Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi)

Dr Sangeeta Pahuja 

Nardostachys Jatamansi is known as Jatamansi in Hindi and spikenard in English. Jata means dreadlocks and Mansi means human. In Ayurvedic texts, it has been described in the following way on basis of its characteristics.

मांसी स्वादुकषाया स्यात् कफ पित्तास्त्र  नाशिनी|

पिशाची पूतना केशी भूतकेशी च लोमशा|

मांसी त्तिक्ता कषाया च मेध्या कान्ति बलपप्रदा|

स्वाद्वी हिमाचल त्रिदोषास्त्र दाह वीसर्पकुष्टनुत्||

 

Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi) is also called as:

Medhya

Improves brain function

Kantiprada

Improves skin complexion and luster

Balaprada

Improves strength and immunity

Dahanut

Relieves burning sensation

Visarpkushtanut

Useful in the treatment of Herpes and skin diseases

Bhutdahagni

Useful in the treatment of psychiatric problems

Tapasvini

Well known as Tapaswini in Ayurveda as it acts as brain tonic and helps to improve memory

Modakrut

Useful in depression cases

 


According to Ayurveda Jatamansi is Laghu(light to digest) and Snigdha(oily) guna pradhan. Tikt (bitter)and kashay (Astringent) Ras(taste) pradhan. Vipak(taste after digestion) is Katu(pungent) and is Veerya(cold potency). Prabhav (special properties) and is an Anti depressent

It balances all the Tridoshas, but has special effects on Pitta and Kapha. Amazing benefits of Jatanansi are:

This herb is neuroprotective and acts as a natural nervine tonic and a memory booster.

It relieves stress by inducing calming and relaxation effects. It prevents neurological degeneration due to its neuroprotective action.

Most commonly used in the treatment of Epilepsy.

Jatamansi churna(powder) is very effective in case of mental fatigue (chronic fatigue syndrome) .

Due to calming properties it has good results in case of insomnia. It improves the quality of sleep and reduces sleeplessness.

Jatamansi is very effective to relieve headache (specially vataj shiroshool) . It improves memory and reduces forgetfulness.

Research scientists have found that it increases the cerebral levels of a chemical called GABA (gama aminobutyric acid) which reduces the depression by raising the level of monoamines in the brain. It increases vitaliy and vigor and is effective in the control of trembling due to anxiety.

Jatamansi processed in sesame oil is helpful to reduce hairfall and prevent premature greying. Oil should be applied thrice a week for better results.

Powder of jatamansi root mixed with water can be applied on face to improve the complexion and ensures a glowing and youthful appearance.  Jatamansi is used in dysmenorrhoea cases also as it has antispasmodic properties.

Jatamansi is helpful in reducing menopausal symptoms like mood swings, sleep disturbance, headache, irritability, fatigue, stress, anxiety and induces a feeling of well-being. It is also cardio protective in nature as it maintains cholesterol levels.

 It improves the blood circulation and used to normalize the blood pressure with combination of other herbs.

It is also hepato-protective. Jatamansi root helps in treating jaundice and improves  liver health and increases appetite, decreases bloating, reduces abdominal pain and intestinal inflammation due to anti-inflammatory properties.

It is available in the form of root, oil and powder for medicinal purpose and has numerous benefits. But always consult your doctor for therapeutic benefits.

Follow Ayurveda and stay healthy.

 

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