Jatamansi or Spikenard, also known as “tapaswani” in Ayurveda, is a small, rhizomatous perennial herb has been used extensively in Ayurveda for ages.
Botanical name of Jatamansi is Nardostachys jatamansi, It grows in India, China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Jatamansi is considered to be brain and memory enhancing tonic as it helps preventing cell damage due to its antioxidant property. It also has relaxing and calming attributes which makes it an important ingredient for various Ayurveda and herbal products. It helps calms down the brain and manages anxiety as well as insomnia.
Other Names of Jatamansi
Nardostachys jatamansi, Balchara, Billilotan, Jatamanji, Mamsi, Jata, Jatila, Jatamangshi, Nardus root, Baalchad, Kalichad, Bhootajata, Ganagila maste, Bhutijata, Manchi, Jatamanchi, Balchhar, Chharguddi, Sumbul-ut-teeb, Bhytajata, Tapaswani, Nalanda, Jatamamsi, Billilotan, Indian Nard, Musk-root, Jatamanji.
Ayurvedic View:
Qualities ( Guna ): Light to digest ( Laghu )
Taste ( Rasa ) : Bitter ( Tikta )
Nature ( Veerya ) : Cold Potency
Effect of Tridosha : Balances All Three Dosha, especially Pitta and Kapha Dosha
Benefits of Jatamansi
Helps with Anxiety
Jatamansi is useful to manage the symptoms of anxiety. According to Ayurveda, Vata governs all the movement and actions of the body and nervous system respectively. Anxiety is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Jatamansi helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety due to its Tridosha balancing property.
Helps with Epilepsy
Jatamansi helps to manage the symptoms of epilepsy. In Ayurveda, epilepsy is termed as Apasmara. Epileptic patients experiences episodes of seizures. A seizure is due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain leading to uncontrollable and rapid body movements. This might even lead to unconsciousness. Epilepsy involves all the three doshas-Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Jatamansi helps to balance all the three doshas and reduces the episodes of seizures. It also helps to maintain healthy brain function because of its Medhya (improve intelligence) property.
Helps with Insomnia
Jatamansi is useful to induce sound sleep. According to Ayurveda, an aggravated Vata dosha makes the nervous system sensitive which leads to insomnia ( Anidra ). Jatamansi calms the nervous system due to its Tridosha balancing property. It helps in sound sleep because of its unique sleep inducing ( Nidrajanana ) effect.
Promotes Memory Power
Jatamansi helps in managing the symptoms of memory loss when used on a regular basis. According to Ayurveda, the nervous system is controlled by Vata. An imbalance of Vata leads to weak memory or poor mental alertness. Jatamansi is useful to enhance memory and gives instant mental alertness. This is due to its Tridosa balancing and Medhya (improve intelligence) properties.
Good for Uterus
Jatamansi has anti-spasmodic properties that helps reduce cramps, pain and discomfort during menstrual flow. Menopause can be a physically and emotionally tormenting experience for many women. While some women have it naturally after a certain age, other may stop menstruating following surgeries like hysterectomy. This change in the body is followed by various psychological as well as physiological problems. Jatamansi helps as a solution to the aftermath of menopause, It can help with symptoms such as mood swings, sleep disturbance, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, difficulty in concentration.
Promotes Hair Growth
The Jatamansi Oil helps in promoting the growth of hair and prevent hair fall. The oil work by penetrating deep within hair follicles and strengthen hair root and strands and makes your mane grow stronger and voluminous. It is also helps to control dandruff. In addition, regular usage of Jatamansi oil can help preventing premature greying of hairs.
Helps with Skin Problems
Jatamansi is known as a natural cure for a range of skin problems. Applying jatamansi powder can heal dermatitis and psoriasis and fades away the scars. It has potent antibacterial property which may help with several bacterial infections such as cholera, food poisoning, septic tetanus. This healing herb also helpw with wound healing.
How to Use Jatamansi?
Jatamansi can be taken in powder form or decoction. It can also be taken as Tablets or Capsules.
Jatamansi oil can be applied to hair as it is beneficial for smooth, healthy and silky hair.
Jatamansi Powder can be used for your DIY Skin Pack or Face Pack recipes.
Dosage of Jatamansi
Powder: 1 - 3 grams / day with honey or lukewarm water once or twice a day.
Tablet : 1 - 2 tablets of 5000mg, once or twice a day.
Precautions When Using Jatamansi
If you are any kind of medication, please consult your doctor before adding it to your diet.
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Pregnant and lactating women should not consume jatamansi and its products as it induces menstrual discharge.
Side Effects
Consuming jatamansi in excess may cause adverse effects on the body. As it has laxative properties, consuming in large quantities may cause loose stool, Nausea and vomiting.