Nagakesara, also known as Mesua ferrea, is a remarkable medicinal plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda. This slow-growing, evergreen tree is highly valued for its dense, hard wood and its fragrant, healing flowers.
Herb's Introduction
Mesua ferrea, commonly known as Nagakesara, is an evergreen tree species native to the tropical regions of the Indomalayan realm, including India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It is scientifically classified under the family Calophyllaceae, previously known as Guttiferae. The tree is often called "Ironwood" due to the exceptional hardness and heaviness of its timber. It is the national tree of Sri Lanka and a state tree in India, highlighting its cultural and ecological importance. Its large, white flowers with a central bunch of yellow stamens are not only fragrant and beautiful but also the primary source of its medicinal properties.
Name in Different Countries
The name of this herb varies widely across different regions and languages, reflecting its broad geographical distribution and cultural significance. Some of the most common names include:
English: Ceylon ironwood, Cobra's saffron, Indian rose-chestnut, Iron-wood tree.
Arabic: Khashbul hadid, Narae-kaisar.
Assamese: nahor, nokte.
Bengali: nagkesar, punnaga.
Burmese: Gangau, Kenga.
Chinese: Tiě lì mù.
French: Arbre de fer, Bois de fer.
Hindi: nagchampa, nagesar, nagkesar.
Kannada: naga kesari, naga sampige.
Malayalam: churuli.
Marathi: nagchampa, nagakeshara.
Nepalese: Nagkesar, Ruk keshar.
Sanskrit: nagakesarah, nagapuspah.
Tamil: nagappu, nakecuram.
Thai: Bunnak.
Urdu: Narmushk, Nagkesar.
Terminology
Botanical Name: Mesua ferrea Linn.
Synonyms: Calophyllum nagassarium Burm. f., Mesua coromandelina Wight, Mesua nagassarium (Burm. f.) Kosterm., among others.
Family: Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
Ayurvedic Terminology: In Ayurveda, it is known as Nagakesara, and its stamens are highly valued for their medicinal use. It is also an ingredient in many traditional formulations like Chyawanprash. It is believed to balance the Kapha and Pitta Doshas.
Availability
Mesua ferrea is a native plant of the wet, tropical parts of the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, and Malaysia. It is widely cultivated for both ornamental purposes and its medicinal value. The tree is found in evergreen forests, particularly in river valleys, and can grow at elevations up to 1,500 meters in some areas. The herb, primarily the dried flowers and stamens, is widely available in powdered or oil form through herbal medicine suppliers, both online and in traditional markets across its native range.
External Look
Mesua ferrea is a medium to large-sized tree that can grow over 30 meters tall. It has a dense, narrowly conical crown.
Trunk and Bark: The trunk is often buttressed at the base. The bark of younger trees is ash-grey with flaky peelings, while that of older trees is dark ash-grey with a reddish-brown tinge.
Leaves: The leaves are simple, opposite, narrow, and oblong. They are blue-grey to dark green on the top with a whitish underside. A striking feature is the new growth, where young, drooping leaves are a vibrant pink to red.
Flowers: The flowers are large, showy, and intensely fragrant. They are bisexual, with four white petals and a prominent center of numerous golden-yellow stamens. They are often described as resembling a "poached egg."
Fruit and Seeds: The fruit is a round to ovoid capsule, which contains one or two dark brown, oily seeds.
Healing Properties
Nagakesara is a powerhouse of medicinal properties, with almost every part of the plant possessing therapeutic benefits. Key properties include:
Antioxidant: Helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Reduces inflammation and pain.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Fights bacterial and fungal infections.
Haemostatic/Styptic: Helps to stop bleeding.
Antivenom: Used traditionally as an antidote for snake and scorpion stings.
Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver.
Advantages
The advantages of Nagakesara lie in its versatile applications and potent effects on various body systems. Its use in traditional medicine is a testament to its efficacy. It is a valuable herb for its ability to regulate bodily functions, alleviate a wide range of ailments, and provide a natural alternative for managing health. Its multiple healing properties make it a comprehensive solution for numerous health concerns, from external skin issues to internal digestive problems.
Uses
Nagakesara is used to treat a broad spectrum of health issues, as documented in Ayurveda and other traditional systems.
Digestive Health: It is a stomachic, meaning it improves digestion. It is used to treat dysentery, bleeding piles (Raktapitta), and indigestion. The flower buds are particularly effective for dysentery.
Bleeding Disorders: Due to its haemostatic properties, it is highly effective in stopping bleeding, such as in bleeding piles (Vatarakta) and excessive menstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia).
Skin Diseases: The seed oil and flower paste are used to treat skin infections, itching, scabies, and rashes. Its antimicrobial properties are beneficial for healing wounds and ulcers.
Respiratory Issues: It acts as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the lungs, making it useful for cough, cold, and bronchitis.
Other Uses: It is used to relieve fever, headaches (Sheersharujahara), and urinary tract disorders (vastiroga). A paste of flowers with butter and sugar is a traditional remedy for bleeding piles and a burning sensation in the feet.
Using Way
Different parts of the Mesua ferrea plant are prepared in various ways for medicinal use.
Powder: The dried flowers or bark are ground into a fine powder. This can be mixed with warm water, milk, or honey and consumed orally.
Oil: The seed oil is extracted and used topically for skin infections, rheumatism, and pain. It can be applied directly or mixed with other carrier oils like coconut oil for burns and ulcers.
Decoction/Tea: A decoction is prepared by boiling the flowers or bark in water. This liquid is consumed to treat digestive and respiratory issues.
Paste/Poultice: A paste of the flowers is applied externally to treat skin conditions and excessive sweating. A poultice made from the leaves can be applied to the head and chest to relieve symptoms of a cold.
Conclusion
Mesua ferrea, or Nagakesara, is a highly significant herb in traditional medicine, celebrated for its wide-ranging therapeutic properties. From its beautiful, fragrant flowers to its durable timber, every part of the tree holds value. Its proven effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agent makes it a cornerstone of Ayurvedic and folk medicine. The ability to treat ailments from bleeding piles to skin infections and respiratory issues solidifies its place as a valuable and versatile natural remedy for holistic health.
