Rasa (Taste)
Tikta
The primary taste perceived on the tongue.
Parijata (Night Jasmine / Coral Jasmine)
Parijata is a small tree growing up to 10 m and possesses whitish yellow flowers.
Medicinal Plant
Parijata (Night Jasmine / Coral Jasmine)
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. · Nyctanthaceae
Parijata is a small tree growing up to 10 m and possesses whitish yellow flowers.
Scientific Name
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn.
Family
Nyctanthaceae
Hindi Name
Harsingar
Used Part
Leaf and stem bark
Botanical Description
About the Parijata Plant
Morphology and field-identification notes as documented in our Dravyaguna library.
Parijata is a small tree growing up to 10 m and possesses whitish yellow flowers. Its leaves are described among the Anu-Sastras. Sephalika is considered the synonym of blue variety of Nirgundi.
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa Panchaka — Classical Properties
The five-fold framework Ayurveda uses to describe a drug — Rasa, Guna, Vipaka, Veerya and its effect on the doshas.
Guna (Qualities)
Laghu, Ruksha
Physical and energetic attributes of the dravya.
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
Ushna
Taste that emerges after complete digestion.
Dosha Karma (Action on Doshas)
kapha-vata hara
Effect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Veerya (Potency)
Katu
Heating (ushna) or cooling (sheeta) energy.
Ayurvedic Actions (Karma)
Jwaraghna, Kramighna, Mriduvirechak , Vednasthapan.
Modern Phytochemistry
Chemistry & Pharmacology
How modern science maps onto the classical understanding of this dravya.
Pharmacological Action
What the Science Says
Antipyretic , Atihelminthic , Anti inflammatory, Hepatoprotective , Analgesic, Laxative.
Phytoconstituents
Active Compounds
Leaves contain D-mannitol, β-sitosterol, Favanol glycosides, Astragalin, Nicotiflorin, Oleanolic acid etc.
Therapeutic Usage
Clinical Applications of Parijata
Classical Ayurvedic indications drawn directly from the Dravyaguna tradition — paired with the preparations recommended in shastra.
01
The decoction of its leaves (Shephalikadalaih) prepared on low flame is used for Sciatica.
02
For chronic fever, the juice of 7-8 tender leaves, mixed with the juice of the plant's nectar, and honey, is given. This is very beneficial for malaria. For chronic malaria, it is advisable to use it along with Trikatu.
03
For children's worms, juice of leaves is given with sugar mixed in it.
04
In case of cough and asthma, taking 125-250 mg of bark powder in betel leaf 3-4 times a day reduces the viscosity of phlegm.
05
Grind its seeds in water and apply it on the bald patches of the head, which helps in new hair growth.
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using any herb therapeutically. Dose, anupana and Prakriti-specific suitability matter.
Yoga / Kalpana
Classical Formulations
Common Ayurvedic preparations where Parijata is a key ingredient.
- Shephalikadi churna
Shastra Pramana
Classical Reference
शेफालिः कटुतिक्तोष्णा रूक्षा वातक्षयापहा । स्यादङ्गसंधिवातध्नो गुदवातादिदोषनुत्॥ (रा. नि.)