What is Nagarmotha: Health Benefits & Uses in Ayurveda

There are several benefits of Nagarmotha, including powerful diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-rheumatic properties. It is widely used to treat several common health conditions. It bears a distinguishing fragrance, and apart from Ayurvedic medications, it is also used in perfumes, cooking, and for making incense sticks. 

To let you know more about this herbal plant, this article describes its benefits, uses, precautions, and side effects.

Nagarmotha offers an array of benefits in the medicinal world. These are: 

• Helps in digestion: Having effective digestive and carminative elements, Nagarmotha is an ideal solution for every digestive problem. It has anti-flatulent properties that lessen gas formation in the stomach. As a result, it helps in the reduction of abdominal swelling, bloating, and constipation.

• Reduces obesity: Nagarmotha roots are enriched with flavonoids that make the body shed excess weight more quickly. Being imbued with anti-obesity properties and digestive fibres helps it in reducing sudden hunger attacks and thereby prevents the chances of overeating. In this way, it plays a significant role in reducing too much body weight of an individual. 

  In addition, this Ayurvedic herb stops the build-up of Low-density Lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol, boosts metabolism and enables the body to retain a healthy weight.

• Improves lactation: When consumed on a daily basis, Nagarmotha causes the formation of prolactin that, in turn, enhances lactation. This is essential since good breast milk is necessary for babies owing to their early growth and nourishment. In addition, consuming Nagarmotha helps in solidifying the immunity of children.

• Cures respiratory problems: With strong antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-asthmatic elements, Nagarmotha is an ideal remedial measure for almost every respiratory ailment. This Ayurvedic herb is widely applied in the treatment of normal cold, cough, flu symptoms, and sore throat

• Protects against infections: The biochemical properties inside Nagarmotha have been traditionally used to fight germs and protect the body from severe infections. Its powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal abilities are extensively used in the elimination of germs and bacteria from the body. Moreover, it gives relief from some additional diseases like fever, fatigue, and weakness. 

• Manages diabetes: Nagarmotha has been blessed with hypoglycemic properties, which play a vital role in controlling the levels of blood sugar inside the body. The insulin formation activity increases when you consume the Nagarmotha oil. In addition, its antioxidant properties lower blood glucose levels, thereby effectively managing diabetes.

• Relieves inflammation and pain: Nagarmotha has been enriched with a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic compound that gives relief from inflammation and pain. Apart from this, it helps in the treatment of sore muscles, muscular pain, and other inflammatory issues. In addition, you can also use it to provide relief in case of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Lessens anxiety: This Ayurvedic herb possesses stress-boosting elements. The oil extracted from the roots of Nagarmotha is extensively applied in aromatherapy. Getting a head massage with this oil will boost your attentiveness and memory. In addition, it normalises the serotonin hormone, reducing anxiety symptoms like uneasiness, headache, restlessness, cold hands, etc.

• Cures skin problems: Nagarmotha oil is enriched with anti-bacterial properties that help in the treatment of various skin infections such as acne, boils, blisters, itching, warts, etc. Beauty products with Nagarmotha improve skin health by smoothing skin tone, cleaning blocked pores, etc. Since it has antiseptic properties, Nagarmotha oil helps in curing cuts and wounds on the skin effectively.

• Solution to hair issues: The anti-microbial properties in the Nagarmotha oil are an ideal solution for hair problems. It helps boost proper blood circulation in the hair follicles and avoids hair infections. Using the Nagarmotha oil regularly can improve hair texture and promote growth. In addition, it is very helpful for removing dandruff and preventing hair fall.

Since it has a pungent-bitter taste, you can mix Nagarmotha with honey before consuming it. Following are some common uses of Nagarmotha: 

• In case of skin disease such as dry skin, blisters, itchiness, swelling, you can take the help of Nagarmotha. First, take ½-1 teaspoonful of Nagarmotha powder and add coconut oil to it. Then apply the mixture to your skin and leave for 3 to 4 hours. After this, wash it off with clean water. 
• In case of dandruff or hair fall, take 2 to 5 drops of Nagarmotha oil and mix it with coconut oil. Then apply it on the scalp and hair thoroughly and wait for 4 to 5 hours. Afterwards, wash it off with herbal shampoo. 
• If you are suffering from anxiety or stress, taking a massage with Nagarmotha oil will be ideal. First, take 3 to 5 drops of this oil and mix it with either almond oil or olive oil whichever is available to you. Massage the mixture on your head to feel relaxed and stress-free before going to bed. 

There are several uses of Nagarmotha in Ayurveda which you can get while consuming it within limit. However, remember that, like other herbs, Nagarmotha, too, has some side effects.

Like other Ayurvedic herbs there are many benefits of Nagarmotha. However, it has some major side-effects also that you may come across. The list of side-effects is given below:

• Constipation
• Vata doshas
• Reduced heart rate

You can easily stay away from these side effects if you practise some precautionary measures.

• Avoid Nagarmotha if you have constipation as it will worsen the stomach condition
• In case of pregnancy or breastfeeding, refer to a doctor before consuming Nagarmotha

In addition, there are some people who should avoid Nagarmotha to stay away from its side effects.

The following are the people who especially need to stay away from Nagarmotha:

• People suffering from constipation
• Pregnant woman
• Individuals with heart problems

Now that you know the benefits of Nagarmotha and its side effects, you can go ahead and start taking it as required. However, if you notice any side effects, refer to a doctor immediately. This will help you get instant support from experts so that the problem does not worsen.