Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Iridoid glycosides, flavonoids
- Also Known As
- English: Nagpushpa
Sanskrit: नागपुष्पी
Hindi: नागपुष्पी
What is Nagapushpi?
Not every classical herb made it into modern supplement shops. Nagapushpi is one of the quieter entries in the Ayurvedic materia medica: a hill-country tree whose leaves and bark were used to bring down fever and settle swelling.
Nagapushpi (नागपुष्पी), also called Nagpushpa, is botanically Vitex peduncularis Wall. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as a small tree found in hilly areas, growing to about 20 feet with a canopy of around 25 feet. The text also mentions Vitex leucoxylon as a variety.
Its taste is bitter (Tikta) and astringent (Kashaya), its qualities light (Laghu) and dry (Ruksha), and its potency cooling (Sheeta Virya). That combination is the classical signature of a herb that cools heat and dries excess moisture.
Benefits of Nagapushpi
Fever
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Nagapushpi as fever-reducing (Jvaraghna), and describes its leaves and bark as having fever-reducing properties. Bitter, cooling herbs are Ayurveda's classic answer to fever heat.
Swelling and Inflammation
It is also listed as reducing swelling (Shothahara), with leaves and bark described as anti-inflammatory. This links it on this site to inflammation. Its light, dry qualities and pungent post-digestive effect (Katu Vipaka) help explain why it is used where swelling and fluid build up.
Modern analysis identifies iridoid glycosides and flavonoids in the plant.
How to Use Nagapushpi
The leaves and bark are the parts used. Our sources do not record a dose or a standard preparation for Nagapushpi, so we will not invent one.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Not recorded; practitioner guidance needed | Fever, swelling | As advised |
| Bark | Not recorded; practitioner guidance needed | Fever, swelling | As advised |
Nagapushpi is rarely sold as a supplement. If a practitioner prescribes it, they will choose the preparation and dose for your situation.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources record no specific contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Nagapushpi. That is an absence of data, not proof of safety.
- Dry and light: its dry (Ruksha) and light (Laghu) qualities can aggravate Vata in people who are already thin, dry or anxious.
- Cooling: people who feel cold easily may not suit a cooling, bitter herb taken for long periods.
- Fever needs assessment: a fever can signal a serious illness. See a doctor rather than treating it yourself.
- Pregnancy, nursing and medication: consult your doctor; no data is recorded here.
Recommended: Start Here
Nagapushpi is a herb to learn about rather than buy today. Our sources give no dose, and it is not a common supplement, so the sensible first step is to read about it in its classical context and discuss it with an Ayurvedic practitioner.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, which records Nagapushpi's fever-reducing and swelling-reducing actions, is available in English translation.
Find Bhavaprakash Nighantu on Amazon ↗ Ayurvedic Materia Medica Books ↗
Safety: a fever should be assessed by a doctor, and Nagapushpi should only be taken under a practitioner's guidance.
Nagapushpi vs Other Herbs & Supplements
| Comparison | Nagapushpi | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagapushpi vs Guduchi | Bitter, cooling tree; fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory | Guduchi, a widely available Ayurvedic herb | Guduchi is far easier to find and has its own page with usage guidance |
| Nagapushpi vs Punarnava | Reduces swelling (Shothahara) through light, dry qualities | Punarnava, another herb used for swelling | Compare their own pages; a practitioner can say which suits your type of swelling |
| Nagapushpi vs Vitex leucoxylon | Vitex peduncularis | Vitex leucoxylon, mentioned as a variety | The text groups them together; our sources do not separate their uses |
Nagapushpi for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
No safety data is recorded for Nagapushpi in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid it unless your doctor approves.
Children
No child dose is recorded. Fever in children needs a doctor's assessment first; do not treat it with this herb at home.
Elderly
Older people often have more Vata, the dry, light dosha. A dry, light herb like Nagapushpi should be used only with practitioner guidance.
Athletes
Our sources describe no strength or performance role for Nagapushpi. Its classical uses are fever and swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nagapushpi?
A small tree, Vitex peduncularis, found in hilly areas. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu records its leaves and bark as fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory.
Is Nagapushpi cooling?
Yes. It has a cooling potency (Sheeta Virya) with a bitter and astringent taste, a classic profile for clearing heat.
Which parts of Nagapushpi are used?
The leaves and the bark. Our sources do not record a standard dose for either.
What compounds does Nagapushpi contain?
Modern analysis identifies iridoid glycosides and flavonoids. Our sources do not link these to specific effects.
How to Use Nagapushpi by Condition
Explore how Nagapushpi is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
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.