nirgundi :

General Use:

The plant finds mention in the verses of the Charaka Samhita which is unarguably the most ancient and authoritative textbook of Indian Ayurveda. Vitex negundo Linn. has been designated as an anthelmintic and is prescribed as a vermifuge in the exposition on the Charaka Samhita. Other Ayurvedic uses of Vitex negundo Linn. are people sleep on pillows stuffed with Vitex negundo Linn. leaves to dispel catarrh and headache and smoke the leaves for relief. Crushed leaf poultice is applied to cure headaches, neck gland sores, tubercular neck swellings and sinusitis. Essential oil of the leaves is also effective in treatment of venereal diseases and other syphilitic skin disorders. A leaf decoction with Piper nigrum is used in catarrhal fever with heaviness of head and dull hearing. A tincture of the root-bark provides relief from irritability of bladder, rheumatism and in dysmenorrhea. Formulations described in Anubhoga Vaidya Bhaga, a compendium of formulations in cosmetology, in outlining the use of Vitex negundo Linn. leaves along with those of Azadirachta indica, Eclipta alba, Sphaeranthus indicus and Carum copticum in a notable rejuvenation treatment known as Kayakalpa.

Therapeutic Uses:

The leaves possess discutient (Muhalil) properties and are applied to rheumatic swellings of the joints and in sprains.

The juice of the leaves is used for the treatment of foetid discharges.

They show anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, the plant is useful in treating sores and skin infections.

Vitex negundo relieves muscle aches and joint pains.

The herb is effective in treating vaginal discharge.

It also enhances the male lidibo

Systemic Use:

1. In cold, its decoction 20 ml should be used along with 1gm Pippali and 250 mg Vacha.

2. In pneumonitis, Swarasa of its leaves 10 ml is so beneficial along with Pippali.

3. It’s paste on affected site is painkiller and anti-inflammatory

Administration:

decoction

powder

Pharmacological:

The decoction of leaves is used for treatment of inflammation, eye-disease, toothache, leucoderma,

enlargement of the spleen, ulcers, cancers, catarrhal fever, rheumatoid arthritis, gonorrhea, sinuses,

scrofulous sores, bronchitis and as tonics. As vermifuge, lactagogue, antibacterial, antipyretic,

antihistaminic, analgesic, insecticidal, ovicidal, growth inhibition and morphogenetic agents. antigenotoxic, antihistamine, CNS depressant activity and anti-fertility effects were reported from the leaves of Vitex negundo Linn

Kotakkal Ayurveda - Mother land of modern ayurveda

nirgundi - Vitex negundo Linn. - Verbenaceae