Overview
Nagakesara is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. 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 Skin Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Nagakesara has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Other Herbs for Skin Disorders
See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders page.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
Chandana (Santalum album), tagara (Valeriana wallichii), kushta (Saussurea lappa), haridra (Curcuma longa), daruharidra (Berberis aristata), twak (Cinnamomnm zeylanicum), manashila (realgar (Arsenic disulphide), tamala (Nicotiana tabacum), juice of nagakesara (Mesua ferrea) and shardoolanakha (nail of a jackal) pounded with rice water destroys all poisons as Indra’s thunderbolt kills the demons.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
It should be perfumed with nagakesara, champaka, utpala (lotus), patala flowers, etc.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 45: Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
It should be perfumed with nagakesara, champaka, utpala (lotus), patala flowers, etc.
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 45: Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances; Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
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.