Nirgundi - The Chaste tree powerpacked with several health benefits

Nirgundi also known as the five-leaved chaste tree is a potent ayurvedic herb that has various medicinal uses in Ayurveda. Commonly known as Chinese Chaste Tree, Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo) is widely used as a Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine, particularly found in South and Southeast Asia. Nirgundi in Sanskrit translates ‘the one which protects the body from diseases’. Justifying name, there are numerous health benefits of Nirgundi Herb that improve overall human health. It is effective in treating headaches, venereal diseases such as syphilis, rheumatism, sprains, fever, cough, urinary problems, boils and various other ailments. Nirgundi has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne and anti-catarrhal properties. It is an effective muscle relaxant, helps treat skin disorders, improves digestion, controls menstrual cycle and also helps treat anxiety, asthma and insect bites.

In English, it is named as Five-leaved Chaste tree as it used to diminish sexual desire. Roman wives whose husbands were abroad with the legions spread the leaves of Vitex negundo on their beds for this purpose. Later, it became known as the chaste (meaning innocent or faithful) berry tree.

Nirgundi has both internal and external healing properties. It can be used as powder or paste for external application and can be boiled or grinded into fine powder to take orally. It eliminates AMA toxins from the body. It has hot potency and balances Vata and Kapha dosha. Nirgundi has vast amounts of chemical compounds like flavonoids, organic fatty acids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and Vitamin C. It suppresses kapha, vata, alleviates vata and relieves pain. It is very famous medicinal herb for vata related problems.

Nirgundi is an extremely powerful and useful Ayurvedic herb that can be used to treat a variety of illnesses. It is one of the important herbs in the ayurvedic system that has the ability to improve our health and enrich our lives.

Seed is the powerhouse of the plant. It contains immense nutrients which when used correctly can prove to be very helpful. Some of the many health benefits of Nirgundi seed powder are as follows-

Eases Anxiety- Nirgundi is laden with valuable flavonoids and fatty acids, which promote intelligence and improve memory capacity of the brain. In addition, they also uplift moods and regulate sleep, thereby remedying anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Helps in fever and cold- Nirgundi plant has antiviral and antibacterial properties that are effective for curing cold and fever. It reduces the symptoms associated with cold. It is also loaded with antioxidants that help in boosting immunity.
Ease Respiratory System- Using nirgundi plant as an herbal tea helps decongest the respiratory tract by removing phlegm from it. This helps open passages for air to pass improving the ventilation and normalises the breathing. This attribute of nirgundi makes it a favoured ingredient in Ayurvedic products which targets respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia.
Nirgundi for brain power-The flavonoids and fatty acids present in Nirgundi have the ability to improve brain capacity and promote intelligence. It also calms the nervous system. Thus, it can uplift mood, regulate sleep, and provide relief from stress and anxiety.
Eliminates Joint Pain- Nirgundi is one of the most common herbs used to bring respite in joints. The plant is easily available and is known to reduce swelling as well as excessive pain. Its potent anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsing and anti-oxidant properties help the joints in many ways. The alkaloid nishindine, present in ample amounts in nirgundi root and bark extracts, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities. This helps to mitigate joint pain and muscle spasms in those who have arthritis
Cures Menstrual Cramps- The fruits of Vitex negundo abound in terpenoids, which contribute towards rectifying hormonal imbalance in the female system. This, in turn, assists in easing conditions of discomfort such as menstrual cramps and uterine fibroids, besides treating infertility.
Managing Epilepsy- Epilepsy is termed as Apasmara in Ayurveda. In Epilepsy, the patient experiences seizures with jerky movements of body parts. The patient might even lose consciousness. Epilepsy involves all the three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, especially the Vata dosha which affects the nerves. Nirgundi helps manage Epilepsy due to its Vata balancing and Medhya (brain tonic) properties. It helps in the relaxation of nerves and prevents further attacks of Epilepsy.