Herb × Condition

Nirgundi for Inflammation

Sanskrit: निर्गुण्डी | Vitex negundo Linn.

How Nirgundi helps with Inflammation according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

Overview

Nirgundi is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. 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.

How Nirgundi Helps with Inflammation

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Nirgundi has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:

  • Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
  • Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

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

Other Herbs for Inflammation

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Agastya Flowers Sesbania grandiflora Linn.
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Arani Premna integrifolia Linn.
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Alexandrian Laurel Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. & Hook. f.; Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.
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Amla Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
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Ashwagandha Withania somnifera Dunal
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Bael Aegle marmelos Corr.
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Vamsha Bambusa arundinacea Willd.
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Barleria Barleria prionitis Linn.

See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation page.

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.