Nirgundi

(Five-Leaved Chaste Tree)
Sanskrit: निर्गुण्डी • Botanical: Vitex negundo Linn.

Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), the Five-Leaved Chaste Tree, is one of the most important herbs for Vata disorders and pain management in Ayurveda. The text describes both the Sinduvar (white-flowered) and Nirgundi (blue-flowered) varieties. It is a large shrub with 3-5 compound leaflets. The leaves, seeds, and root are all used medicinally. The leaf juice is used for ear and eye diseases. Oil prepared with Nirgundi leaves (Nirgundi Taila) is a classical remedy for joint pain and inflammation. It has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The text also describes its use in headache, fever, skin diseases, and respiratory disorders. The related species V. trifolia is also described. The fresh leaf poultice is applied to painful joints, and the leaf decoction is used as a gargle for mouth ulcers.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Casticin, Artemetin, Viridiflorol, Agnuside, Nishindine
Also Known As
English: Five-Leaved Chaste Tree, Indian Privet
Sanskrit: निर्गुण्डी, सिन्दुवार, श्वेतसुरसा, इन्द्राणी, नीलपुष्पा
Hindi: सम्भालू, मेउड़ी, निर्गुण्डी, सिनगुआर

What is Five-Leaved Chaste Tree / Nirgundi (निर्गुण्डी / सम्भालू)?

Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), the Five-Leaved Chaste Tree, is one of the most important herbs for Vata disorders and pain management in Ayurveda. The text describes both the Sinduvar (white-flowered) and Nirgundi (blue-flowered) varieties. It is a large shrub with 3-5 compound leaflets. The leaves, seeds, and root are all used medicinally. The leaf juice is used for ear and eye diseases. Oil prepared with Nirgundi leaves (Nirgundi Taila) is a classical remedy for joint pain and inflammation. It has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The text also describes its use in headache, fever, skin diseases, and respiratory disorders. The related species V. trifolia is also described. The fresh leaf poultice is applied to painful joints, and the leaf decoction is used as a gargle for mouth ulcers.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
  • Vedanasthapana (analgesic)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Keshya (promotes hair growth)
  • Jvarghna (antipyretic)
  • Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Nirgundi by Condition

Explore how Nirgundi is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Nirgundi for Inflammation

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.