Overview
Nagakesara is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for menstrual health. Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea) flower stamens are one of the most valued flower-medicines in Ayurveda. The golden stamens from the white flowers are dried and used medicinally. They have excellent hemostatic and absorbent properties. Used in bleeding piles, dysentery, and excessive menstrual bleeding. The dried stamens are sold commercially. They have a pleasant fragrance. The tree produces hard timber. The stamens are an ingredient in many classical formulations. Verse: 15, 45.
How Nagakesara Helps with Menstrual Health
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Nagakesara has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing menstrual health:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Mesuol, Mesuagin, Xanthones, Essential oil, Mesuanic acid
- Also Known As
- English: Cobra's Saffron, Ironwood Stamens
Sanskrit: नागकेसर, नागपुष्प, काञ्चनाह्वय
Hindi: नागकेसर
Other Herbs for Menstrual Health
See all herbs for menstrual health on the Menstrual Health 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.