common name : Nirgundhi

Description:

         Vitex negundo is an erect, branched, deciduous shrub or small tree, 2–5 m tall, with a slightly rough, pale reddish-brown bark that peels off in papery flakes. The leaves are opposite, digitately three to five foliolate leaflets are lanceolate with an entire margin, 3–10 cm long, green above and gray pubescent beneath. Panicles are terminal, slightly hairy, many-flowered, and 10–20 cm long; additional axillary panicles are often present. The tree flowers from May to August. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs), and are pollinated by insects; they are blue to lavender in color and 5–7 mm long. Fruits are globose to broadly egg-shaped, 3–6 mm long and 2–3 mm in diameter, and black when mature (in October).

BENEFITS

Rheumatoid Arthritis

          Rheumatoid Arthritis, known as Amavata in Ayurveda,is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body. Nirgundi helps in the management of Amavata due to its Vata balancing and Ushna (hot) properties. It helps to increase the digestive fire which enhances the digestive system and prevents the formation as well as the accumulation of Ama, thereby reducing the symptoms of Amavata.

Cough

          A Cough is a common ailment that is known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda. The cough is generally caused by the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Nirgundi helps in managing cough due to its Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) properties. It helps the accumulated mucus to pass out easily and prevent, thereby providing relief from Cough.

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.