Overview
Nirgundi is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for parasites and worms. 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 Parasites and Worms
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Nirgundi has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing parasites and worms:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Other Herbs for Parasites and Worms
See all herbs for parasites and worms on the Parasites and Worms page.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
[133] The expressed juice of the root and leaves of nirgundi should be cooked with an equal quantity of oil.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 28: Vata Disorders Treatment (Vatavyadhi Chikitsa / वातव्याधिचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 28: Vata Disorders Treatment (Vatavyadhi Chikitsa / वातव्याधिचिकित्सा)
For wound maggots/parasites (Vrana Krimi): a paste of Karanja (Pongamia pinnata), Arishta (neem), and Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) destroys wound parasites.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Neem and Karanja are both insecticidal, Nirgundi is antiparasitic, and garlic's allicin is a potent antimicrobial.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
A paste of Dhattura (Datura metel), Eranda (castor, Ricinus communis), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Varshabhu (Boerhavia diffusa), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), and Sarshapa (mustard) -- this paste destroys Shlipada (elephantiasis/lymphedema) even when chronic and severe.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
This potent paste combines the anti-edema Punarnava/Boerhavia, the filaricidal Nirgundi, and the deeply penetrating Moringa and castor to reduce the massive lymphatic swelling.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Also ajaka, sphotaka, kapittha (wood apple), bilva (bael), nirgundi (vitex), and jasmine flowers.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 11: Kaphabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Kapha-type Conjunctivitis)
The Surasadi Gana consists of: surasa (basil), shveta-surasa, phanijjhaka, arjaka, bhustrina (lemongrass), sugandhaka, sumukha, kalamala, kutheraka, kasamarda, chavaka, kharapushpa, vidanga, katphala, surasini, nirgundi, kulahala, ondura-karnika, phanji, prachiva, laka, kakamachi, and vishamushtika (verse 18).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Surasadi Gana consists of: surasa (basil), shveta-surasa, phanijjhaka, arjaka, bhustrina (lemongrass), sugandhaka, sumukha, kalamala, kutheraka, kasamarda, chavaka, kharapushpa, vidanga, katphala, surasini, nirgundi, kulahala, ondura-karnika, phanji, prachiva, laka, kakamachi, and vishamushtika (verse 18).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 11: Kaphabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Kapha-type Conjunctivitis); Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
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.