lukewarm water once or twice a day helps reduce fever by lowering the body temperature due to its antipyretic property. It also helps manage bleeding piles, dysentery and stomach irritation due to its astringent property.
According to Ayurveda, Nagkesar is good for improving digestion due to its Laghu (easy to digest) property.
Applying Nagkesar oil might be useful in managing skin problems as well as preventing skin infections due to its antimicrobial and strong wound healing property. It's topical application also helps reduce pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties[2-5].
Nagkesar is beneficial in relieving cold and cough as it removes excess mucus from the lungs. This also gives relief from certain symptoms of asthma. Taking Nagkesar powder along with honey or lukewarm water once or twice a day helps reduce fever by lowering the body temperature due to its antipyretic property. It also helps manage bleeding piles, dysentery and stomach irritation due to its astringent property.
According to Ayurveda, Nagkesar is good for improving digestion due to its Laghu (easy to digest) property.
Applying Nagkesar oil might be useful in managing skin problems as well as preventing skin infections due to its antimicrobial and strong wound healing property. It's topical application also helps reduce pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties[2-5].
What are the synonyms of Nagkesar?
Mesua ferrea, Cobras Saffron, Ceylon Ironwood, Indian Rose Chestnut, Mesua, Nagkesara, Pila Nagkesara, Kesara, Nagapuspa, Naga, Hema, Gajakesara, Negeshvar, Nahar, Nageshvara, Nagesar, Sachunagkeshara, Nagchampa, Pilunagkesar, Tamranagkesar, Nagsampige, Nagakesari, Nangaa, Nauga, Peri, Veluthapala, Nagppu, Nagappovu, Nageswar, Naugu, Naugaliral, Nagachampakam, Sirunagappu, Nagachampakamu, Narmushk[1][2].
What is the source of Nagkesar?
Plant Based
Benefits of Nagkesar
1. Indigestion
Nagkesar helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Nagkesar helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder.
b. Mix it with honey or lukewarm water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage indigestion.
2. Fever
Nagkesar might help reduce fever and its symptoms. According to Ayurveda, there are different types of fever, depending on the dosha involved. Usually, a fever indicates an excess accumulation of Ama due to low digestive fire. Taking Nagkesar boiled water helps to reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder.
b. Mix it with honey or lukewarm water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage fever.
3. Bleeding piles
Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda, which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to constipation. This causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area leading to piles mass. Sometimes bleeding can also occur in this condition. Nagkesar promotes digestive fire because of its Ushna (hot) potency. This corrects constipation and controls bleeding. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) nature.
Tip:
a. Make 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder.
b. Mix it with honey or lukewarm water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to control bleeding piles.
4. Asthma
Nagkesar helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. 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 (asthma). Nagkesar helps in balancing Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder.
b. Mix it with honey or lukewarm water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Nagkesar helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Nagkesar helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder.
b. Mix it with honey or lukewarm water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage indigestion.
2. Fever
Nagkesar might help reduce fever and its symptoms. According to Ayurveda, there are different types of fever, depending on the dosha involved. Usually, a fever indicates an excess accumulation of Ama due to low digestive fire. Taking Nagkesar boiled water helps to reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder.
b. Mix it with honey or lukewarm water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage fever.
3. Bleeding piles
Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda, which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to constipation. This causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area leading to piles mass. Sometimes bleeding can also occur in this condition. Nagkesar promotes digestive fire because of its Ushna (hot) potency. This corrects constipation and controls bleeding. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) nature.
Tip:
a. Make 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder.
b. Mix it with honey or lukewarm water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to control bleeding piles.
4. Asthma
Nagkesar helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. 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 (asthma). Nagkesar helps in balancing Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder.
b. Mix it with honey or lukewarm water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Precautions when using Nagkesar
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Nagkesar during breastfeeding. So it is advisable to avoid Nagkesar or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Nagkesar if you are on any anti-diabetic drugs. So it is advisable to avoid Nagkesar 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 Nagkesar if you are on any anti-hypertensive drugs. So it is advisable to avoid Nagkesar or use only under medical supervision in such a case.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Nagkesar during pregnancy. So it is advisable to avoid Nagkesar or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Nagkesar
- Nagkesar Powder - ¼ - ½ teaspoon once or twice a day.
How to use Nagkesar
1. Nagkesar Powder
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Nagkesar powder.
b. Mix it with honey or lukewarm water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Nagkesar powder.
b. Mix it with honey or lukewarm water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
Benefits of Nagkesar
FAQs about Nagkesar benefits
1. Wound healing
Nagkesar or its oil helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. It also works on skin problems like cuts due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Nagkesar oil.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoons of Coconut oil.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for 2-4 hours.
e. Repeat this for quick healing of wound.
2. 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.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with lukewarm water and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it 1-2 hours and wash with plain water.
e. Repeat to manage joint pain.
3. Headache
Nagkesar helps to reduce a stress-induced headache. Nagkesar paste alleviates stress, fatigue and relaxes the tensed muscles. Together it helps to manage a headache.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with lukewarm water and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for 1-2 hours and wash off with plain water.
e. Repeat this to manage a headache.
Nagkesar or its oil helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. It also works on skin problems like cuts due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Nagkesar oil.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoons of Coconut oil.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for 2-4 hours.
e. Repeat this for quick healing of wound.
2. 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.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with lukewarm water and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it 1-2 hours and wash with plain water.
e. Repeat to manage joint pain.
3. Headache
Nagkesar helps to reduce a stress-induced headache. Nagkesar paste alleviates stress, fatigue and relaxes the tensed muscles. Together it helps to manage a headache.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with lukewarm water and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for 1-2 hours and wash off with plain water.
e. Repeat this to manage a headache.
Precautions when using Nagkesar
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Always use Nagkesar oil after diluting with coconut oil on the skin due to its Ushna (hot) nature.
Recommended Dosage of Nagkesar
- Nagkesar Powder - ¼ - ½ teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Nagkesar Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Nagkesar seed oil can be used as a substitute for petroleum gasoline[14].
Modern Science View
Nagkesar churan is easily available in the market under various brand names. It can be bought either from online pharmacies, websites or from any Ayurvedic store.
Ayurvedic View
Traditionally, Nagkesar is used for managing menstrual disorder like heavy bleeding or leucorrhea. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) nature.
Ayurvedic View
No, Nagkesar does not cause constipation. It helps to improve your digestive fire. Nagkesar is easy to digest due to its Laghu (light to digest) property.
Modern Science View
Nagkesar has many benefits, studies show that it contains some chemical constituents which show various activities. The dried flowers show antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and liver protective activities. The leaves have analgesic and anti-venom properties, while the seed has antispasmodic and anti-arthritic activities[10].
Ayurvedic View
Nagkesar helps to manage conditions like indigestion, bleeding piles, asthma and joint pain due to its Ushna (hot), Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestion) and Vata, Pitta, Kapha balancing properties. It helps to promote good digestion and enhance your appetite. It helps to reduce the symptoms of bleeding in piles, asthma and joint pain.
Modern Science View
Yes, Nagkesar can be used in case of pain and inflammation as it contains certain chemical constituents which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These constituents inhibit the activity of chemicals (histamine, prostaglandin etc.) causing pain and inflammation[10][11].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Nagkesar can be used to reduce pain and inflammation which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. This is due to its Ushna (hot) and Vata balancing properties. It provides a warm sensation to the affected area and reduces the symptoms of aggravated Vata dosha.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with lukewarm water and make a paste.
3. Apply on the affected area once a day.
4. Leave it for 1-2 hours and wash with plain water.
5. Repeat to manage joint pain.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Nagkesar powder or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with lukewarm water and make a paste.
3. Apply on the affected area once a day.
4. Leave it for 1-2 hours and wash with plain water.
5. Repeat to manage joint pain.
Modern Science View
Nagkesar flowers have many traditional medicinal uses. The dried flowers are used in case of bleeding piles, dysentery with mucus, irritability of the stomach, excessive perspiration, skin infections, cough and indigestion. Nagkesar flowers are also used as an astringent and for snake bite and scorpion stings[9].
Ayurvedic View
Nagkesar flowers are generally used for healing scorpion or snake bite poisoning due to its Ropan (healing) property. It helps to reduce the effects of poisoning and provides a relaxing condition.
Modern Science View
Yes, Nagkesar 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[13].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Nagkesar is helpful in wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) property. It can be applied in the following way:
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Nagkesar oil.
2. Mix with 1-2 teaspoons of Coconut oil.
3. Apply on the affected area once a day.
4. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
5. Repeat this for quick healing of wounds.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Nagkesar oil.
2. Mix with 1-2 teaspoons of Coconut oil.
3. Apply on the affected area once a day.
4. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
5. Repeat this for quick healing of wounds.
Modern Science View
Yes, Nagkesar is good for skin as it has been used traditionally to manage various skin disorders. The seed oil is good for sores, skin scabies and wounds. It is also used in case of inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory property[9][12].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Nagkesar is good for the skin due to its Ropan (healing) and Kashaya (astringent) properties. It helps to heal wounds and also maintain the natural health of the skin.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Nagkesar oil.
2. Mix with 1-2 teaspoons of Coconut oil.
3. Apply on the affected area once a day.
4. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
5. Wash with plain water.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Nagkesar oil.
2. Mix with 1-2 teaspoons of Coconut oil.
3. Apply on the affected area once a day.
4. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
5. Wash with plain water.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1.Volume 1.
- Asif M, Jafari SF, Iqbal Z, et al.Ethnobotanical and phytopharmacological attributes of Mesua ferrea: A mini review.Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science.2017;7(04):242-251.
- Sharma A, Sharma S , Rohit et al. Mesua ferrae linn:- A Review of the Indian Medical Herb.Sys Rev Pharm. 2017:8(1):19-23.
- Rajendran K, Reddy V, Khanna A. Anticancer effect of Mesua ferrea extracts on Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell line. Int. J. Life. Sci. Scienti. Res.2016: 2( 2): 198-205.
- Jalalpure SS, Yuvaraj D, Mandavkar et al. Antiarthritic activity of various extracts of Mesua ferrea Linn. seed. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011:(138):700-4.
- Singha S, Adhikari U, Chandra G.Smoke repellency and mosquito larvicidal potentiality of Mesua ferra L. leaf extract against filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus Say. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.2011: 1: 119–123.
- Garg S, Sharma S, Ranjan. Evaluation of antioxidant and hepatoprotective efficacy of methanolic extract of Mesua ferrea linn leaves in experimentally challenged mice. International Journal of PharmTech Research.2009:1(4): pp 1692-1696.
- Nadpara NP , Vaghela JP, Patel P B.Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Mesua ferrea Linn. – A Review. Research Journal of pharmacology and phytochemistry.2012:4(6):291-296.
- Manjunatha BK, Syed M, Divakara R.Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potency of Mesua Ferrea Linn.Indian Journal of Applied Research.2013; 3(8):55-59.
- Chahar MK, Kumar S, Geetha L.Mesua ferrea L.: A review of the medical evidence for its phytochemistry and pharmacological actions.African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.2013;7(6):211-219.
- Chaitanya KK, Rao KK, Sastry YN.Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Phytochemical analysis of Mesua ferrea bark extracts.IJCTPR.2015; 3(3): 891–902.
- Tiwari P, Nandy S. Screening of Anti-inflammatory activity of Mesua Ferra LINN flower.IJBR.2012;3[05]:245‐252.
- Choudhary GP.Wound Healing Activity of the Ethanolic Extract of Mesua ferrea Linn.IJAPBC.2012;1(3):369-371.
- Bora DK, Saha R, Saikia M.Biofuel production from Mesua ferrea L seed oil. IJETR.2014;2(9):397-402.
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.