Rasa (Taste)
Madhura, Tikta, Kashaya
The primary taste perceived on the tongue.
Jatamamsi (Indian Spike Nard)
An erect perennial herb grows 10 to 60 cm high with long , woody root stock covered with fibers from the petioles of withered leaves .
Medicinal Plant
Jatamamsi (Indian Spike Nard)
Nardostachys jatamansi · Caprifoliaceae
An erect perennial herb grows 10 to 60 cm high with long , woody root stock covered with fibers from the petioles of withered leaves .
Scientific Name
Nardostachys jatamansi
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Hindi Name
Jatamansi
Used Part
Kanda ( rhizome)
Botanical Description
About the Jatamamsi Plant
Morphology and field-identification notes as documented in our Dravyaguna library.
An erect perennial herb grows 10 to 60 cm high with long , woody root stock covered with fibers from the petioles of withered leaves . Stem is longitudinally nerved , glabrous naeeowed into petiole. Cauline leaves are one or two, 2.5 to 7.5 cm long sessile, oblong. Inflorescence usually 1,3,5 flowered, dense cyme . Rosy, pale pink or blue coloured flower. Fruit is 4mm long ,indehiscent.
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa Panchaka — Classical Properties
The five-fold framework Ayurveda uses to describe a drug — Rasa, Guna, Vipaka, Veerya and its effect on the doshas.
Guna (Qualities)
Laghu, Snigdha, Mridu
Physical and energetic attributes of the dravya.
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
Katu
Taste that emerges after complete digestion.
Dosha Karma (Action on Doshas)
Tridosha Shamaka
Effect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Veerya (Potency)
Sheeta
Heating (ushna) or cooling (sheeta) energy.
Ayurvedic Actions (Karma)
Medhya, Twachaya, Balya, Vishaghna, Visarpanut, Kusthahara, Dahahara.
Modern Phytochemistry
Chemistry & Pharmacology
How modern science maps onto the classical understanding of this dravya.
Pharmacological Action
What the Science Says
Astrigent, Coolant, Antiseptic , Analgesic, Digestive, Sedative, Antipyretic.
Phytoconstituents
Active Compounds
Jatamansic acid, Aristolene, Angelic acid, Elmol, Angelicin.
Therapeutic Usage
Clinical Applications of Jatamamsi
Classical Ayurvedic indications drawn directly from the Dravyaguna tradition — paired with the preparations recommended in shastra.
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Paste prepared from Mamsi , Maricha , Lavana (Salt), Rajani , Tagara , Sudha , Soot, Urine, Bile and Alkali of Palasha is efficacious in Kushtha.
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using any herb therapeutically. Dose, anupana and Prakriti-specific suitability matter.
Yoga / Kalpana
Classical Formulations
Common Ayurvedic preparations where Jatamamsi is a key ingredient.
- Jatamansyarka , Mamsyadi Kwatha , Mamsyadi Lepa , Saraswata Churna , Mahapaishachika Ghrita
Shastra Pramana
Classical Reference
मांसी तिक्ता कषाया च मेध्या कान्तिबलप्रदा । स्वाद्वी हिमा त्रिदोषास्त्रदाहवीसर्पकुष्ठनुत् ।। (भा.प्र. कर्पूरादि वर्ग 89)