Benefits of Harsingar And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Jul 06, 2020
It provides treatments for Dengue, Chikunngunya, Malaria and Arthritis. It prevents gas, radical damage, treats cough, fights breathing problems, etc. Additionally it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties which make it fight various infections in the body. It also acts as a laxative in most cases.
Harsingar
Harsingar is also known as Night Jasmine or Parijat. It is loaded with beneficial qualities and is native to Southeast Asia and South Asia. It is a small tree or a shrub growing up to 33 feet tall with a grey flaky bark. The leaves are quite broad with a margin. The flowers look breathtaking with 5 to 8 white corolla petals, having an orangish-red centre.
The fruit which this flower bears is a brown round to heart shaped capsule of 2 cm diameter containing a single seed. This flower is found in abundance in West Bengal, India and also in Kanchanaburi Province in Thailand. This flower loses its brightness during daytime and is most commonly used as a yellow dye for clothing.
Nutritional Value of Harsingar
The leaves of Harsingar contains benzoic acid, fructose, glucose, carotene, amorphous resin, ascorbic acid, methyl salicylate, tannic acid, oleanolic acid and flavanol glycosides. The flowers are very beneficial as it contains essential oils and glycosides. The seeds contain palmitic, oleic and myristic acids.
The bark of this plant is useful due to its alkaloids and glycosides content. The extracts of this flower posses antifungal and antiviral properties. Apart from this antileishmanial, hepatoprotective and immunostimulant properties are also present in it.
Health Benefits of Harsingar
Provides relief from Chikungunya and Dengue
Although Chikungunya and Dengue are serious and people suffering from it need to be admitted in the hospital right away , but consuming Harsingar can provide some help and reduce symptoms of these diseases. During such diseases, the platelet count of the patient deteriorates rapidly.
In such cases this herb can be used as a remedial measure to increase the blood platelet count as quickly as possible. Harsingar along with other herbs should be taken as a decoction or in the crude form to provide the best results. According to research, difference in Dengue and Chikungunya patients can be seen as soon as 3 days. However, this herb should be consumed regularly without fail to make a huge difference.
Can treat Arthritis
Arthritis is not only common among old aged people but it also affects young adults now days. It can be very annoying and can make a person deviate from his daily activities. In severe cases, it also disrupts sleep to a certain extent. In such conditions, Harsingar should be consumed due to its anti-arthritic properties to reduce inflammation and pain.
It is recommended to boil the powder extracted from Harsingar in a cup of water and consume it immediately for instant relief. People who consumed it regularly usually experience relief after a prolonged usage of this herb.
Cures malaria and other fevers
The leaves of Harsingar is used to treat the fever which occurs during chronic malaria. It can also be used as a remedy for high body temperature, diarrhea and nausea caused due to mosquito bites. The leaves contain beneficial soothing and healing properties which make it ideal to get rid of malaria parasites.
Prevents Radical damage to the body
Health issues and aging are usually caused due to radical damage to the cells of our body. This is known as oxidative damage. To prevent such damage, antioxidants are required. Therefore, Harsingar has strong antioxidants which can easily get rid of the detrimental effects of free radicals.
Other than this, Harsingar can also be used to prevent the development of cancer cells and fights early signs of aging. The essential oils extracted from its flowers can also be massaged on the body to keep it healthy and strong.
Anti-allergic, antiviral and antibacterial properties
Harsingar oil can be used to fight bacteria such as E.coli, Staph infection and fungal infection. Additionally it assists in combating encephalomyocarditis, cardiovirus and semliki forrest virus. It can also be used to treat skin issues such as blackheads and pimples.
Can treat cough
Persistent coughing can be caused due to a lot of reasons such as smoking, bronchitis, lung problems or throat infection. It can be very annoying and hampers our ability to talk and socially interact with people. In most cases, coughing can also make one unable to get sound sleep and lead to fatigue and stress. Harsingar usually helps in relieving cough and if consumed daily it can reduce the symptoms to a great extent.
Combats breathing problems
Regular consumption of Harsingar can relieve asthma symptoms. Although it doesn’t cure asthma, but it does reduce the symptoms and makes it easier for a person to breathe without any hurdle. Harsingar contains beneficial and medicinal properties to provide relief from asthma symptoms.
Acts as a laxative
It is a proven fact that Harsingar helps to deal with constipation. It is a substitute for laxatives and performs much better than one. It has special minerals in it, which facilitates the regulation of the digestive system.
Prevents gas
Gas can be extremely irritating and can cause weakness, stomach ache and even dizziness. Regular consumption of Harsingar treats gas related problems easily.
Uses of Harsingar
Harsingar is packed with beneficial uses such as, it helps treat dandruff, lice, vertigo and anxiety symptoms, scurvy and acidity. Additionally it also treats high blood pressure, sciatica, relieves menstrual cramps and is an antidote to snake bites in some cases. This herb should be consumed if you are always restless and often get panic attacks. According to studies, Harsingar also alleviates piles to a certain extent.
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Allergies and Side-Effects of Harsingar
Harsingar doesn’t have a lot of fatal side effects, but anything consumed in excess can be very detrimental for health. Harsingar has an extremely bitter tastes, so for people who are very sensitive with taste, can experience slight nausea if they cannot bear the taste.
It shouldn’t be taken in excessive amount to cure cough as it can prove fatal to the throat, it should be taken only after the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor for cough related issues. The tongue can also become yellow and unattractive after chewing the leaves of Harsingar
Cultivation of Harsingar
Harsinger usually grows in tropical regions of the world. Though this plant usually blooms at night, it does require plenty of sunlight and it cannot survive in a frosty or cold area. It grows best in sandy sol, moist and well drained soil. It cannot grow in highly saline soil. It is usually found in some regions of South Asia and Asia.
References
- Agrawal J, Pal A. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn—A critical ethnopharmacological review. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2013 Apr 19;146(3):645-58. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Pandey RS. Anti-oxidant activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Life Science ISSN. 2012;2231:4423. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Sah AK, Verma VK. Phytochemicals and pharmacological potential of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis: A comprehensive review. Int J Res Pharm Biomed Sci. 2012 Jan;3(1):420-7. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
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