Nagkesar: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & Ayurvedic Importance

Nagkesar, also known as Mesua ferrea or “Cobra's Saffron,” is a valuable herb in Ayurveda known for its cooling, astringent, and blood-purifying properties. Called “Nagapushpa” in Sanskrit, its fragrant flowers, seeds, and stamens are used to balance aggravated Pitta and Kapha doshas. This herb is commonly used in Ayurveda to help with bleeding, skin problems, and digestion.

This blog explores the Ayurvedic importance of Nagkesar, its nutritional and therapeutic profile, how it works inside the body, recommended usage, and important safety measures.

Nutrition Value:

Carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, fat, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin A, flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils are the nutrients present in Nagkesar responsible for its health benefits.

Ayurvedic Importance of Nagkesar:

Nagkesar is considered a cooling, bitter, and astringent herb with strong anti-inflammatory and styptic (bleeding-control) properties. It is widely used to stop bleeding (Raktapitta), reduce skin inflammation, manage piles, and balance excess Pitta. Its Kapha-pacifying effects help in respiratory and digestive disorders.

Benefits of Nagkesar

Nagkesar For Skin Problems

Nagkesar helps reduce skin inflammation, acne, and redness due to its natural antibacterial and soothing properties. It supports healthy skin by purifying the blood and reducing toxins, making the skin clearer, smoother, and less prone to breakouts.

Nagkesar For Indigestion

Nagkesar supports healthy digestion by balancing stomach acids and improving digestive fire. It helps reduce gas, bloating, and discomfort after meals. Regular use can relieve indigestion and normalize bowel movements without causing weakness.

Nagkesar For Joint Disorders

Nagkesar helps reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness because it fights inflammation. It also improves blood flow around the joints, making movement easier and more comfortable for people with arthritis.

Nagkesar For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Nagkesar helps control excessive menstrual bleeding by strengthening the uterine muscles and balancing hormones. It helps tighten tissues and reduce bleeding, making heavy periods easier and less uncomfortable for women.

Nagkesar For Piles

Nagkesar reduces swelling, pain, and bleeding caused due to piles. Its astringent and anti-inflammatory actions support smoother bowel movements, relieve burning sensations, and help to heal naturally.

Nagkesar For Respiratory Infections

Nagkesar helps ease symptoms of cough, cold, and throat infections. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties clear mucus, soothe the throat, and support faster recovery from respiratory issues like bronchitis, asthma, and seasonal flu.

Nagkesar For Fever

Nagkesar works as a natural antipyretic, helping reduce fever by cooling the body and fighting underlying infections. It supports immunity and speeds up recovery by eliminating toxins from the body and reducing inflammation without affecting digestion or energy.

Nagkesar For Intestinal Worms

Nagkesar has deworming properties that help kill and remove intestinal worms naturally. It cleanses the gut, improves digestion, and reduces symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, and weakness caused by worm infestations.

Nagkesar For Headache

Nagkesar helps relieve headaches caused by stress, sinus issues, or digestive problems. It relieves pain, calms the nerves, and eases headaches.

Nagkesar For Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs)

Nagkesar alleviates burning and frequent urination linked to UTIs. It cleans the urinary path, decreases infection, improves urine flow, and makes it easier to recover.

How Nagkesar Works in the Body:

Nagkesar acts by cooling down the overheated system, purifying the blood, and strengthening blood vessels. It helps remove extra fluids, tightens the tissues, and reduces swelling or irritation. This helps calm Pitta and remove Ama (toxins), especially from the intestines and bloodstream.

How to Use Nagkesar:

Forms Available:

• Powder (Churna): Taken with ghee or honey
• Capsules: For easier internal use
• Decoction: Boiled for bleeding disorders
• Oil: Massaged on skin and joints

Dosage:

• Powder: Take the medicine twice daily or as prescribed.
• Decoction: Follow the medicine dosage as directed.
• Capsules: Take the medicine daily or as prescribed by the physician.

Best Time to Use: Morning or after meals, depending on the underlying condition being treated.

Safety Measures:

• Should be avoided in constipation due to its drying nature
• Not recommended during pregnancy without supervision
• Use only under medical guidance for children

Conclusion:

Nagkesar is a time-tested Ayurvedic herb known for its healing, cooling, and blood-purifying properties. It works effectively for bleeding problems, skin conditions, and digestive issues. When used correctly, it brings balance and clarity to the body and mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: What is Nagkesar used for?
A: Nagkesar is a medicinal flower known for its astringent, anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in bleeding, indigestion, inflammation, skin problems, and respiratory disorders.

Q: Is Nagkesar good for heavy periods?
A: Yes, its astringent nature helps reduce excessive menstrual bleeding and soothes discomfort.

Q: Can Nagkesar help with piles?
A: Nagkesar reduces bleeding, pain, and inflammation in hemorrhoids through its cooling properties.

Q: Is Nagkesar safe for daily use?
A: Yes, use in small amounts daily or under expert advice.

Q: Does Nagkesar help digestion?
A: Yes, it improves digestive strength and helps relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion.

Q: Can Nagkesar be used for fever?
A: It helps reduce fever by reducing inflammation and improving immunity.

Q: Is Nagkesar beneficial for skin health?
A: Yes, Nagkesar is beneficial for skin health as its antimicrobial and soothing properties help treat acne, rashes, and skin pigmentation.