Nisoth
Nisoth
Nisoth, also known as Indian jalap, is a medicinal herb having various health benefits. There are two varieties of the plant (black and white), and dried roots of the white variety are mostly used for its medicinal properties.
As per Ayurveda, Nisoth is useful in the management of constipation. Nisoth churna promotes bowel movements when taken with warm water due to its Rechna (laxative) property. It also helps manage bacterial infections due to its strong antibacterial property. Taking Nisoth juice with a glass of water every morning on an empty stomach helps manage fever by lowering the body temperature due to its antipyretic activity. Nisoth consumption might help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers, hyperacidity and gastrointestinal tract-related problems due to its antiulcer activity.
It is generally advisable to monitor the blood glucose level if you are taking Nisoth along with any anti-dabetic drug as it may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar level[2].
As per Ayurveda, Nisoth is useful in the management of constipation. Nisoth churna promotes bowel movements when taken with warm water due to its Rechna (laxative) property. It also helps manage bacterial infections due to its strong antibacterial property. Taking Nisoth juice with a glass of water every morning on an empty stomach helps manage fever by lowering the body temperature due to its antipyretic activity. Nisoth consumption might help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers, hyperacidity and gastrointestinal tract-related problems due to its antiulcer activity.
It is generally advisable to monitor the blood glucose level if you are taking Nisoth along with any anti-dabetic drug as it may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar level[2].
What are the synonyms of Nisoth?
Operculina turpethum, Syama, Tribandi, Teudi, Tvuri, Dhdhakalami, Terpeth Root, Indian Jalap, Kala Nasottara, Nishothra, Vili Tigade, Trikolpokanna, Nisottar, Dudholomo, Karum Sivadai, Tella, Tegada, Turbud, Nishoth[1].
What is the source of Nisoth?
Plant Based
Benefits of Nisoth
1. Constipation
According to Ayurveda, Nisoth has strong Virechak(purgative) property so it increases the bowel movement and helps to pass stool easily.
2. Piles
Nisoth gives relief from piles and its symptoms like itching, burning and swelling in anus region due to its Virechak(purgative) nature which helps to remove constipaton.
3. Obesity
Nisoth shows good results in lowering excess fat and swelling in the body by expelling out extra water and toxin from the body due to its Virechak(purgative) and detoxifying quality.
4. Cough and Bronchitis
Nisoth has Kapha balancing property because of which it gives relief from respiratory problems like cough, bronchitis, asthma, and breathlessness caused due to excess mucus.
5. Worms
Nisoth helps to control worm infestation in the intestine due to its Krimighna (Anti Worms) quality.
6. Arthritis
Use of this herb is quite good in arthritis and reduce the inflammation and swelling in joints due to Virechak(purgative) in nature.
According to Ayurveda, Nisoth has strong Virechak(purgative) property so it increases the bowel movement and helps to pass stool easily.
2. Piles
Nisoth gives relief from piles and its symptoms like itching, burning and swelling in anus region due to its Virechak(purgative) nature which helps to remove constipaton.
3. Obesity
Nisoth shows good results in lowering excess fat and swelling in the body by expelling out extra water and toxin from the body due to its Virechak(purgative) and detoxifying quality.
4. Cough and Bronchitis
Nisoth has Kapha balancing property because of which it gives relief from respiratory problems like cough, bronchitis, asthma, and breathlessness caused due to excess mucus.
5. Worms
Nisoth helps to control worm infestation in the intestine due to its Krimighna (Anti Worms) quality.
6. Arthritis
Use of this herb is quite good in arthritis and reduce the inflammation and swelling in joints due to Virechak(purgative) in nature.
Precautions when using Nisoth
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Nisoth should be taken in recommended dose and duration. A high dose can cause diarrhea and other digestion related problems due to its purgative nature.
Ayurvedic View
Nisoth should not be used in children below 12 years.
Ayurvedic View
Nisoth should be avoided if someone has diarrhea and bleeding per rectum (bleeding from the anus).
Ayurvedic View
Nisoth has strong purgative property and should not be used if you have appendicitis.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Nisoth should be avoided during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Nisoth should be avoided during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Nisoth
- Nisoth Juice - 1-2 tesapoon once a day.
- Nisoth Churna - ¼-½ twice day.
How to use Nisoth
1. Nisoth churna
a. Take ¼-½ tesapoon Nisoth churna with warm water after lunch and dinner.
b. In case of piles, take Nisoth churna with Triphala churna.
2. Nisoth Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Nisoth juice.
b. Added with 1 glass of water.
c. Take it in the morning empty stomch one time a day
a. Take ¼-½ tesapoon Nisoth churna with warm water after lunch and dinner.
b. In case of piles, take Nisoth churna with Triphala churna.
2. Nisoth Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Nisoth juice.
b. Added with 1 glass of water.
c. Take it in the morning empty stomch one time a day
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Nisoth contains glycosides resin, volatile oil, glucose and fructose which are responsible for the treatment of a variety of chronic diseases.
Modern Science View
Nisoth is available in two varieties:
1. Black (Krishna)
2. White (Shweta)
1. Black (Krishna)
2. White (Shweta)
Modern Science View
Studies state that Nisoth might reduce the risk of bacterial infection caused by Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis due to its potential antibacterial activity[2].
Modern Science View
Nisoth has antipyretic activity and helps reduce fever by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzyme. Inhibition of this enzyme also reduce inflammation and pain during fever[2].
Modern Science View
Studies state that Nisoth has hepatoprotective activity and helps in protecting the liver from chemical induced damage[2].
Modern Science View
Nisoth has antiulcer activity and might reduce the risk of gastric ulcer, hyperacidity, and gastrointestinal tract-related problems[2].
Modern Science View
Nisoth might produce synergistic effect with anti-diabetic drugs and may reduce the blood sugar level. So it is advisable to monitor the blood glucose level if you are taking Nisoth along with any anti-diabetic drugs[2].
Modern Science View
Nisoth has a number of health benefits due to the presence of various constituents that helps manage pain due to analgesic property. Antioxidants present in Nisoth protects the liver against damage caused by free radicals due to its liver-protecting activity. It helps manage symptoms of arthritis such as pain and inflammation due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. It prevents various infections due to their antimicrobial property. Nisoth has also laxative property due to which it helps in easy passage of stools and prevents constipation. Furthermore, it is useful in scorpion or snake stings due to its anti-venom property[3].
Ayurvedic View
Nisoth has various health benefits. It helps to manage certain conditions such as indigestion or constipation due to its Ushna (hot) and Rechana (laxative) properties. These properties help improve digestion by enhancing appetite and promotes bowel movement. It is also used to manage certain skin problems such as dryness or damaged skin due to its Kashaya property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Nisoth might help manage oedema as it contains certain constituents which has anti-inflammatory property. It reduces the level of compound(prostaglandins) that are responsible for swelling or oedema in the body and thereby managing oedema[2].
Ayurvedic View
Oedema is the swelling on any part of the body that generally occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. Nisoth helps to manage oedema due to its Sothhar (anti-inflammatory) property which helps to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Modern Science View
Yes, Nisoth helps in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels as it contains certain constituents(flavonoids,saponins etc) which play an important role in managing body fat and lipids. It increases the levels of good cholesterol(HDL) and lowers the level of bad(LDL) cholesterol in the body. This might also lowers the risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup)[4].
Ayurvedic View
Cholesterol is a condition which occurs due to weak or poor digestion, that further leads to the accumulation of toxins in the form of Ama (toxin remains in the body due to incomplete digestion) in the blood vessels. Nisoth helps to manage high cholesterol levels due to its Ushna (hot) property which leads to good digestion. This helps to digest Ama properly and release toxins out of the body by clearing bowels due to its Rechna (laxative) property.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Nisoth in pneumonia.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Nisoth might be beneficial in managing pneumonia that generally occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. This might lead to the accumulation of mucus and cause an obstruction in the respiratory pathway or lungs. The Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) properties of Nisoth manages Pneumonia by loosening the mucus in the air passages, thus providing relief.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Nisoth in tuberculosis, however its root powder might help in managing tuberculosis[2].
Ayurvedic View
Tuberculosis occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha which might lead to the formation and accumulation of mucus that obstructs the respiratory pathway or lungs. Nisoth helps to manage Tuberculosis by loosening the mucus in the air passages due to its Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) properties.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Nisoth in blood purification.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Gupta S, Ved A.Operculina turpethum (Linn.) Silva Manso as a medicinal plant species: A review on bioactive components and pharmacological properties.Pharmacogn Rev.2017; 11(22):158–166.
- Hoq MO, Tamanna T. Medicinal importance of Operculina turpethum (Linn.): A Review. International Journal of Unani and Integrative Medicine 2019; 3(1): 56-61.
- Sharma V, Singh M. Alterations induced by n-nitrosodimethylamine and ethanolic root extract of Operculina Turpethum in serum lipid profile of male albino mice. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2012;5(3):69-73
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.