Tagar
Tagar
Tagar is a hairy herb that grows in the temperate regions of the Himalayas and Khasia.
Tagar roots help in reducing anxiety and improving sleep as it relaxes the central nervous system due to its sedative and anxiolytic properties. It is beneficial in managing blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscles and increasing the blood flow due to its blood pressure-lowering activity. Tagar also helps manage muscle pain as it possesses antispasmodic and analgesic properties. In Ayurveda, taking Tagar powder along with milk helps to induce sound sleep due to its Vata balancing properties.
Externally, Tagar helps in managing skin diseases as it inhibits the growth of skin pathogens due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
As Tagar has sedative activity, it is advisable not to take this along with sedatives or CNS depressants as it might prolong the drowsiness[2].
Tagar roots help in reducing anxiety and improving sleep as it relaxes the central nervous system due to its sedative and anxiolytic properties. It is beneficial in managing blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscles and increasing the blood flow due to its blood pressure-lowering activity. Tagar also helps manage muscle pain as it possesses antispasmodic and analgesic properties. In Ayurveda, taking Tagar powder along with milk helps to induce sound sleep due to its Vata balancing properties.
Externally, Tagar helps in managing skin diseases as it inhibits the growth of skin pathogens due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
As Tagar has sedative activity, it is advisable not to take this along with sedatives or CNS depressants as it might prolong the drowsiness[2].
What are the synonyms of Tagar?
Valeriana wallichii, Indian Valerian, Mushkbala, Sugandhabala, Kalanusari, Kalanusarika, Nata, Paduka, Ganthoda, Tagar Gantho, Ghodawaj, Mandibattal, Mandyavanthu, Mandibattalu, Thakaram, Ganthode, Tagarapaduka, Jalashiuli, Mushkobala, Tagarai, Grandhi Tagaramu[1].
What is the source of Tagar?
Plant Based
Benefits of Tagar
Modern Science View
Tagar might be useful in managing Insomnia. It reduces the activity of a certain chemical in the brain that helps in calming down brain activity which helps induce sleep[4].
Ayurvedic View
Tagar is useful to induce sound sleep. According to Ayurveda, an aggravated Vata dosha makes the nervous system sensitive which leads to Anidra (Insomnia). Tagar calms the nervous system due to its Tridosha balancing property, especially Vata balancing, thereby helping in the management of Insomnia.
Tip to use Tagar to help manage Insomnia:
1. Take 1-2 gm of Tagar powder.
2. Add it in some milk and swallow preferably after taking dinner to get sound sleep.
Tip to use Tagar to help manage Insomnia:
1. Take 1-2 gm of Tagar powder.
2. Add it in some milk and swallow preferably after taking dinner to get sound sleep.
Modern Science View
Tagar might help manage menopausal symptoms. It contains certain constituents that are similar to estrogen (female reproductive hormone) that help manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and night sweats[5][6].
Ayurvedic View
Menopause is a stage of physical and mental transformation for women. The body shows both physical and mental symptoms, including more serious symptoms such as frequent hot flashes, continual sleep disturbance, and moderate to severe mood swings. According to Ayurveda, these symptoms are usually due to the buildup of wastes and toxins, referred to as Ama, in your body's tissues. Taking Tagar helps to remove these toxins (Ama) because of its Ushna (hot) potency which helps to digest Ama and control the symptoms of Menopause.
Tip to use Tagar to help manage the symptoms of Menopause-
1. Take 1 Tagar tablet or as directed by a physician.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals to get relief from the symptoms of menopause.
Tip to use Tagar to help manage the symptoms of Menopause-
1. Take 1 Tagar tablet or as directed by a physician.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals to get relief from the symptoms of menopause.
Modern Science View
Tagar might be helpful in reducing anxiety as it suppresses the activity of a chemical present in the brain that induces anxiety. This helps relax the central nervous system and decreases the symptoms of anxiety[7].
Ayurvedic View
Tagar is useful in managing the symptoms of anxiety. According to Ayurveda, Vata governs all the movements and actions of the body and nervous system respectively. Anxiety is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Tagar helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety due to its property of Tridosha balancing (especially Vata) property.
Tip to use Tagar to control Anxiety
1. Take 1 Tagar capsule or as directed by a physician.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals so as to control Anxiety.
Tip to use Tagar to control Anxiety
1. Take 1 Tagar capsule or as directed by a physician.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals so as to control Anxiety.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Tagar might help manage menstrual disorders such as reducing pain during menstruation[3].
Modern Science View
Tagar is found to be effective in managing convulsions due to its anticonvulsant property. Certain chemicals present in Tagar help minimizing the severity of convulsions and also reduces their frequency. These anticonvulsant compounds also prevent epilepsy[9].
Ayurvedic View
Tagar is helpful in managing Convulsions or seizures in epilepsy. Epilepsy, termed as Apasmara in Ayurveda is a condition in which patients experience seizures consisting of jerky movements of body parts and often loss of consciousness. It involves all the three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Tagar helps to manage all these symptoms because of its Tridosha (Vata-Pitta-Kapha) balancing property, thereby managing Convulsions.
Modern Science View
Tagar might be useful in managing the symptoms of Epilepsy due to its antispasmodic property. Certain constituents present in Tagar help provide relief from spasms of the involuntary muscles[17].
Modern Science View
Tagar might help reduce Muscle pain due to its antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It inhibits smooth muscle contractions and provides relief from muscle pain[17][19].
Modern Science View
Tagar might help reduce Joint pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties[10][13].
How effective is Tagar?
Likely effective
Insomnia, Menopausal symptoms
Insufficient evidence
Anxiety, Convulsions, Epilepsy, Joint pain, Menstrual pain, Muscle pain
Precautions when using Tagar
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
The use of Tagar slows down the function of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Anaesthesia used at the time of surgery may also affect CNS. Together, the effects may magnify. So it is generally advisable to avoid using Tagar at least 2 weeks before surgery[3].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Tagar during breastfeeding[3].
Minor Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Tagar may affect the central nervous system when taken with anti-seizure medications. So it is advisable to consult your doctor while taking Tagar preparations with anti-seizure medicines[9].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Tagar alters the activity of the liver to change or breakdown certain drugs and may show moderate interactions with such medications . So it is recommended to consult your doctor before taking Tagar with any medicine[3].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Tagar in heart patients[3].
Patients with liver disease
Modern Science View
Tagar may interfere with the normal activity of the liver, so it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before use using Tagar in liver diseases[3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Tagar during pregnancy[3].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Stomach upset
2. Uneasiness
3. Heart disturbances
4. Dry mouth
5. Vivid dreams[3].
2. Uneasiness
3. Heart disturbances
4. Dry mouth
5. Vivid dreams[3].
severe medicine interaction
Modern Science View
1. Alcohol- Both Alcohol and Tagar cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking large amounts of Tagar along with alcohol might cause too much sleepiness. So it is recommended not to take this combination[3].
2. Sedatives- Taking Tagar with sedatives might increase the effects and side effects of sedatives such as drowsiness. So it is recommended not to take this combination[3].
3. CNS depressants- Taking Tagar along with CNS depressant medications used in surgery might cause prolonged sedation. So it is recommended not to take this combination[3].
2. Sedatives- Taking Tagar with sedatives might increase the effects and side effects of sedatives such as drowsiness. So it is recommended not to take this combination[3].
3. CNS depressants- Taking Tagar along with CNS depressant medications used in surgery might cause prolonged sedation. So it is recommended not to take this combination[3].
Recommended Dosage of Tagar
- Tagar Powder - 1-3 gm twice a day or as directed by the doctor.
- Tagar Tablet - 1 tablet twice a day or as directed by the doctor.
- Tagar Capsule - 1 capsule twice a day or as directed by the doctor.
How to use Tagar
1. Tagar Tablets
a. Take 1 Tagar tablet or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
2. Tagar Capsule
a. Take 1 Tagar capsule or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
a. Take 1 Tagar tablet or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
2. Tagar Capsule
a. Take 1 Tagar capsule or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
Benefits of Tagar
1. Wound healing
Tagar or its oil helps in quick healing of wounds, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Tagar powder with coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip to use Tagar to promote wound healing-
a. Take 1-6 mg (or as per your requirement) of Tagar powder.
b. Add honey to it and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Use this remedy thrice a week to promote wound healing as well as prevent infections.
2. Joint Pain
Tagar powder 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 a paste of Tagar powder helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Tip to use Tagar to get relief from joint pain-
a. Take 1-6 mg (or as per your requirement) of Tagar powder.
b. Add lukewarm water to it and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area and wait for at least 20-30 minutes.
d. Wash it with plain water.
e. Repeat this process for a few days to get rid of joint pain.
Tagar or its oil helps in quick healing of wounds, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Tagar powder with coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip to use Tagar to promote wound healing-
a. Take 1-6 mg (or as per your requirement) of Tagar powder.
b. Add honey to it and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Use this remedy thrice a week to promote wound healing as well as prevent infections.
2. Joint Pain
Tagar powder 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 a paste of Tagar powder helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Tip to use Tagar to get relief from joint pain-
a. Take 1-6 mg (or as per your requirement) of Tagar powder.
b. Add lukewarm water to it and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area and wait for at least 20-30 minutes.
d. Wash it with plain water.
e. Repeat this process for a few days to get rid of joint pain.
Precautions when using Tagar
Allergy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available about allergies related to Tagar, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before using it.
Recommended Dosage of Tagar
- Tagar Powder - 1-6 gm or as per your requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Tagar is safe to use in prescribed quantity but doses exceeding the recommended doses are harmful.
Modern Science View
Tagar tea is a herbal beverage made from the roots and underground stems of the Tagar plant. Possible benefits of drinking the tea include improved sleep, decreased stress, menstrual symptom relief, and even a reduction of menopausal symptoms.
Ayurvedic View
You can get Tagar churna from any Ayurvedic medicine store in your nearby area or you can also buy it from various online medicine platforms.
Modern Science View
Yes, Tagar might be useful in Leishmanial infection (Worm infection) due to its anti-parasitic property. It inhibits the growth of Leishmanial parasites and eventually removes them from the body, thereby preventing Leishmania infection[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Tagar might help manage bronchitis. It helps in dilating the airways which increases the flow of air to the lungs. Consequently, it decreases the resistance in the airways and helps ease breathing[12].
Modern Science View
Tagar might help manage high blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscles and increasing blood flow, thereby lowering blood pressure[14].
Modern Science View
Yes, Tagar might be useful in managing skin diseases due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It inhibits the growth or kills the microorganisms, thereby reducing their action on the skin and preventing skin diseases[15].
Modern Science View
Yes, Tagar might work against worm infections due to its anthelmintic property. It prevents the growth of parasitic worms and expels them from the body[9].
Modern Science View
No, overdose of Tagar should be avoided as it is safe to use only in prescribed quantities. Taking Tagar in higher doses might lead to certain side effects like headache, upset stomach, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness etc[3].
Modern Science View
No, it is not safe to take Tagar before driving as it may cause drowsiness[3].
Modern Science View
No, it is not safe to operate heavy machinery after taking Tagar as it may cause sleepiness[3].
Modern Science View
Tagar, when taken in higher doses, can make you feel sluggish in the morning[3].
Modern Science View
Enough evidence is not available for the safety of long-term use of Tagar. However, discontinuing the use of Tagar after a long term might cause withdrawal symptoms. So, it's best to reduce the dose slowly over a week or two before stopping completely[3].
Ayurvedic View
Tagar is available in different forms like powder, capsules and tablets. Its use may vary according to the form being used like powder can be taken with milk or warm water, whereas capsules and tablets should be taken with milk once or twice a day.
Modern Science View
Tagar is a very effective herb which is used to manage the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, or sleep-related problems.
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, anxiety or insomnia are mainly caused due to Vata imbalance. Tagar helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and promotes sound sleep due to its Tridosha balancing (especially Vata) property.
Modern Science View
Generally, the use of Tagara is considered to be safe when taken at recommended dosage. However, in some cases it may cause headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness, heart disturbances, and even insomnia. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should consult the doctor before taking any supplement containing Tagara as an ingredient. To be on the safer side such persons should avoid its use[3].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
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- Khuda F,Iqbal Z, Zakiullah, et al.Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of leaf extract of Valeriana Wallichi DC.Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.2012;25(4):715-719.
- Ghosh S, Debnath S,Hazra S, et al.Valeriana Wallichii root extracts and fractions with activity against Leishmania spp.Parasitol Res.2011;108(4):861-871.
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- Zare A, Khaksar Z, Sobhani Z, et al. Analgesic Effect of Valerian Root and Turnip Extracts. World J Plast Surg. 2018; 7(3): 345–350.Research.2014;4(8):1004-1013.
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- Udgire MS, Pathade GR.Evaluation of antimicrobial activities and phytochemical constituents of extracts of Valeriana wallichii.Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research.2013;3(5):55-59.
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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.