Nirgundi Health Benefits, Uses And Its Side Effects

Nirgundi ras is a common ingredient in various healing sciences. Indigenous to India nirgundi is an evergreen tree that is now also found growing in Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Japan and Phillipines.

The ancient Romans named it the five-leaved chaste tree as it worked to reduce sexual urges and hence got linked to chastity and loyalty. The wives of the Roman soldiers used to spread the leaves of this plant on their bed for this reason when their husbands were away.

Nirgundi oil extracted from the leaves, fruit as well as the roots of the nirgundi tree are used for a range of health benefits. The scientific name of nirgundi is Vitex negundo.

Summary- Nirgundi is an evergreen tree with various medicinal traits. This plant was used to reduce sexual urges in ancient Roman civilization.

Nirgundi plants are enriched with medicinal properties. They are rich in vitamins like C and E. Nirgundi extracts have antioxidant properties. It also contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents several infections. It aids digestion too. It also has liver-protecting capabilities.

Summary- The nutritional content of Nirgundi is very rich. It is being used in the treatment of various disorders.

Nirgundi is an extremely beneficial plant. It not only has medicinal benefits but also various other uses-

• Keeping its dried leaves in between clothes that are stored for a long period of time to prevent insects from damaging them,
• Burning the leaves of this plant works as a highly effective mosquito repellent.
• The leaves of nirgundi are used as biopesticides and insecticides.
• The chemicals are used to ward away detrimental pests and insects and it is always better to use natural alternatives to these.

Summary- Nirgundi is used worldwide for different purposes, like medicinal effects, the preparation of pesticides, mosquito repellent, etc.

Nirgundi has a string of side effects and problems attached to its consumption-

• Particularly in women, its ability to regulate hormone secretions makes it a bad option for pregnant women, interferes with oral contraceptives, and may reduce its efficacy.
• Nirgundi alters the functioning of the heart and should be taken under medical supervision if a person suffers from any heart ailments.
• There might be alterations in the menstrual flow which might also trigger allergies.
• It has also been seen that lactating women have faced alterations in the amount of milk production.
• Though it has controversy around the nature of the change it is definite that a change does take place.
• The common side effects of consuming nirgundi are dry mouth, headache, nausea, stomach upset, tachycardia, and urticaria although in a small number of cases.

Summary- Nirgundi may lead to some serious side effects such as interfering with hormonal balance in pregnant women, altering the menstruation cycle, dry mouth, etc.

Nirgundi is basically cultivated in a loamy type of soil. It is considered an easily grown plant. The plants can tolerate temperatures up to -10 degree celsius. It partially belongs to the southern parts of Asia and Africa. The plants are generally 2-8 meters heightened.

Summary- Nirgundi originated from India, China, Indonesia, and Madagascar. It is globally famous for its medicinal purposes.