What is Nirgundi: Health Benefits Uses, Side Effects and Precautions

Nirgundi, scientifically called Vitex negundo, is an important herb in Ayurveda. The herb treats different diseases very effectively, and some of its benefits are still unknown. The ancient books of Ayurveda have the description and health benefits of Nirgundi. The herb is quite similar to Basil in terms of looks.

Like all other herbs, it also has some side effects, but you can easily overcome those by maintaining guidelines. However, if taken in adequate proportion the health benefits of Nirgundi are numerous. Keep scrolling to know all the details.

There are different beneficial aspects of Nirgundi. These are as follows:

• Anti-Inflammatory Functions: The human body produces inflammation due to contact with several foreign substances. Further, the body's natural process of activating the immune system also produces inflammation. Hence, Nirgundi has anti-inflammatory properties that relieve internal pain and ailments effectively. 
• Better Digestion: If you are suffering from digestion issues, then Nirgundi can be a great help for you. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to calm down stomach ache. Further, it also reduces the chances of gas formation and helps improve appetite. In addition, the extract of this herb is also effective for harmful diseases like ulcers.
• Treats Infection: Nirgundi effectively treats infections caused by bacteria such as E.coli, S.aureus and B.subtilis. This is because Nirgundi oil has germacrene D, hexadecenoic acid and d-guaiene, which are anti-bacterial properties. Further, Nirgundi leaves have antifungal properties, which also works on fungal infections.
• Effective For Liver Diseases: Nirgundi seed extract helps protect the liver from toxicity. It decreases the level of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. Further, it also works effectively on the enlarged liver and other inflammatory reactions.
• Nirgundi for PMS: PMS is a common health issue in menstruating women. Primarily this is a bunch of symptoms that come before periods. However, in a worse state, it can cause severe depression, anxiety disorder and some health issues like fatigue, breast pain etc. Hence, Nirgundi can reduce these symptoms and calm the body. In addition, regular consumption of Nirgundi can completely remove the adverse effects of PMS.
• For Respiratory Diseases: This herb can be used as a helpful medicine in dealing with respiratory diseases. You can consume it like a herbal tea which will help to remove phlegm from the respiratory tract. Further, for throat aches, gurgling with water consisting of Nirgundi extract will relieve the pain. As it improves breathing function and opens the air passages; therefore, it can treat diseases like asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc.
• Treats Skin Issues: Choosing herbs for your skin is always a better option because they hardly harm your skin. For several years Nirgundi has been used as an effective skin treatment herb mainly beneficial for acne and breakouts. Further, Nirgundi seeds are also helpful for treating severe skin diseases such as vitiligo and leprosy.
• Heals Wounds: As Nirgundi extract has anti-inflammatory properties, therefore, it is beneficial for treating wounds. Further, its antibacterial essence is also helpful for preventing bacterial infections and bad smells in the wound.
• Increases Male Fertility: One of the benefits of Nirgundi is treating fertility issues. Its fruit extract has terpenoids that can treat different hormonal disorders and strengthens the female reproductive system. Therefore, women facing infertility issues can get prescribed doses of Nirgundi for better results.
• Treats High Fever: Nirgundi has Vitamin C and natural antibiotics in it, which are very helpful for reducing body temperature. Therefore, high fever can be instantly treated with a dose of Nirgundi leaves boiled in water. Further, Nirgundi can treat fever that comes from internal infection by boosting your immunity.
• Reduces Epilepsy Symptoms: In ancient books, Nirgundi is attributed as a memory-boosting herb. It is also quite popular for treating neurological disorders. This is because it has alkaloids, organic steroids and phytonutrients such as polyphenol. Thus, treating epilepsy can be a great use of Nirgundi. Further, its antispasmodic constituents control abnormal muscular actions such as seizures.
• For Menopausal Phase: Menopause is a difficult phase for women as their bodies undergo different hormonal changes. Frequent health mental issues are very prevalent during this time. Nirgundi helps improve progesterone hormone secretion, which makes this phase easy for women. Further, it reduces hot flashes and vaginal dryness and works effectively on mood disorders.
• Relieves Joint Pain: Chronic joint pain decreases with the help of Nirgundi bark and root extracts. This plant has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that calm joint pain, muscle spasm etc. Therefore, arthritis patients can get excellent pain relief from the prescribed dose of Nirgundi.
• Prevents Greying of Hair: If you have been facing premature grey hair issues lately, then Nirgundi extract can be your choice. The plant possesses different antioxidant properties, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and vitamins E and C, responsible for healthy hair growth. You can use the herb’s extracts with sesame oil and apply it from the root to the tip of your hair. Regular usage of this will remarkably repair your hair.
• Treats Anxiety Disorder: One of the benefits of Nirgundi leaves extract is its anxiety-treating capability. Laden with fatty acids and flavonoids, Nirgundi is a proven medicine for treating mental illness and boosting intelligence. Therefore, it improves mental freshness by reducing anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Nirgundi can be consumed as powder, juice or capsules. Further, there is also Nirgundi oil which is for external usage. You can consume Nirgundi powder and extract it by mixing it with lukewarm water or regular water. All products are quite available in the market. However, you can consume Nirgundi extract by simply boiling it in water at home or mixing it with herbal tea.

Similar to other herbs, Nirgundi also has some potential side effects. These are as follows:

• Accelerates hormone secretion during pregnancy which is quite harmful
• Reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
• Effects on heart functionality
• Might be allergy-triggering
• Reduces milk production of new mothers
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach issues
• Rashes

However, a monitored consumption of Nirgundi will be helpful in avoiding these side effects. So it is advisable to consult an expert before consuming Nirgundi if you have any medical condition.

The precautions that you should take while consuming this herb are as follows:

• Do not use it if you already have hormonal issues
• Avoid intaking it without properly consulting with a doctor beforehand

Depending on the health condition, certain people should avoid intaking Nirgundi for safety purposes. They are:

• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding mothers
• People with heart disease
• People with allergic tendencies

Thus, you can see there are multiple health benefits of Nirgundi that can help you improve several physical and mental disorders. However, there are some potential risks that you should keep in mind before consuming it. Many features of this herb are yet to be discovered, and researchers are on it. So, you should take advice from an expert to know how to consume Nirgundi without harming your health.