Five, Leaved Chaste Tree

Nirgundi or five leaved chaste tree is medicinal herb which is used in preparation of many ayurvedic medicines. Nirgundi plant has analgesic , anti – inflammatory , anticonvulsant , antioxidant , bronchial relaxant & hepato protective activities.

Botanical Name : Vitex Negundo Linn
Family : Verbinaceae
Sanskrit Name : Nirgundi , Sindhuvara , Surasa Suvaha , Vanaja
English Name : Five , leaved chaste tree

DESCRIPTION

Nirgundi or five leaved chaste tree is medicinal herb which is used in preparation of many ayurvedic medicines. Nirgundi plant has analgesic , anti – inflammatory , anticonvulsant , antioxidant , bronchial relaxant & hepato protective activities.

Leaves: 3 – 5 folio late , leaflets lance late
Height:4.5 – 5.5 metre
Parts Used : Leaf , roots & seeds

TYPES

Svetha pushpa
Nila pushpa

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Ras : Katu
Guna : Laghu , Tikshna ( Penetrates very fast )
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka: Katu
Dosha: It pacifies kapha & vata. It also act as tridoshaghana.

INDICATION

Very good muscle relaxant , pain relieving , anti – mosquito , anti asthma
It can be used for both externally & internally in the form of powder , leaf juice or decoction.
Vishaghna – anti poisonous group of herb
Krimighna – anti worm group
Useful in skin diseases , eczema , ring worm
Relives muscle & arthritis related pain
Useful in spleen disorder
Improves hair quality
Useful in abdominal colic & anti spasmodic
Cleanses wounds
Useful in cold & cough
Improves memory
Useful in running nose

EXTERNAL USES

Leaves are made to paste & heated mildly & applied on forehead for :

Headache
Orchitis ( swelling of testicles )
Rheumatoid & Osteo arthritis
Water decoction is used for vaginal douche to relieve local inflammation
Mouth gargling to relieve throat pain & oral ulcers
Dry leaves are burnt & fumes , are inhaled to relieve headache & running nose.
Oil prepared with sesame oil used in wound healing & grey hairs.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINES

Saraswatharishtam
Manasamithravatakom
Mahavat – Vidwamsaras
Antrakutaram Gulika
Dashamoola Taila