NIRGUNDI

Introduction: 

Nirgundi, also called a five-leaved chaste tree, is very useful ayurvedic plant. The shrub, usually goes 2 to 8 meters in height, with a brown bark and green leaves that hold five leaflets. The flowers are white or blue in colour and have oval-shaped, purple fruits with fleshy pulp and seed inside. All parts, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits and bark are used in Ayurveda in the form of oils, pastes, juices and powders “Nirgundi” means “that which protects the body from diseases”. Mainly used in treatment of Muscle spasm, all sort of inflammations, relieves pain, wound healing, anxiety and asthama. Used in Panchakarma for swedana for sweating in steam therapy. Oil is prepared by boiling pulp of leaves usually in sesame oil.

Uses:

1. Applied externally in the form of oil or herbal paste to reduce pain, swelling, inflammation, Joint pain, muscle spasm, arthritis, headaches, tumor or poor circulation. Root and bark extracts, has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities.

2. The extract or powder of leaves is useful in stomach pain caused due to problems in digestion and swelling of the belly. It increases appetite, relieve gas and bloating. Useful in liver diseases also.

3. Decoction helps decongest the respiratory tract. Also useful in bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia. Applying oil, on the nose, neck and chest diminishes congestion in those suffering from asthma and allergic cold, fever and chronic rhinitis. Fumes of burnt leaves may be inhaled to relieve headache and running nose.

4.  Medicated oil of root and leaves is useful in healing of all sorts of wounds. It prevents the wounds from getting infected and also helps avoid bad smell. It helps reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area.  Useful on pimples, ulcers, scabies, itching etc.

5. The fruits are used in menstrual disorders like dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and inflammation on ovary. Also used on menstrual cramps and uterine fibroids, besides treating infertility.

6. In case of sourness and swelling of throat and ulcers, gargle warm water mixing with oil.

7. Paste and oil are used on many skin diseases like vitiligo, leukoderma and leprosy.

8.  For earache and pus in ear, put 1-2 drops of oil in ears.

9.  Improves memory and intelligence, uplift moods and regulate sleep, thereby useful in anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

10.  Useful in getting rid of mosquitoes and other insects by burning leaves, leaves also kept in garments/ woolens to repel the insects.