NAG KESAR (CEYLON IRON WOOD)

Scientific name: Mesua ferrea

Family name: Calophyllaceae

Description

Nagkesar. Botanical description of Mesua ferrea linn. Mesua ferrea linn. is an evergreen medium to large-sized ornamental plant. It is a medium-sized plant long up to 13 mm, often buttressed at the base with the trunk up to 90 cm in diameter. Leaves are about 3 to 5 inches long, simple, narrow, ovate and egg-shaped.
Chemical composition:

The major fatty acids in nagkesar oil are oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Polyphenols and volatiles can contribute an unpleasant odour. These include the 4-phenyl coumarins mesuol, mammeisin, mesuagin and mammeigin
Properties:
The leaves have analgesic and anti-venom properties, while the seed has antispasmodic and anti-arthritic activities[10]. Nagkesar helps to manage conditions like indigestion, bleeding piles, asthma and joint pain due to its Ushna (hot), Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestion) and Vata, Pitta, Kapha balancing properties.
Rasa: Kashaya Tikta
Guna: Laghu Ruksha Teeskhsna
Veerya: Ushna
Vipaka: Katu
Karma: Ama Pachana

Benefits:

  1. Leukorrhea:
    Leukorrhoea is the discharge of a white, yellow, or green colour from the genital area. Although it is accepted as typical in adults and teens, it can occasionally result from infections with bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms. Nagakesar has been shown to be effective in treating this uneasy condition that occasionally has the potential to be unpleasant and itchy and in enhancing Agni (digestive fire).
  2. Persistent piles
    Blood vessels that are enlarged might develop around the anus and cause bleeding piles or haemorrhoids. In addition to causing painful defecation, this also causes blood stools. Pitta dosha becomes out of equilibrium as a result. Nagkesar reduces pile lumps, reduces inflammation, eases pain, and regulates anal bleeding to calm the pitta dosha and bring the body’s heat into equilibrium.
  3. Treats skin diseases
    Nagkesar is used to stop the signs of skin conditions like psoriasis and hives. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, nagkesar oil has a curative quality and is very helpful in treating skin infections, scabies, and wounds in addition to reducing inflammation
  4. Treats joint pain
    As we age, joint pain becomes a prevalent issue that can cause osteoarthritis and weak bones. Due to an imbalance in the Vata dosha and the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the joints, arthritis develops. Joint pain is reduced by Nagkesar powder’s anti-arthritis properties. Applying essential oils made from Nagkesar seed extracts topically helps provide immediate relief for all problems associated with arthritis.
  5. migraines and headaches
    By releasing tense muscles, nagkesar reduces headaches brought on by stress. It also aids in the treatment of several types of painful headaches, including migraines.

Is naagkeshar safe?

Nagkesar can be safely taken with other herbal medicines, vitamins, or remedies and no side effects are observed. However, if you see any side effects, seek immediate medical help from your physician who has prescribed it to you and get proper treatment to overcome your side effects

Contraindication:

Nagkesar must be taken under the supervision of a medical doctor in situations like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and diabetes.9 There is a lack of research regarding the safety of nagkesar in pregnant and breastfeeding women, so its use should be avoided during these times.4 It is better to keep nagkesar away from small children and older people to avoid harmful reactions in the body.
Without consulting a doctor, you should not use nagkesar to self-medicate yourself.