The parijat plant, commonly referred to as night jasmine (scientifically Nyctanthes arbour-tristis), is more than just a small shrub with fragrant, nocturnal blooms. It’s a treasury of medicinal properties revered in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. This remarkable plant serves as a therapeutic treasure trove, with its leaves, flowers, stems, and roots each playing a vital role in natural healthcare practices, particularly in India.
Health Benefits of Parijat Leaves
The parijat plant (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) is not just a beautifully fragrant shrub but also a powerhouse of health benefits. Its various parts are used in Ayurveda for their potential benefits, making it an important component of traditional healing practices. Here are some of the parijat plant benefits that contribute to overall health:1
1. Fever Management
The parijat plant is traditionally used to help manage fever, including in conditions like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, due to its antipyretic properties. Extracts from the leaves and bark are believed to support fever management and may help maintain platelet counts in dengue patients. A common method of use is boiling the parijatham leaf to create a decoction for managing fever symptoms. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional when using parijat for fever management.
2. Useful in Arthritic Knee Pain and Sciatica
Parijat leaves are traditionally believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and are often used to support joint health and ease discomfort. It is commonly thought to be a natural remedy for knee pain and sciatica. Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend a decoction of the leaves or a topical application of a mixture of parijat essential oil and coconut oil to promote comfort in affected areas..
3. Helps Soothe a Dry Cough
Parijat leaves can help manage dry cough and respiratory issues. Brewing them into tea with ginger helps soothe throat irritation, reduce coughing, and may help ease symptoms of cough, cold, bronchitis, and asthma by easing breathing difficulties. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the suitability of this remedy for your specific condition.
4. Anti-allergic, Antiviral, and Antibacterial Properties
The benefits of the parijat plant include strong anti-allergic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Extracts from the plant can inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens like E. coli and Staphylococcus, as well as certain fungal infections, making parijat leaves a natural and effective formula for various infections. While Parijat leaves are often included in traditional health formulations, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before using them for any medical purpose.
5. Immunity Booster
The Parijat plant is traditionally believed to have immunostimulatory properties that may support the body’s natural defenses. A decoction made by boiling ground Parijat leaves in water is commonly used in traditional practices. This preparation is often consumed to help enhance resistance to infections and support overall well-being. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before using it for any health-related purpose.
6. Diabetes Control
If you’re managing diabetes, the parijat plant benefits may be helpful. Its ability to balance vata-kapha and its bitter (tikta) properties help prevent ama, or toxic buildup from poor digestion, and improve insulin function. This may assist in managing blood sugar levels and alleviating diabetes symptoms.
7. Nourishment of Hairs
A decoction made from parijat seeds is traditionally used to help manage dandruff and head lice. Moreover, a hair tonic derived from Parijat leaves is traditionally believed to help reduce hair fall, strengthen the hair, and slow down premature greying. Regular use of parijat lends nourishment to your tresses and promotes healthy hair growth.
8. Malaria Recovery Support
Some studies suggest that extracts from Parijat leaves may help manage fever caused by malarial parasites, though more research is needed.The plant’s anti-parasitic properties may help arrest the growth of the malaria parasite during its early life stages, thereby preventing infection from worsening. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnostics and treatment.2
Conclusion
Parijat, also known scientifically as Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, is a potent medicinal plant that offers numerous health benefits. It is traditionally used in managing conditions such as fevers, arthritis, sciatica, and respiratory discomfort, highlighting its significance in natural healing practices. Through its various forms, including juice, powder, decoction, and capsules, one can easily incorporate parijat into their health regime. Yet, while the parijat flower’s benefits are vast, it’s vital to use this plant wisely. Always be aware of the potential side effects and ensure you consult your doctor if you’re on medication or have any health concerns. By taking these precautions, you can confidently tap into the healing power of parijat and experience its benefits for your overall wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The parijat flower is valued for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects.It may help with skin issues, hair care, and supporting immunity, contributing to overall health.
To use parijat leaves for joint discomfort, boil the leaves in water to create a decoction. Drinking this may help with its believed anti-inflammatory properties and alleviate joint discomfort.
Parijat is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It contains vitamin C, calcium, iron, and essential amino acids, contributing to its health benefits and medicinal properties.
Yes, you can drink a decoction of parijat leaves. A common method is to brew them into a tea or decoction, which can help with various health issues such as fevers, coughs, and digestive problems.
References
- Pandel, T., Gurunani, S., & Kaikade, A. (2023). Comprehensive Review on Parijat (Nyctanthesarbor-tristis). International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications, 8, 1215. https://doi.org/10.35629/7781-080312151224
- Godse, C. S., Tathed, P. S., Talwalkar, S. S., Vaidya, R. A., Amonkar, A. J., Vaidya, A. B., & Vaidya, A. D. B. (2016). Antiparasitic and disease-modifying activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. in malaria: An exploratory clinical study. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 7(4), 238–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2016.08.003
- Godse, C. S., Tathed, P. S., Talwalkar, S. S., Vaidya, R. A., Amonkar, A. J., Vaidya, A. B., & Vaidya, A. D. B. (2016). Antiparasitic and disease-modifying activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. in malaria: An exploratory clinical study. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 7(4), 238–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2016.08.003
- Saxena, R. S., Gupta, B., Saxena, K. K., Singh, R. C., & Prasad, D. M. (1984). Study of anti-inflammatory activity in the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor tristis Linn. — an Indian medicinal plant. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 11(3), 319–330. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(84)90077-1
- Rangika, B. S., Dayananda, P. D., & Peiris, D. C. (2015). Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of aqueous extract of flowers from Nycantus arbor-tristis L. in male mice. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-015-0807-0