Overview
Harsingar is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Harsingar (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis), the Night Jasmine or Tree of Sorrow, is named so because its fragrant flowers bloom at night and fall by morning. The leaves contain Nyctanthine which has anti-malarial and anti-parasitic properties. The text describes it as a small tree with rough bark. The orange tube of the flower yields a yellow dye used in religious ceremonies. The leaf extract containing Santinin has demonstrated effectiveness against intestinal worms. The leaves are traditionally used as a decoction for fevers, especially chronic and malarial fevers, and for sciatica. The flowers are aromatic and used in perfumery.
How Harsingar Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Harsingar has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Nyctanthine, Santinin, Essential oil, Carotenoids, Glycosides
- Also Known As
- English: Night Jasmine, Weeping Nyctanthes, Tree of Sorrow
Sanskrit: पारिजात, शेफालिका, प्राजक्ता
Hindi: हरसिंगार, पारिजात
Other Herbs for Inflammation
See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation 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.