What are the benefits of Jatamansi ?
Jatamansi, also known as Nardostachys jatamansi, is a rare and precious herb that grows in the high altitudes of the Himalayan region, especially in Nepal, India, and Tibet. Belonging to the valerian family, this herb has been valued for centuries in Ayurveda, Unani, and Tibetan medicine. Known as a natural relaxant and memory booster, Jatamansi has a reputation for calming the mind, improving sleep, as well as nourishing hair and skin.
Latin Name: Nordostachys jatamansi
Vernacular Names:
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- Hindi: Jatamansi
- Bengali: Jatamansi
- Tamil: Jatamamsi ver
- Telugu: Jatamamsi moola
- Marathi: Jatamansi
- Gujarati:Jatamansi
- English : Spikenard
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- Sanskrit Names:
- Tapasvini – useful to improve brain functions and intelligence.
Jatamamsi, Vilomasa, Bhuta Jata – Its rhizomes have hairs, giving it a demon appearance.
Nalanda – Nalam Gandham Dadati – yields good aroma,
Pishita – muscular rhizome
Palamkasha – Reduce mamsa
naladdam – Rhizome has agreeable smell
Mata – Induce good sleep
Kiratini – Grows in Mountain Himalaya
misi – Rhizome is black in colour
Jatamansi Benefits & its Ayurvedic Properties
Ras ( Taste)
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- Tikth ( Bitter)
- Kashay ( Astringent)
- Madhur ( Sweet)
Veerya ( Potency)
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- Sheet (Cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
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- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
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- Laghu (Lightness)
- Snigdha (Oily Uncutous)
Also read Basics of Ayurveda: Learn about Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Dosha Effect:
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- Balances: All Tridosha’s especially Kapha and Pitta dosha
Morphology :
Jatamansi is a erect perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm height with stout, woody root. The stems are with longitudinally nerved leaves. It’s flower are rosy, pale pink or blue coloured with fruits indehiscent means they do not open to release their seeds. The fruits are covered with minute hairs. Medicinally useful part of this herb is Rhizome.
Classical Categorization
Charaka–
Sajnasthapana – group of herbs used in restoring consciousness
Kandughna – a group of herbs used to relieve itching.
Tikta Skandha – bitter tasting group of herbs.
Susruta – Elajanadi Gana, Eladi gana
Vagbhata – Anjanadi Gana, Eladigana
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Oshadhi Vargha
Sarvaushadhika Varga, Sugandhamalaka Varga
Health Benefits of Jatamansi powder
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Improves mental health
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Jatamansi benefits in improving mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and nervousness.
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It also helps to improves memory, concentration, and learning ability.
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This also benefits as natural sleep aid for insomnia.
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Helpful to reduce hair & skin problems
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Jatmansi promotes healthy hair growth.
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Helps in reducing dandruff as well as scalp infections.
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Adds natural glow to skin and reduces blemishes.
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Improves women’s health
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Helps in regulating menstrual cycles.
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Reduces menstrual cramps and mood swings.
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Supports overall hormonal balance.
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General Wellness
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Improves digestion and reduces bloating.
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Supports heart health by calming the nerves.
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Acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
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Actions (Karma) of Jatamansi in Ayurveda
Asranashini – because of its bitter taste and Pitta balancing quality, it is widely used to purify blood. Hence useful in skin diseases.
Medhya – improves brain functions
Kantiprada – improves skin complexion and luster
Balaprada – improves strength and immunity
Dahanut – Because it is Pitta balancing, it relieves burning sensation, on external application.
Visarpakushtanut – useful in herpes and skin diseases
Bhutadahaghni – useful in psychiatric conditions.
Modakrut – useful in depression
How to use Jatamansi
Jatamansi can be consumed in various forms, including:
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- Jatamansi decoction ( Kadha) : 10 to 20 ml two times a day.
- Jatamansi powder: 1-2 teaspoon two times daily . It is also used externally for local application.
- Jatamansi Capsule : 1 to 2 capsule two times daily with water.
- Part Used : Rhizome
What are the side effects of Jatamansi
Like any other Ayurvedic herb jatamansi is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to jatamansi they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming Jatamansi.
Avoid consuming jatamansi during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use jatamansi in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using jatamansi. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use jatamansi continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store jatamansi in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Jatamansi
For hair growth & scalp health
1. Jatamansi root oil for hair growth, burning of the scalp etc:
Jatamansi roots are soaked in water for a day. Next morning, it is made into paste and cooked with sesame oil and equal amount of decoction of the roots or water as medium, in mild intensity of heat till complete evaporation of moisture content. This is filtered and stored.
This oil is applied to the scalp in cases like dandruff, hair fall, burning of the scalp etc.
2. For better sleep:
Root powder of Jatamansi with Khurasani yavani (Hyocymus niger Linn) seed powder for sleep disturbance:
Equal amounts of Jatamansi and Khurasani oma are taken and fine powder is made. This is administered in the dose of 2-3 grams twice daily, especially during night time along with water.
This helps to improve quality of sleep.
3. In Stress and anxiety:
Jatamansi decoction in stress, confusion, anxiety and vertigo :
20 grams of jatamansi roots are taken and boiled with 200 ml of water and reduced to 50 ml. This is used for filtering during bed time. This is very effective in conditions like stress, confusion, hallucination, vertigo etc.
4. Headache, burning sensation of scalp
Root powder paste along with butter –application to the scalp for headache and burning of the scalp:
Dry roots are taken and rubbed well with ghee. To this little butter is mixed and applied to the middle of the scalp. This helps to reduce the burning of the head and relieve
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does jatamansi take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly jatamansi powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Jatamansi
Sarpagandha vati : This ayurvedic medicine is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and lack of sleep.
Arvindasavam : It is used in children to improve digestion, body weight and strength.
Dhanvantaristham : This ayurvedic formulations is used in the treatment of low digestion power, low back ache.
Dashang lepa : It is used externally, in the treatment of fever, headache, skin diseases such as eczema, herpes wound, etc.
Conclusion :
Jatamansi is truly a gift from the Himalayas—an herb that calms the mind, nurtures the body, and heals the spirit. Whether it’s for reducing stress, promoting better sleep, improving memory, or strengthening hair, Jatamansi has a wide range of benefits backed by both tradition and modern research.
With mindful use, this ancient herb can become a trusted companion in today’s fast-paced, stressful lifestyle.
