Dr. Laxmidutta Shukla BAMS, MD 48 Years of Experience
August 30, 2018
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December 08, 2023
Harsingar or Parijat is a flowering plant of high ornamental and medicinal value. The soothing and calming fragrance of Its beautiful white flowers is loved and cherished by many. In Ayurveda, harsingar is highly placed for its varied healing benefits. Commonly known as parijat or night-blooming jasmine, this tree has a mystical place in Indian mythology and folklore. Mentions of parijat plant and flowers are found in Bhagwat Gita and Harivamsa Purana. According to Indian mythological literature, Parijat is a tree from heaven. You’ll be curious to know that parijat tree only blooms at night and is known to shed all its flowers in the morning. In fact, it’s famously called as "Raat Ki Rani". Interestingly, the botanical name of harsingar plant translates to "tree of sorrow".
Harsingar tree or parijat could grow either as a shrub or a tree. The shrub can grow up to a height of 10-11m and it has a rather rough bark which is flakey and grey in shade. Leaves of this plant are hairy and long, while its white flowers grow in clusters at the top of its branches. Harsingar fruit is a round or heart-shaped capsule which is generally brown in colour. This plant requires partial shade to grow and isn’t much demanding when it comes to everyday care.
Some facts about harsingar:
- Botanical name: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis
- Family: Oleaceae
- Sanskrit name: Parijat, Shefali, Shefalika
- Common name: Parijat, Harsingar, Tree of sorrow, Queen of night, Night jasmine, Coral jasmine, Shuili, Raat ki Rani
- Parts used: Leaves, flowers, seeds
- Native region and geographical distribution: Harsingar is a native of South Asia. It is mainly found in parts of Northern India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Thailand.
Did you know?
Harsingar flowers are the official flower of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is used in Hindu festivals as an offering for Goddess Durga and Lord Vishnu.
- Harsingar (Parijat) health benefits
- Harsingar for arthritis and sciatica
- Harsingar as an anti-bacterial
- Harsingar for cough
- Harsingar (Parijat) leaves for fever
- Parijat (Harsingar) for immunity
- Harsingar for malaria
- Harsingar for diabetes
- Harsingar for intestinal worms
- Harsingar for anxiety
- Harsingar (Parijat) for wounds and fractures
- Harsingar benefits for skin
- Harsingar benefits for hair
- Harsingar side effects
- How to use Harsingar
- Harsingar dosage
Doctors for Harsingar Benefits, Medicinal Uses, and Side effects
Harsingar (Parijat) health benefits
Harsingar is a plant of varied health benefits. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the harsingar tree makes it a blessing for human health and well being. Let’s explore some of its healing properties.
- Relieves cough: Harsingar extract dilates bronchial muscles, thereby relieving cough and bronchitis symptoms. It also reduces swelling in the throat and kills infectious bacteria, soothing your throat muscles.
- Reduces fever: Recent studies demonstrate the antipyretic action of Parijat. It is traditionally given in the form of a tea to reduce body temperature and alleviate fever.
- Reduces malaria symptoms: Harsingar leaf paste, when given orally has been found to reduce malaria symptoms and clear malarial parasite from the body in clinical studies. It also improves blood platelets and overall body health.
- Reduces anxiety: Night jasmine oil is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anxiety. It increases serotonin levels in your brain and regulates mood thus making you feel happier.
- Removes intestinal worms: Animal-studies suggest the anthelmintic action of harsingar. Though, due to the absence of human studies, it is better to talk to a doctor to know more about this benefit.
- Excellent antibacterial: In a series of studies, it has been found that harsingar extracts can inhibit the growth of most common pathogenic bacteria and thus prevent and alleviate infection.
- Benefits for skin: Harsingar is an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Not only it prevents acne but also it is useful in delaying the first signs of ageing.
Harsingar for arthritis and sciatica
Arthritis and sciatica are two of the most prevalent inflammatory diseases in the world. Whilearthritisrefers to the inflammation of joints sciatica is marked by extreme pain in the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in our body, which runs from the lower back to the ankles. Physical therapy and strong antibiotics are the only two methods currently available for the treatment of both these conditions The latter, as we know usually come with their own set of side effects. In this time of need, researchers are finally moving towards herbal and ayurvedic remedies. Ayurvedic doctors suggest a decoction of harsingar leaves for relieving arthritis.
A recent animal study indicates that leaf extracts of this night-blooming jasmine are found to be an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. However, it is always advisable to check in with your Ayurveda doctor before taking harsingar in any form.
Read more: Exercises for sciatica pain
Harsingar as an anti-bacterial
Development of resistant strains of microorganisms in the world has made it important to look for alternative treatments for infectious diseases. Antibiotic overuse usually makes an organism resistant to the said drug.
Read more: What is antibiotic resistance
Now, researchers claim that ayurvedic herbs have long since evolved along with these bacteria. Hence, it’ll be difficult for these microbes to develop resistance against these plant-based drugs. Ayurveda and folk medicine recognize harsingar as an effective antimicrobial agent. In two different studies, the harsingar extract was made into different solvents to check the best method of using this herb. It was found that different extracts showed efficiency against different kind of microbes. The study used water, ethanol, methanol, and chloroform as solvent and found the extracts to be useful in killing a wide range of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Listeria, Klebsiella etc. However, you should ask your ayurvedic doctor before taking harsingar for any of these conditions.
Read more: Precautions to take with antibiotics
Harsingar for cough
Are you suffering from a constant cough? Does your throat feel congested and irritated? Doctors suggest that this could be a sign of an infected throat or lungs. Cough is the body’s natural response to an obstructed respiratory system (lungs, nose, respiratory tubes). But an infection or an allergy may cause it to worsen and stay. In Ayurveda, a tea made from harsingar leaves and flowers is used for relieving cough, cold, and bronchitis.
Recent studies suggest that ethanol extract of hasingar is an excellent bronchodilator (dilates the throat muscles). The study also hinted that harsingar may have a future as a remedy for asthma.
Additionally, harsingar is claimed to be a potent anti-inflammatory. Thus, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action of this plant can help kill any bacterial infection and soothe your throat muscles. It is always suggested to talk to your ayurvedic doctor to know the right dosage of harsingar for you.
Read more: Home remedies for cough
Harsingar (Parijat) leaves for fever
Harsingar is a known antipyretic (reduces fever) in the traditional system of medicine. Ayurvedic doctors suggest harsingar tea for reducing long-term fevers. Recent studies suggest that bark extracts of harsingar may be useful as an antipyretic. However, in the absence of human studies, it is best to talk to your ayurvedic doctor to understand the uses of harsingar as an antipyretic.
(Read more: What to eat and what not to eat in fever)
Parijat (Harsingar) for immunity
Ayurveda has long since used parijat for its immunity building benefits. Lab studies were done to test the immunostimulatory effect of parijat and it was found that ethanolic extracts of parijat leaves stimulateboth humoral (antibody-mediated) and cell-mediated (mediated by immune cells other than antibodies) arms of immunity. However, more studies are needed in this field. So, it’s better to ask your ayurveda doctor to better understand the immune building action of parijat.
(Read more: Immunity boosting foods)
Harsingar for malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite, Plasmodium. The disease is characterized by fever, muscular pain, and vomiting which turn to convulsions and high fever in extreme stages. When left untreated, malaria has a tendency to be life-threatening. Indian traditional medicine uses harsingar for alleviating malaria symptoms.
Numerous studies have been done to test the usefulness of harsingar in reducing symptoms of malaria. And they hint the ayurvedic claim to be true. In a recent study, 20 patients with malaria were given harsingar leaf paste for a period of one week and it was found that half of the patients showed amarked decrease in malaria fever and parasite concentration in body. The study further claims that these patients showed a significant reduction in inflammation.
Additionally, improvement in blood platelets levels and overall function of body organs were also noted. So, it can be safely said that harsingar has a bright future as an antimalarial herb.
Read more: Home remedies for malaria
Harsingar for diabetes
Harsingar leaves are known to be used in lowering blood sugar levels. Animal Studies suggest that flower extracts of harsingar have a potent anti-diabetic effect. Due to theabsence of human studies, its best to ask your ayurveda doctor for understanding the anti-diabetic effects of harsingar.
Read more: Diabetes treatment
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Harsingar for intestinal worms
A number of different worms are counted as intestinal parasites, including roundworms, flatworms,and hookworms. This infection is generally marked by intestinal discomfort, diarrhoea and in occasional cases anaemia. Doctors attribute infected food, poor hygiene,and sanitation as the primary causes of this problem. Harsingar is one of the most common ayurvedic remedies for intestinal worms. However, most scientific studies to confirm the anthelmintic effects of harsingar are on animal-based models. In the absence of clinical studies it is best to refer to an ayurveda doctor to know the potential antihelminthic effects of this herb on humans.
Read more: Deworming for adults
Harsingar for anxiety
Aromatherapy and herbalism use night jasmine oil or harsingar oil for its calming benefits. Animal studies indicate that leaf extract of harsingar may have some anti-anxiety and calming properties. Further studies suggest that harsingar extracts Increase the serotonin levels in ourbrain which is a sleep-inducing hormone. But, clinical studies are still needed to validate the effectivity of this herb.
Read more: Anxiety causes
Harsingar (Parijat) for wounds and fractures
Harsingar or parijat is well known in traditional systems of medicine for its wound healing properties (both external and internal) and for its use in treating fractured bones. But no convincing study has yet been done to confirm these healing benefits of harsingar for humans.
Harsingar benefits for skin
Harsingar is a blessing for skin. Traditional medicine finds a lot of skin healing benefits of harsingar. Lab studies suggest that flower extracts of this plant are an excellent antioxidant. This makes it the perfect candidate for fighting free radical associated damage in our body. Free radical or reactive oxygen species are toxic to all the major organs of body. An over-accumulation of free radicals, either due to stress or other physical and physiological factors would lead to reduction in the overall efficiency of body functions. Thus, as an antioxidant, harsingar may be potent in improving our work efficiency and fighting the premature signs of ageing like dark spots and skin blemishes.
Read more: How to get clear skin fast
As an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, this herb may have a use as a remedy for a number of skin problems. However, it is best to talk to your doctor before using harsingar in any form.
Harsingar benefits for hair
Harsingar is known as a remedy for hair loss in ayurveda. Ayurvedic doctors suggest a decoction (kadha or tea) of harsingar seeds for dandruff and hair lice. Flowers of harsingar are known to be nourishing for hair and are used traditionally to get longer and healthier hairs. While there is no direct research for testing the actions of this plant on hair, its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are worth mentioning here. This means that harsingar may have a potential in not only alleviating common scalp conditions but also prevent the premature falling of hairs and providing relief from most common hair ailments.
Read more: Hair growth treatment and tips
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Harsingar side effects
Due to lack of human studies, there are no known side effects of Harsingar. However, extracts of this plant have shown to cause gastric lesions inanimalmodels. So, it is best to check with an ayurvedic doctor about the potential effects of this plant on your body type.
How to use Harsingar
- Harsingar leaves and flowers can easily be used to make a tea or decoction (kadha) at home.
- Harsingar tablets, powder and capsules are also commercially available in themarket.
- Alcoholic extracts or tincture of this plants are used in homeopathic medicine for its many health benefits.
- Harsingar oil is used for its benefits in hair growth.
- Essential oil of parijat is used in aromatherapy and the fragrance of this plant is also used in some air fresheners.
- Flowers of this plant are used in dyeing silk and as a part of some sweet dishes. New leaves of harsingar plant are used in a Bengali curry recipe (shukto) to give it a distinct bitterness.
Harsingar dosage
There is no known dosage for harsingar. So, its advisable to check in with an ayurveda doctor to know the right dosage of harsingar according to your physical and physiological condition.
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References
- Puri A et al. Immunostimulant activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. J Ethnopharmacol. 1994 Mar;42(1):31-7. PMID: 8046941
- Chhaya S. Godse et al . Antiparasitic and disease-modifying activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. in malaria: An exploratory clinical study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2016 Oct-Dec; 7(4): 238–248. PMID: 27914754
- Agrawal J, Shanker K, Chanda D, Pal A. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis positively affects immunopathology of malaria-infected mice prolonging its survival.. Parasitol Res. 2013 Jul;112(7):2601-9. PMID: 23624584
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- Bramanage Sachini Rangika, Pavithra Dilakshini Dayananda, Dinithi Champika Peiris. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of aqueous extract of flowers from Nycantus arbor-tristis L. in male mice. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015; 15: 289. PMID: 26285827
- World Health Organization [Internet]. Geneva (SUI): World Health Organization; Intestinal worms.
- Sanjita Das, D. Sasmal, S. P. Basu. Evaluation of CNS Depressant Activity of Different Plant parts of Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2008 Nov-Dec; 70(6): 803–806. PMID: 21369448
- Saxena RS, Gupta B, Lata S. Tranquilizing, antihistaminic and purgative activity of Nyctanthes arbor tristis leaf extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Aug;81(3):321-5. PMID: 12127232
- Anowar Hussain, Anand Ramteke. Flower extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis modulates glutathione level in hydrogen peroxide treated lymphocytes. Pharmacognosy Res. 2012 Oct-Dec; 4(4): 230–233. PMID: 23225968
- Bibhuti Bhusan Kakoti, Paresh Pradhan, Sudarshana Borah, Kabita Mahato, Mritunjay Kumar. Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn.. Biomed Res Int. 2013; 2013: 826295. PMID: 23984409