Jyotishmati benefits and uses
What are the benefits of Jyotishmati ?
Jyotishmati has immense benefits for brain health and memory . It is a powerful herb used in Ayurveda for centuries, especially for support learning and overall vitality. Jyostishmati is commonly called the "Intellect Tree " is best known for improving intelligence, focus, and mental clarity. Ancient Ayurvedic texts praise Jyotishmati as a Medhya Rasayana, meaning a herb that nourishes the brain and nervous system.
Names of Jyotishmati in different languages
- Latin Name: Celastrus Paniculates
Vernacular Names: - Hindi: Malkangni
- Bengali: Kijri
- Tamil: Adibaricham, Kaligam
- Telugu: Malkangani
- Marathi: Malkangoni, Kaakamardanika
- Gujarati: Malkangani
- English : Intellect Tree, Black Oil Tree
Malayalam: Paluruvam Valuzhua
Kannada: Jyotishmati
Sanskrit Names :
Tejaswini Katabhi
Paravatapadi,– because its leaves look similar to Pigeons foot
Kangunika, peetataila – Yields yellow coloured oil
Parnya durjara – It acts as rasayana
Lavana – helps alleviates many diseases
Sukshama Phala- fruits are small in size
Survana latika - Has yellow flower
Katavika - Pungent taste
Vega - Improve enthusiasm
Ayurvedic properties of Jyotishmati powder
Ras ( Taste)
- Tikth ( Bitter)
- Katu ( Pungent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Snigdha (Oilyness)
Also read Basics of Ayurveda: Learn about Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Dosha Effect
- Reduces Vata and Kapha dosha
May increase pitta if overused
Classical Categorization
Charak samhita - Shirovirechnopega- group of herbs that are useful in doing Nasya karma.
Shusrut Samhita : Arkadi gana, Adhobhaghara, Shirovirechna
Vagbhat - Arkadi gana
Morphology
Jyostishmati is a large decidous climber. The stems are redish brown in colour densely covered with small elongate whitish lenticels. The bark is rough with shallow cracks, leaves or elliptic or ovate .Flowers are green in color.
Health Benefits of Jyotismati
1. Cognitive Enhancement
- Jyotishmati benefits as a Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) in Ayurveda.
- It helps improve memory retention, focus, concentration, and overall intellect.
- Studies suggest it may support cognitive function by protecting neurons from oxidative damage and enhancing neurotransmitter activity.
2. Support nervous system health
Jyotishmati benefits in conditions like:
Anxiety
Stress
Mental fatigue
Nerve weakness
Jyotishmati oil is often used for head massage to calm the nervous system.
3. Boost brain health
Jyotishmati benefits by improving focus and memory.
Traditionally it is used to reduce mental fatigue.
Supports overall brain function.
4. Relieves pain and Arthritis
Due to its Vata-balancing nature, Jyotismati benefits in:
Joint stiffness
Arthritis
Muscle pain
External application of Jyotishmati oil benefits in arthritis by reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Aids in Digestion
Jyotismati improves:
Appetite
Digestion
Metabolism
It helps reduce gas, bloating, and heaviness caused by weak digestive fire (Agni).
6. Enhances Skin and Hair health
Jyotishmati oil supports:
Healthy scalp
Hair strength
Skin nourishment
It is sometimes used in herbal hair oils and skincare formulations.
Actions (Karma) of Jaiphal in Ayurveda
- Kapha Sameerajit : Jyotishmati helps to balances Vata and Kapha dosha
- Ati- Ushna: it is too hot in potency
- Teekshna: It is too strong and piercing
- Vamani : It may induce vaman
- Vahaniprada: It helps to improve digestion
- Buddhi prada: Improves intelligence
- Smritiprada: improves memory
- Sara: helps to relieve constipation
- Vranahar: Jyostishmati gas got the quality of healing the wound
- Panduhara: Very useful in anemia and liver problems.
How to use Jyostishmati
Jyotishmati can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Jyotishmati powder: 1 to 2 gram two to three times daily . It is also used externally for local application.
- Jyotishmati oil : 5 to 15 drops
- Part Used : Seeds and oil.
What are the side effects of Jyotishmati
Like any other Ayurvedic herb Jyotishmati is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to Jyotishmati 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 Jyotishmati
Avoid consuming Jyotishmati during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use Jyostishmant 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 Jyostishmati. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use Jyotishmati continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continously ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store Jyotishmati 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 Jyotishmati
For Itching
1. Jyotishmati seed oil for local application :
Jyotishmati seeds oil is applied on the parts that is having itching. You can also rub jyotishmati seed in cow urine . After rubbing you get a paste, apply this paste on the parts having itching. Leave this paste till it get dried and then remove it with lukewarm. This helps in relieving itching caused because of Vata and Kapha dosha.
2. For Joint pain :
Perfect combination for pain management:
Take Jyotishmati seed powder, sonth ( dry ginger) powder, Ajwain () powder add old jaggery to it and mix all very well. Now make small balls ( vati) from the micture. Take one vati ( ball) daily with ghee . It helps in relieving joint pain, muscular pain and pain associated with Arthritis.
3. In Amenorrhea:
Jyotishmati leaves juice :
2 to 5 grams of Jyostishmati leaves is taken and mixed with 10ml of water to make a juice . This juice is admistered to female who's menstrual cycle is missed . The juice helps in regularizing the cycle.
4. For Improving Memory
Jyotishmati seed oil along with milk .
2 to 4 drops of Jyotishmati is added to 1 cup of milk and is given to children daily for 21 days. This helps to improve memory and intellect.
Frequently asked question
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 Jyotishmati 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 Jyotishmati 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 Jyotishmati
Smriti Sagar Ras : Used in treatment of stress and anxiety. It is also very useful in management of dementia and to stop progression of disease like Alziemers in elderly people.
Jyotishmati oil : Effective in treatment of Vitiligo ( white patches on skin).
Conclusion
Jyotismati is a powerful Ayurvedic herb known for its brain-boosting, nerve-strengthening, and digestive benefits. When used correctly, it can greatly support mental clarity, memory, and overall well-being.
However, like all strong herbs, it must be used with care. Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before adding Jyotismati to your daily routine.