Nagakesar (Mesua ferrea) is a well-known plant valued for its economic and therapeutic properties. It is a popular herb among the Chaturjata community. The Nagkesar tree grows slowly, and its wood is highly valued for its durability and weight. It is grown as an ornamental tree due to its beautiful shape. This herb has a well-known therapeutic reputation in the Ayurvedic medical system for treating fever, migraines, vomiting, and urinary tract infections.
Nagkesar’s roots, bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, and wood have long been used in a variety of Ayurvedic medicines. Anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, wound healing, antivenom, disinfecting, and diuretic properties abound in this plant. It is an effective medication for leucorrhoea, bronchitis, hemorrhage, migraines, and problems of the gastrointestinal and urinary tract.
Description
The stunning Nagakesar evergreen tree may reach a height of 30 meters and has a base that is 90 centimeters in circumference. Pendulous leaves are simple, narrow, lanceolate, opposite, and range in color from dark grey to dark green, measuring 8 to 15 cm in length.
Botanical Name:
Mesua ferrea
Family:
Calophyllaceae
Leaves:
It is ovate or egg shaped simple, slender, and around 3 to 5 inches long. It has a pale underside and is dark green in color. The newly emerging leaves are red at first, but they gradually turn yellow. Four white petals surround a cluster of many yellow stamens in the center of the roughly 4 to 7.5 cm diameter flowers.
Seeds:
There are one to four seeds, each with a dark brown tint and an oily, meaty cotyledon.
Fruits:
The Nagkesar tree bears an oblong capsule that is green when young and turns brown when it ages. The fruit contains oily, dark-brown seeds that have further medical uses.
Habitat:
Mesua is indigenous to Sri Lanka’s tropical regions. The humid tropical regions of India and Sri Lanka are home to Mesua. In India’s Eastern and Western Ghats, it reaches a maximum elevation of 1500 meters. Also referred to as Assamese iron wood, it is abundantly available across the state. Additionally, Nepal, Burma, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia are home to it. Additionally, it grows in several regions of the Andaman Islands, Travancore, and Tamil Nadu.
Parts Used:
- Fruits
- Buds
- Bark
- Seeds
- Flowers
- Leaves
Dosage:
- Powder- 1-3gm
Chemical Constituents
Numerous readily isolated bioactive chemical components, including coumarins, xanthones, pyranoxanthones, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids, are present in this plant. It can function as a prelude to numerous illnesses.
Sanskrit Synonyms
Kanchanahvaya, Nageeya, Kinjilka, Kesahara, Champeya, natam, Nagam, Nagrenuka, Panchabhuvayam, Phanipannagam, Rukmam, lbha, Suvarnam, Naga Kinjalka,Nagakeshara, Nagakesara, Nag keshar, Ashipushpa, Kanakahva
Other Language Names of Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea)
Malaysian name – Penaga
Italian name – Croco di cobra
German name – Nagassamen
Bihar name – Nagkeshur
English name – Iron wood of Assam, Cobra’s saffron, Ceylon iron wood,
Latin name – Mesua ferrea
Hindi name – Naghas, Nagkesar
Assam name – Naboor, Nahor
Urdu name – Narmiksha
Bengali name – Nagesar
Kannada name – Kanchana
Malayalam name – Nagachempakam
Malay name – Nagasari, Penaga
Japanese name – Tagayasan
Burmese name – Gungen, Kenga
Vietnam name – Vap
Marathi name – Nagachampa, Nagakeshra
Punjabi name – Naga kesar
Tamil name – Irul, Karunangu
Telugu name – Naga Kesaralu, Kesaramu
Guajarati name – Nagkesara, Nagchampa
Oriya name – Nageshvar
Farsi name – Naremushk
Thai name – Bunnak, Bhra na kaw
Philippine name – Kaliuas
Arabic name – Narae-Kaisar
Russian name – Mezua zheleznaia
Chinese name – Tie li mu
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Calophyllaceae |
| Genus | Mesua |
| Species | Mesua ferrea L. |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Kashay, Tikta
- Guna -Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna
- Virya -Ushna
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste -Astringent, Bitter
- Physical Property-Light, Dry,Sharp
- Potency- Hot
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea) Uses
- This plant helps lessen the negative effects of ama (toxins) and enhances digestive fire. Additionally, it helps treat worm infestation and digestive system diseases.
- Rheumatism can be treated and inflammation reduced using seed oil.
- External application of flower paste is used to alleviate excessive sweating and cover up offensive smells.
- This herb’s root is the most effective remedy for poisoning caused by snake bites.
- Impotency and asthma are treated with flowers.
- A multipurpose plant having anti-inflammatory qualities, nagakesar is used to treat a wide range of conditions. Additionally, the therapeutic oil found in its blossoms is helpful for treating a variety of illnesses.
Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea) Benefits
Treats Skin Diseases:
Nagkesar is used to stop psoriasis and hives, two skin disorders that cause symptoms. In addition to its anti-inflammatory qualities, Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea) oil has a healing quality and works incredibly well to cure wounds, scabies, and skin infections. Because the floral extracts from Nagkesar have antibacterial and disinfecting qualities that lessen skin eruption, they are utilized as an astringent.
Treats Leukorrhea:
The discharge of a white, yellow, or green color from the vaginal area is known as leukorrhea. While it’s generally accepted to be normal in adults and teenagers, infections with bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms can sometimes cause it. Treatment for this restless state, which can sometimes be uncomfortable and itchy, has been demonstrated to be successful with nagakesar.
Alleviates Joint Pain:
As we age, joint pain is a frequent issue that can result in weak bones and osteoarthritis. A Vata dosha imbalance and the buildup of Ama (toxins) in the joints are the causes of arthritis. The anti-arthritis properties of Nagkesar powder reduce discomfort in the joints. Applying essential oil derived from Nagkesar seed extracts topically also helps provide immediate relief from any discomfort associated with arthritis.
Eases Heavy Menstrual Bleeding:
Excessive menstrual bleeding is a very typical problem that many women face. Lighter menstrual flow usually doesn’t need to be alarming, but heavy bleeding weakens the body, is inconvenient, and may lead to further problems down the road. This problem is also known as menorrhagia. Because of its hemostatic properties, Nagkesar can provide long-term relief from a range of menstrual diseases as well as address excessive bleeding concerns.
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Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea) Side Effects
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Because there isn’t enough information about Nagkesar’s safety during pregnancy and lactation, it’s advisable to avoid the city.
Digestive issues:
Nagkesar occasionally causes nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomachs.
Interactions with medications:
Certain drugs, like blood thinners or those that depress the central nervous system, may interact with nagkesar.
Conclusion
Since ancient times, Nagkesar has been acknowledged as a significant herb in Ayurvedic medicine due to its wide range of therapeutic applications. It is a rich source of many flavonoids with powerful analgesic, hemostatic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimalarial, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antivenom properties that boost overall health and wellbeing. These flavonoids have a wide range of amazing healing benefits to cure piles, vaginal yeast infection, treat fever, reduce joint pain, protect the heart from cardiovascular disease, enhance digestion, and augment skin health.
FAQS
How Can Nagkesar Be Used In Skincare?
Nagkesar is useful in treating eczema, acne, and other skin problems because of its antibacterial and antifungal qualities. In order to increase skin glow and lessen dark spots, it can also be used in face packs.
What is Nagkesar used for?
The blooms of Nagkesar are used in several traditional medicines. Dried flowers are used to treat bleeding piles, mucus-filled dysentery, stomach irritation, excessive sweating, skin infections, coughing, and dyspepsia. Additionally, Nagkesar flowers are used as an astringent and for treating scorpion and snake bites.
What Part Does Nagkesar Have In The Management of Diabetes?
Blood sugar can be controlled with the help of Nagkesar. Insulin sensitivity is increased and oxidative stress is reduced by Nagkesar’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. It should only be used, nevertheless, under medical supervision.