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Nagkesar नागकेसर
Mesua ferrea
Also known as: Nag Keshar, Nagkeshar
Part used: Flower, Stamen
| Rasa (taste) | Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Pitta |
| Prabhava | Raktastambhak (Hemostatic) |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Mesua ferrea
- Part used: Flower, Stamen
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Pitta
- Typical dose: Flower powder: 1-3g per day, usually with ghee, butter, or warm water.
Nagkesar in other languages
Introduction
Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea) is a beautiful evergreen tree whose fragrant stamens are a highly prized medicine in Ayurveda. It is widely recognized for its potent astringent and hemostatic properties.
Classification
Belonging to the Calophyllaceae family, Nagkesar is classified in the Chaturjata group (along with cinnamon, cardamom, and cassia leaf). In Bhavaprakash Nighantu, it is placed in the Karpuradi Varga.
Uses & benefits
Its primary therapeutic use is in managing bleeding disorders, particularly bleeding hemorrhoids, menorrhagia, and dysentery. It also supports digestion and helps relieve excessive sweating and skin conditions.
Nagkesar for bleeding disorders
Nagkesar is renowned in Ayurveda as a potent hemostatic (Raktastambhak). It is highly effective in managing bleeding piles, menorrhagia, and other Pitta-related bleeding disorders.
Nagkesar for digestion
With its astringent and digestive properties, it helps in alleviating indigestion and supports healthy bowel movements.
Dosage — how much to take
Flower powder: 1-3g per day, usually with ghee, butter, or warm water.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Nagkesar?
The citations held for Nagkesar in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthana 38 — Eladi Gana); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Karpuradi Varga — Nagakeshara).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Nagkesar?
Grouped with the aromatic drugs used in skin disease and poisoning. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana 38 — Eladi Gana.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Nagkesar?
Kashaya-tikta rasa, ushna virya; grahi and raktastambhaka. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga — Nagakeshara.
What is Nagkesar traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Its primary therapeutic use is in managing bleeding disorders, particularly bleeding hemorrhoids, menorrhagia, and dysentery. It also supports digestion and helps relieve excessive sweating and skin conditions.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Nagkesar?
Rasa Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Pitta. Prabhava: Raktastambhak (Hemostatic).
Why is Nagkesar classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Nagkesar carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Pitta.
Which part of Nagkesar is used medicinally?
The part used is Flower, Stamen.
How much Nagkesar is taken, and how?
Flower powder: 1-3g per day, usually with ghee, butter, or warm water. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Nagkesar be avoided?
Safe in classical doses. High doses may cause constipation due to its strong astringent (Ruksha, Kashaya) properties.
Where does Nagkesar grow?
Found in the evergreen forests of India, particularly in the Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Andaman Islands.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga — Nagakeshara
Kashaya-tikta rasa, ushna virya; grahi and raktastambhaka. - Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana 38 — Eladi Gana
Grouped with the aromatic drugs used in skin disease and poisoning. - Sharangadhara Samhita — Madhyama Khanda — Chaturjata
One of the four aromatics with cinnamon, cardamom and cassia leaf.
Safety & precautions
Safe in classical doses. High doses may cause constipation due to its strong astringent (Ruksha, Kashaya) properties.
Where it grows
Found in the evergreen forests of India, particularly in the Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Andaman Islands.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nagkesar safe during pregnancy?
Due to its potent effects, it should only be used under the strict guidance of an Ayurvedic physician during pregnancy.
