Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea), also known as Cobra Saffron, Ceylon Ironwood, Indian rose chestnut, and Sirunagappu is an important herb in Ayurveda. It is an evergreen ornamental tree that produces beautiful and fragrant flowers. Nagkesar is mostly found in Asian countries. Various parts of Nagkesar are used either alone or in combination with other medicinal herbs for their health benefits.
It has been used in Ayurveda for centuries for its highly potent properties. This herb has astringent properties that helps soothe and treat acne, oily skin.
Nagkesar is beneficial in relieving cold and cough as it removes excess mucus from the lungs. This also gives relief from certain symptoms of asthma. Taking Nagkesar powder along with honey or lukewarm water once or twice a day helps reduce fever by lowering the body temperature due to its antipyretic property. It also helps manage bleeding piles, dysentery and stomach irritation due to its astringent property.
According to Ayurveda, Nagkesar is good for improving digestion due to its Laghu (easy to digest) property.
It has Laghu(light) and Ruksha(dry) qualities that balance excess oil production of the skin and also harmonize Kapha and Pitta Ayurvedic Dosha related skin concerns. This helps to minimize open pores, and leaves the skin firm and toned.
Nagkesar is enriched with anti-inflammatory properties which help relive swelling, redness and inflammation. These extracts of the chestnut flowers are highly potent and effectively treat acne scars, dark spots and blemishes that are often the result of oily and pigmented skin. This herb deeply clarifies and purifies the skin for an even toned and glowing complexion, while it lightens pigmentation and rigid blemishes. It is rich in antioxidants which help the skin from harmful UV rays and early signs of aging.
Health benefits of Nagkesar-
Cold- In rainy season and winter season it is possible to get cold any time. While there are other traditional medicines to treat the flu, you can also take the help of Nagkesar plant in such a case. To get rid of colds and flu, crush the leaves into a paste and apply it on the head to get relief from the cold.
Cures fever- It is an amazing herb for reducing fever and its symptoms. Since it has the ability to pacify all the three doshas, Nagkesar can be used for different types of fever caused by different types of doshas.
Cures Dysuria- Dysuria is a disease of the urinary tract infection such as pain while urinating, discomfort and burning sensation. Various studies have shown that a sweetened decoction made of sugar and Ceylon Ironwood plant is quite beneficial in the case of painful urination or urinary incontinence.
Cures Respiratory Diseases – Studies have shown that the medicinal benefits of Ceylon Ironwood flower are quite effective in curing respiratory disorders like cough, bronchitis and asthma.
Prevents Gastrointestinal Disease– Various studies have shown that the flower of the Nagkesar plant is quite helpful in the treatment of stomach acidity, loss of appetite, vomiting, heart inflammation, gastritis, hematemesis, peptic ulcer and intestinal toxins. In addition, it is good for treating chronic diarrhea, liver disorders and hemorrhoids. Ceylon Ironwood flower stem is especially used in the treatment of chronic diarrhea and hemorrhoid diarrhea. Nagkesar flower paste helps to treat hemorrhoid bleeding.
Useful for women- It is extremely beneficial for women suffering from excessive bleeding during menses. It acts as a hemostatic and acts on the blood capillaries to cure excessive bleeding. It also acts as an aphrodisiac.
Cure for Indigestion and acidity- Nowadays, due to poor lifestyle and food, most of the people are spoiled. Many problems related to the stomach, such as indigestion, acidity, or stomach irritation start to occur due to the digestive system not working properly. Nagkesar is very useful in getting relief from these problems (nagkesar ke fayde).
For Bloody Diarrhea- Poor diet, excessive heat in the stomach or other reasons cause diarrhea as well as bleeding. Often, children suffer more from this problem, although it is common among elders to have this problem. Nagkeshhar is very effective in relieving the blood problem in diarrhea. For this, taking 250-500 mg of nagkesar churna with honey butter or with sugar-based butter provides relief from the problem of bleeding in the stool.