Overview
Indian Valerian is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for encephalitis. Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC., Fam. Valerianaceae) is Indian Valerian, a well-known sedative herb. The rhizome is the medicinal part. Found in the Himalayas at 5000-9000 feet. The plant has a characteristic strong, somewhat unpleasant odor due to isovaleric acid. It is one of the most important Ayurvedic nervine sedatives. Primarily used for insomnia, epilepsy, psychosis, and headache. Also employed as a cardiac tonic and anti-toxic agent. The root contains essential oil rich in valerenic acid and sesquiterpenes. Some confusion exists between Tagara and Nakhui (Celery seed) — they are different plants. V. hardwickii Wall. is also used in South India under the same name. Asarum europaeum (Europiyan Tagar) was historically used in European practice. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga.
How Indian Valerian Helps with Encephalitis
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Indian Valerian has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing encephalitis:
- Taste (Rasa): hotpungent
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- hotpungent
- Dosha Effect
- Vata & Kapha decreased · Pitta increased
- Tissues
- Plasma, muscle, marrow/nerve
- Systems
- Nervous, digestive, respiratory Action:Stimulant, antispasmodic, stomachic, sedative, analeptic, carminative, nervine
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
- Anidra (insomnia)
- Apasmara (epilepsy)
- Unmada (psychosis)
- Shirahshool (headache)
- Netra Roga (eye diseases)
- Visha (poisoning)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Tikta Gana – group of bitters :त तः पदोल ाय ती वालकोशीर च दनम ् भू न ब न ब कटुका तगरा गु व सकम ् न तमाला वरजनी मु त मूवाट पकम पाठापामागकां यायोगुडू चध वयासकम ् प चमल ू ं महा या यौ वशाल अ त वषावचा Patoli, Trayanti – Gentiana kurroa, Valaka, Usira – Vetiveria zizanioides, Chandana – Sandalwood, Bhunimba – The creat (whole plant) – Andrographis paniculata, Nimba – Neem – Azadirachta indica, Katuka – Picrorhiza kurroa, Tagara – Indian Valerian (root) – Valeriana wallichi, Aguru, Vatsaka – Hol
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Safety & Precautions
- Excessive use may dull the mind
- Excessive doses may cause central paralysis and othersevere conditions
- Use only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 4: Herbology 105
Other Herbs for Encephalitis
See all herbs for encephalitis on the Encephalitis 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.