Nirgundi ( Vitex negundo) is five leaved chaste tree is a potent ayurvedic plant which heals several ailments including asthma , muscle spasms and anxiety .
It is a deciduous herb , with a brown bark and green leaves that hold five leaflets.
It has a height of 2 to 8 meters and mostly found in southern parts of Asia and Africa .
The flowers are blue or white in color and give rise to oval shaped , succulent , purple fruits with a fleshy pulp and seed in the interior .
In Sanskrit Nirgundi means which protect the body from disease .
Synonyms : - Sinduvara , Nila , Five Leaved Chaste Tree , Sambhalu , Nocchi , Vitex negundo , Samphalika , Nallavavilli .
PARTS USED ARE :- Roots , leaves , flowers , fruits and barks
CLASSIFICATION :-
Kingdom :- Plantae
Clade :- Tracheophytes
Order :- Lamiales
Genus :- Vitex
Species :- V. negundo
USES :-
1 Treat Asthma Symptoms :- Nirgundi oil which is rich in antihistamine properties can be applied on neck , nose , chest which diminishes congestion in people suffering from asthma and healing respiratory illness like allergies , breathing difficulties and bronchitis
2 Treat Anxiety :- Nirgundi has fatty acida and flavonoids which increase memory capacity of brain and intelligence . It also uplifts moods and regulate sleep therefore help in treating depression , insomnia and anxiety .
3 Treat Menstrual Cramps :- The fruits of this plant contribute in treating hormonal imbalance . And therefore it help in treating discomfort like uterine fibroids and menstrual cramps .
4 Relief Joint Pain :- In the root and bark of this tree alkaloid nishindine is present, it has analgesic and anti - inflammatory properties . In case of arthritis it help in management of muscle spasm and joint pain .
5 Cures High Fevers :- Nirgundi has vitamin C content and antibiotic properties which help to reduce combat infections , high body temperature and boost immunity .
6 Cure Diabetes:- Due to its antioxidant effect it can help in improving insulin level of the body
7 Cure Piles :- The root powder of plant can help in reducing the irritation of inflamed tissue .
8 Help In Hair Growth :- Massaging with Nirgundi leaves oil with sesame seed oil can help in improving scalp infection and grey hairs .
Effect On Doshas :-
It help in balancing Vata and Kapha doshas.
Risk Factor :-
1) Skin irritation can develop on applying Nirgundi oil or paste
2) After taking Nirgundi juice or powder sometime mild stomach upset can occur .
