Nirgundi is a large aromatic shrub found mostly in the warmer zone of India. In Indian traditional medicine system, it is referred as ʽsarvaroganivaraniʼ – the remedy for all diseases.
Nirgundi might be helpful in managing diabetes by improving insulin levels due to its antioxidant property. It also helps manage inflammatory reactions by inhibiting the activity of certain mediators due to its anti-inflammatory property. So, As per Ayurveda ,consuming Nirgundi powder two times a day or applying Nirgundi paste to the affected area helps manage arthritis and provides relief from pain due to its Vata balancing property. The root powder of Nirgundi might also help in case of piles by reducing the irritation of inflamed tissue.
Nirgundi is beneficial for hair growth. Massaging with oil obtained from Nirgundi leaves along with sesame seed oil can help manage grey hair and scalp infections.
In some cases, Nirgundi might cause stomach upset and mild skin rashes on skin.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.