MILK THISTLE: A Western Herbal for Liver Ailments

NIRGUNDI: A Wholesome Plant

 For thousands of years, we have been using plants for curing different ailments and protection from diseases. Many of those medicinal plants have become an integral part of the culture and folklore with time. Himalayas have been blessed with hundreds of plant species with medicinal value. Many lyrical proverbs on the significance of plants can be heard in our villages. One of the famous proverbs about plants in Himachal Pradesh is:

Jithee Banah, Basuti, varya                              जिथी बना, बसूटी, वरया,
Uthee Aadmi Bemaut Kadi Ni Marya                  ऊथी आदमी बेमौत कदी नी मरया

(Meaning: Where the chaste tree (Vitex negundo; Nirgundi), Malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda; Adusa, Vasaka), and sweet flag (Acorus calamus; Vach) occur, no one can die of diseases).

I am introducing the readers to the first plant of this proverb, i.e., the Nirgundi. The medicinal value of this plant can be judged even from its Sanskrit-Hindi name ‘Nirgundi’, which itself literally means “protects the body from diseases”. Scientifically known as Vitex negundo, nirgundi belongs to the Verbena family (Verbenaceae) of flowering plants. It is extensively used in local healing traditions and Ayurveda.

 

NAMES IN INDIA

English: Chaste tree, Chinese chaste tree, Indian privet Hindi: Samhalu, Saubhalu, Nirgandi Sanskrit: Nirgundi, Nirgunda, Nirgundika, Nisinda, Nilika, Nilapushpi, Indrani, Indranika, Renuka, Sinduka, Sindhuvara, Sindhuvaram, Sinduya, Shephali, Sugandhika, Surasa, Shveta Sephalika, Suvaha Punjabi: Bana Assamese: Pasutia, Aggla-Chita, Pochatia, Aslok Bengali: Nisinda, Samalu, Nirgundi, Sinduari, Beguna, Nishinda, Nishinde Gujarati: Nagoda, Nagaol, Nirgari Kannada: Bile-Nekki Malayalam: Indrani Siddha: Noohi Tamil: Nirkunnchi, Nallanochi Telugu: Nallavalli, Vavilli, Tellavavilli Urdu: Sambhalu, Panjangusht (Source: Ahuja, SC, Ahuja, S. and Ahuja, U. (2015): Nirgundi (Vitex negundo): Nature’s Gift to Mankind. Asian Agri-History 19(1): 5–32.

DISTRIBUTION

India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam.

MORPHOLOGY

Nirgundi is a medium-sized shrub growing to a height of up to 5 meters. Leaves are 3-5-foliolate with the upper side light green and the lower side slightly greyish white in colour. The leaflets are lanceolate or ovate with leaflet base cuneate, margin entire or with 1-3 teeth along the apical region. The central leaflet is 4-13 × 1-4 cm in size. Flowers are mauve to light blue in colour and are borne on a 10-25 cm long inflorescences axis. Flowering occurs during April-June. 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Flowering twigs contain volatile oils (viridiflorol, p-caryophylene, 4-terpineol, linalool, globulol, elemol, farnesene and aromadendrene), alkaloids (nishindine), lignans, flavonoids, iridoids, terpenes (triterpenes, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes), and steroids.  

MEDICINAL USES

 1. Remedy for Joint Pain

The bark and leaf paste when applied as a poultice on joints and sprained areas, provides relief from pain, spasms and inflammation caused by arthritis and sprains. Leaf powder can also be taken orally in doses of 2-3 g twice a day for these conditions. This property of nirgundi is due to the presence of an alkaloid nishindine.

2. Prevents Premature Greying of Hair

Nirgundi oil prevents premature greying of hair when applied on scalp.

3. Allays Chest Congestion

Nirgundi oil when applied to the nose, neck and chest, allays nose and chest congestion in those suffering from asthma. 1-2 gram powder when taken orally with lukewarm water, it eases the asthma symptoms and decongests the chest. Nirgundi leaves are boiled in water and the vapors are inhaled to get relief from respiratory diseases and chest congestion.

4. Anti-Allergic Property

Nirgundi leaves have anti-histamine and anti-allergic properties. Leaf powder is effective in managing bronchitis and breathing difficulties associated with nasal and bronchial allergies.

5. Relief from Menstrual Cramps

The nirgundi fruits help in easing the discomfort associated with menstrual cramps and uterine fibroids due to the presence of terpenoids. It reduces the breast tenderness associated with premenstrual syndrome.

6. Relieves Anxiety

Nirgundi fruits are reported to uplift mood and reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression and insomnia.

7. Anti-Pyretic Property

Boiled leaf and root extract of nirgundi is reported to control high fever when taken orally.

8. Anti-Microbial Activity

Studies have reported that nirgundi plants are effective in combating bacterial and fungal infections.

9. Remedies Epilepsy Symptoms

Nirgundi is also considered to be useful in managing epileptic seizures and convulsions. 

10. Controls Diarrhoea

Dried fruit powder when taken orally with honey, it controls diarrhoea.

11. Good for Oral Health

Country toothbrushes made up of nirgundi stems help in maintaining oral health due to its anti-microbial properties. It is also useful in treating bleeding gums. Leaf decoction can also be used as gargling for curing sore throat.

12. Useful in Earache

Nirgundi leaves when boiled in oil and 2-3 drops of this oil put in ear, it relieves earache. 

13. Healing of Wounds

The leaf decoction of nirgundi is used for washing wounds and for their quick healing.

14. Anti-Fertility Property

The leaves and seeds of nirgundi have been reported to have anti-androgenic activity. 

15. Natural Laxative

Consumption of nirgundi leaves promotes regular bowel movement and is a natural laxative.

16. Cardioprotective Activity

Studies on animal models have shown that nirgundi is a potential protective and therapeutic agent against cardiovascular diseases and related pathologies such as inflammation, oxidative stress, atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. 

17. Anthelmintic Property

The powdered root of nirgundi can help in expelling parasitic worms from the body.

18. Good for the Liver

Nirgundi is reported to reduce the serum levels of liver enzymes, such as aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase and improve liver function and health.

19. Relief from Headache 

Nirgundi leaves are crushed to make a paste. This paste is applied on the forehead to alleviate headaches.

NIRGUNDI IN SACRED TRADITIONS

The nirgundi plant is believed to have originated from the abdomen of Lord Ganesha in Hindu mythology. Its leaves are offered as a symbol of devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during Somavara Vrata.

CAUTION

Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as stomach upset or diarrhoea, when using nirgundi in large doses. Women with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer or endometriosis, are advised to consult a registered medical practitioner before using nirgundi. It may interact with medications such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), antiplatelet drugs, and anti-diabetic drugs. 

RELATED SPECIES

Lilac chaste tree, Agnus Castus or Monk's Pepper (Vitex agnus-castus)

Monk's Pepper (Vitex agnus-castus)

ROSEMARY: CURES WITH ITS AROMA

 

Rosemary plant in flowering

Aroma, with its ethereal allure, has captivated humanity ever since the evolution of human beings. It is and was a part of rituals and traditions in many cultures of the world. Not an enticing attraction just human beings, it is equally enchanting in the animal world as well. The world of aroma is highly diverse. Many plant species and animals produce aromatic or fragrant molecules through biological pathways operating inside them. One such plant, a source of highly aromatic essential oil, is rosemary. Shakespeare mentions the use of rosemary for remembrance in Hamlet, that's why it is also known as a ‘herb of remembrance’. There are a wide variety of uses for rosemary essential oil, ranging from aromatherapy to cooking and more. Rosemary, botanically known as Salvia rosmarinus (synonym Rosmarinus officinalis), belongs to the plant family Lamiaceae.

 

DISTRIBUTION

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region (Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Island, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Yugoslavia). However, it is cultivated throughout the world for the extraction of essential oils.

 

Rosemary bush

MORPHOLOGY

Rosemary is a highly aromatic, hardy, and evergreen shrub that can live for up to 35 years.  It can grow to a height of up to 1.5 m. The leaves are evergreen, needle-shaped, 2–4 cm × 2–5 mm in size, green above, and whitish below due to the presence of dense, short, and woolly hair. Generally, flowering occurs in spring and summer in temperate areas, but the plants can be in constant bloom in relatively warm climates. My plants, cultivated in pots, start flowering in October and continue till February in Shimla. The flowers are purple, white, pink, or even deep blue.

 

Rosemary flowers

 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

The major chemical constituents in the leaves and flower tops are 1,8-Cineole, α-Pinene, and borneol, which account for nearly 50% of all the constituents. Other minor constituents reported from this plant are camphene, limonene, and triterpene alcohols such as β-sitosterol.

 

USES

I. CULINARY USES

Rosemary is a versatile herb that finds uses in many culinary cultures of the world. It is used to give a delightful flavour and aroma to a wide range of culinary dishes such as soups, baked products, potatoes, meats, vegetables, marinades, sauces, and drinks.

II. IN PERFUMERY

Rosemary oil is considered a versatile ingredient in perfumery. It is used in perfumes, soaps, deodorants, talcum powders, incense sticks, etc.

III. AS AN ORNAMENTAL PLANT

Rosemary plants are grown in the western gardens as decorative and fragrant elements.

IV. MAGICAL USES

Rosemary leaves are burned to purify the area to get rid of negativity in Western magical traditions. Rosemary ensures good sleep and is supposed to drive away nightmares when placed beneath the pillow. Rosemary is burned on charcoal and the smoke is smelled to get knowledge and answers to a question. Scott Cunningham mentions that before collecting an herb for a specific magical purpose, the role of that plant in fulfilling  a specific need should be mentioned before that plant like this:

I gather you, rosemary, herb of the Sun, 

to increase my mental powers and concentration.

V. MEDICINAL USES

1. Aromatherapy

Rosemary oil is widely used in aromatherapy due to its invigorating aroma and therapeutic benefits. It is reported to alleviate fatigue and stress, soothe nerves, and enhance mood. 

Rosemary essential oil (Photo source: essanciaonline.com)

2. Immune Support
Rosemary is reported to have immune-boosting properties.  It helps in strengthening the body's natural defence mechanism.
3. Anti-Microbial Properties
Rosemary oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It is commonly used for wound healing in traditional Western medicine.
4. Good for Digestive Health
Rosemary leaves have been traditionally used to aid in digestion and soothe the gastrointestinal tract in the Mediterranean region for ages. It stimulates the production of digestive juices, reduces gas and bloating, and alleviates symptoms of indigestion.
5. Anti-inflammatory Properties
The essential oils found in rosemary have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to reduce inflammation in the body. It can also be used topically to relieve joint pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism.
6. Soothes Nerves
Rosemary oil is believed to soothe the nerves and help in improving memory, concentration, and mental clarity.
7. Good for Respiratory Health
Inhalation of rosemary essential oils helps in alleviating nasal blockage, sinusitis, lung congestion, and coughing and therefore helps in easy breathing.
8. Promotes Hair Growth
Rosemary oil improves blood circulation to the scalp, strengthens hair follicles, and prevents dandruff and hair loss. It is commonly used in hair care products such as hair oils and shampoos.
 

 

 REFERENCES

Cunningham, S. 2008. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications, Woodbury, Minnesota.

Daniel, M. 2013. Useful Herbs of Planet Earth. Scientific Publisher, Jodhpur.

Kunkele, U and Lohmeyer, T.R. 2010. Herbs for Healthy Living: Recognition, Use and Effect. Paragon Publishing Pvt. Ltd., Noida.

Lucas, J. 2021. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Herbs for Health and Healing.