Photo: Doronenko / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
Nirgundi निर्गुण्डी
Vitex negundo
Also known as: Nirgundi Ras, Samalu Patra, Samalu Patra (Nirgundi), Samalu Beej (Nirgundi)
Part used: Leaf, Seed
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent), Kashaya |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Vata & Kapha |
| Prabhava | Vedanasthapana (Analgesic) |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Vitex negundo
- Part used: Leaf, Seed
- Dosha action: Balances Vata & Kapha
- Typical dose: Leaf juice: 10-20ml.
Nirgundi in other languages
Introduction
Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is a large aromatic shrub whose name translates to "that which protects the body from diseases." It is one of Ayurveda's most powerful herbs for managing pain and inflammation.
Classification
Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, Nirgundi is highlighted in Charaka's Vishaghna (anti-poisonous) and Krimighna (anti-parasitic) groups. Bhavaprakash places it in the Guduchyadi Varga.
Uses & benefits
Extensively used both internally and externally for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, and muscle spasms. Its leaves are commonly used in therapeutic steam baths (Nadi Sweda) and poultices.
Nirgundi for joint pain & arthritis
Nirgundi is a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb. It is classically used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sciatica by deeply pacifying Vata dosha.
Nirgundi for respiratory health
The leaves help clear congestion and Kapha buildup in the respiratory tract.
Dosage — how much to take
Leaf juice: 10-20ml. Powder: 3-6g. Oil: For external application.
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 Nirgundi?
The citations held for Nirgundi in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 4 — Krimighna and Vishaghna groups); Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthana 38 — Surasadi Gana); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Nirgundi).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Nirgundi?
Listed among the anti-parasitic and anti-poisonous drugs. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Krimighna and Vishaghna groups.
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Nirgundi?
Grouped with the aromatic Kapha-clearing drugs. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana 38 — Surasadi Gana.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Nirgundi?
Tikta-katu rasa, ushna virya; shothahara and vedanasthapana. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Nirgundi.
What is Nirgundi traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Extensively used both internally and externally for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, and muscle spasms. Its leaves are commonly used in therapeutic steam baths (Nadi Sweda) and poultices.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Nirgundi?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent), Kashaya, Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Vata & Kapha. Prabhava: Vedanasthapana (Analgesic).
Why is Nirgundi classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Nirgundi carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Vata & Kapha.
Which part of Nirgundi is used medicinally?
The part used is Leaf, Seed.
How much Nirgundi is taken, and how?
Leaf juice: 10-20ml. Powder: 3-6g. Oil: For external application. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Nirgundi be avoided?
Generally safe when used externally. Internal use should be monitored by a Vaidya as excessive use may aggravate Pitta dosha.
Where does Nirgundi grow?
Grows wildly throughout India, particularly in warmer zones up to an altitude of 1500m.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Nirgundi
Tikta-katu rasa, ushna virya; shothahara and vedanasthapana. - Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Krimighna and Vishaghna groups
Listed among the anti-parasitic and anti-poisonous drugs. - Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana 38 — Surasadi Gana
Grouped with the aromatic Kapha-clearing drugs.
Safety & precautions
Generally safe when used externally. Internal use should be monitored by a Vaidya as excessive use may aggravate Pitta dosha.
Where it grows
Grows wildly throughout India, particularly in warmer zones up to an altitude of 1500m.
Frequently asked questions
How is Nirgundi applied externally?
The leaves are often heated and tied in a poultice, or infused into oil for massaging painful joints.
