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Jatamansi Oil

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Jatamansi-bannerRespected as a divine herb in Ayurveda, Jatamansi is used as a tonic for the brain and the nervous system. It has been suggested by numerous Ayurvedic texts for treating sleeping troubles, depression, stress, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome and nervous problems.

Charaka Samhita, the celebrated Ayurvedic Encyclopedia recommends Jatamansi herb for improving memory power, treating insomnia, hysteria and mental instability. Scientifically known as Nardostachys jatamansi, this herb is known as Balchara or Mamsi in Ayurveda and is also known by other names like Indian Spikenard, Nardus root, Jaila, Musk root, Nardin and Nard.

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Historical uses of Jatamansi and its essential oil:

Indigenous to the Himalayas, Jatamansi grows up to 1 m at an altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. This plant bears red, pink or blue color flowers and has been used in various traditional medicines for its medicinal and aromatic rhizomes.

There are many Biblical references of this herb and it is used to represent St. Joseph in the Catholic iconography. It is mentioned in the New Testament where Mary, the sister of Lazarus uses a pint of pure Jatamansi oil to anoint the holy feet of Jesus Christ. It is also noted in the Song of Solomon as nard and is included in the coat of arms of Pope Francis in reference to St. Joseph.

Jatamansi oil was an important part of the Ayurvedic tradition since the primordial times where the medicated oil is known to cure insomnia, digestive problems, epilepsy, hysteria, weak mental health, improper blood circulation and as a tonic to the entire system. This herb was used as a diuretic and as a herb for the heath of heart and liver in Unani medicine.

The powdered rhizomes of Jatamansi were taken internally to treat hepatitis, infertility, menstrual disorders, cleanse the uterus, mental agitation, enhance the appetite and helpful in the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Jatamansi was also used by renowned Physicians like Dioscorides and Apicius. The Persian and Arabian Physicians praised this herb as Sumbul-i-Hindi. The medicated Nard oil was offered on the precious incense altar when Tabernacle was positioned in the First and Second temples of Jerusalem.

Spikenard or Jatamansi was also used as a flavoring agent in the ancient Roman cuisines and as a seasoning in the Medieval European food varieties. It is used in making attars, perfume (L’eau De Jatamansi), incense sticks, hair care products and numerous beauty products. Jatamansi is also used along with certain other herbs in Vedic prayers performed with fire since the ancient period.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Jatamansi oil:

The principal constituents of Jatamansi oil are valeranone, nardostachone, bornyl acetate, jatamansinol, dihydrojatamansin, isobornyl, terpineol, jatamansinone, tetramenthyloxatricylodecanol, oroselone, aromadendrene, Menthylthymyl-ether, nardosinone, seselin, nardostachyin, valeranal, cineol-1,8, spirojatamol and jatamansic acid and few other coumarins. The remedial properties of this oil are nervine, antiseptic, diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, tonic, anti-pyretic, deodorant, fungicidal, sedative, anti-depressant and calmative.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Jatamansi essential oil:

Ayurveda is a righteous science that trusts that every creature on earth is a part of nature and it believes that one’s illness and wellness depends upon their balance or imbalance with nature. Ayurvedic texts strongly state that human body is a temple where the spirit dwells in, so it is very important to keep the body, mind and spirit clean and composed just like preserving a place of worship.

Ayurveda is called as a holistic healing methodology as it approaches health as being mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually fit. It is for this reason; Ayurvedic physicians recommend herbs, essential oils, yoga, physical exercises, balanced diet, meditation, Ayurvedic routine and prayers to keep one hale and hearty.

Every individual is treated in a unique manner even if they are affected by the same illness because the theory of Ayurveda identifies every human being as a unique part of nature and as a distinct creation with a unique individual constitution. This constitution is built up of three major bio-energies known as doshas. They are vata, kapha and pitta. These doshas govern various functions of our body and imbalance of these energies cause sickness.

Each and every human being has a predominance of any one these Ayurvedic body types that determine their personality, physique, mental attributes, behavior and preferences. Ayurvedic remedies aim at balancing the dosha imbalances as perfect balance between these doshas are a clear sign of healthy and heartiness.

Jatamansi is a promising Ayurvedic remedy that has the potent to pacify all the three doshas, especially pitta and kapha energies.

And it’s time to look at the amazing Ayurvedic health benefits of Jatamansi essential oil.jatamansi-broucher-11. Alleviates depression, stress and insomnia:

The rhizomes of Jatamansi herb have strong anti-depressant properties that calms the mind, relaxes the body and grants absolute peace to the entire system. 2 drops of Jatamansi oil added to your diffuser, burner, vaporizer or to bathing water is said to alleviate depression, chronic stress, anxiety, insomnia and tension.

Blend 5 drops of this oil with 2.5 ml of sesame oil and massage your body for relieving from chronic fatigue syndrome, nervous headache, negative feelings, sleeping difficulties, lack of self-confidence and sluggishness. Jatamansi is loved as a herb for the mind and emotions with its anti-depressant, anti-stress and antioxidant properties that help in lessening oxidative stress thus mitigating chronic fatigue syndrome.

Since the traditional times, several studies have proved the effectiveness of Jatamansi as a promising de-stressing and sedative agent by increasing the rest time. A 2012 study on ‘Nardostachys jatamansi protects against cold restraint stress induced central monoaminergic and oxidative changes in rats’ stated that this herb has potent anti-stress qualities representing its therapeutic significance in disorders related to stress.

A 2008 study on ‘Inhibition of MAO and GABA: probable mechanisms for antidepressant-like activity of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in mice’ revealed that the ethanolic extracts of Jatamansi emerges to be a potent anti-depressive means when compared to reference drugs like Sertaline and Imipramine in decreasing depressive signs in mice. This study also state that “the extract may have potential therapeutic value for the management of mental depression.”

2. Tonic to your intellect:

Jatamansi and its essential oil have been used in many Ayurvedic preparations as a neuro-protective agent and brain tonic for improving memory power, cognitive performance and thinking capacity. It has been trusted to promote intellectual power, improve mental weaknesses, instability and mental sluggishness.

A 2006 study on ‘Nardostachys jatamansi improves learning and memory in mic’e by Joshi and Parle, Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, India proved that Jatamansi extracts significantly enhanced memory power and learning in both aged and young mice.

This study also reiterates the clinically proven use of Jatamansi herb in Ayurveda as an antioxidant, anti-ischemic, neuro-protective and anticonvulsant agent and it also states that Jatamansi can also be used as a memory uplifting agent in the healing of dementia in elderly people.

You can wear 1 drop of Jatamansi oil on your wrist, handkerchief or a tissue paper at the time of studying or in your room whenever you feel like refreshing your mind power. You can also add 2 drops of this oil in air freshener, diffuser, burner or vaporizer for adding muscles to your brain power and intellect.

3. Puts an end to hostile and obstinate behaviors:

The essential oil of Jatamansi has calming, soothing, cooling, restoring and relaxing qualities that assist in holding back the burning sensation of the mind and body. Being a natural coolant that calms pitta or the fire energy, Jatamansi essential oil can work wonders in controlling your negative emotions like anger, aggressiveness, stubborn behaviors, tension and intimidating attributes.

Adding 2 drops of Jatamansi oil in warm bathing water or in your diffuser or aromatic lamp can effectively control resentment by tranquilizing your mind and body. You can also opt for a calming massage by blending 5 drops of Jatamansi oil with 2.5 ml sesame oil.

4. Treats nervous disorders:

Jatamansi is held high in Ayurveda as a powerful neuro-protective agent that calms vata energy, clears pitta force and decreases kapha dosha. By this way, Jatamansi nourishes and cools the worn out and burning nervous system.

It aids in treating various nervous disorders along with bipolar disorders, delusions and certain other psychological problems. Jatamansi have been clinically proven effective since the primeval period in the treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, nervous breakdown and hysteria.

Abhyanga or the art of Ayurvedic massaging is the best method to use Jatamansi for treating nervous disorders. Mix 5 drops of Jatamansi oil with 2.5 ml of coconut oil and massage it gently on the affected parts. The deep penetrating quality of this oil supports in improving nervous problems.

5. Relieves respiratory problems:

Jatamansi oil has the potent to reduce kapha energy, the excess of which is responsible for the creation of mucus and phlegm. This oil assists in expelling the excess mucous deposits and phlegm accumulated in the chest, nasal passages and respiratory tract.

Adding 2 drops of Jatamansi oil to 1ml of coconut oil or your cold rub and massaging it on your throat, back and chest can aid in opening up blocked nasal passages, clear chest congestion, treat cough and cold, spasmodic cough, asthma, whooping cough and sinusitis. You can also add 2 drops of this oil in steam inhalation for quick relief from respiratory troubles.

6. Reduces heart palpitations and convulsions:

Palpitations of the heart are caused when vata energy shoves pitta dosha and leads it to rush through the channels characterized by unnoticed skipped beats, increased heart rate, breathing difficulty and dizziness.

The oil of Jatamansi is used in the treatment of palpitations of the heart and convulsions mainly because of its anti-convulsive and anti-arrhythmic activity. 2 drops of Jatamansi oil added to warm foot bath or bathing water or gently massaged on the affected area after blending it with 1 ml olive oil can ease tension and grant relief from convulsions and palpitations.

Other health benefits:

Jatamansi is indeed a miraculous part of nature that has innumerable healing properties ingrained in it. The essential oil of Jatamansi has been used as a uterus stimulant for promoting menstruation, cleansing the uterus, treating dysmennorhea and inflammation of the uterus. It was also used as an aphrodisiac in treating impotence and seminal debility. It is also known for promoting the growth of hair, retain its natural color and slow down the process of graying.

Jatamansi oil is a natural antiseptic that assists in healing wounds, eczema, burns, rashes, allergies and certain other skin infections due the infestation of microbes like bacteria and fungi. It is also effective in the treatment of renal colic, liver enlargement, hepatitis, jaundice, pancreatitis, fever and lung problems.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of information and is not destined to substitute any professional medical advice or prescribed medication. Never take essential oils internally and use it topically in a diluted form only, as organic and pure essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and can harm you if used in a concentrated form. Remember to consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using the appropriate essential oil for your health condition and unique individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.     -Victor Hugo

Suggested Reading:

  1. Ayurvedic Herbs: A Clinical Guide to the Healing Plants of Traditional Indian Medicine by Virginia M Tyler, M.S. Premila
  2. THE COMPLETE BOOK ON JATROPHA (BIO-DIESEL) WITH ASHWAGANDHA, STEVIA, BRAHMI & JATAMANSI HERBS (CULTIVATION, PROCESSING & USES) by NIIR BOARD OF CONSULTANTS AND ENGINEERS
  3. Healing Depression the Mind-Body Way: Creating Happiness with Meditation, Yoga, and Ayurveda by Nancy Liebler, Sandra Moss
  4. The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook: Forty Natural Prescriptions for Perfect Health by David Simon M.D., Deepak Chopra M.D.
  5. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller

Reference Links:

  1. Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) by Wikipedia
  2. Nardostachys jatamansi by Examine.com
  3. Benefits of Jatamansi by Ayurveda Yogashram
  4. Inhibition of MAO and GABA: probable mechanisms for antidepressant-like activity of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in mice by Dhingra D, Goyal PK, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, India published in PubMed
  5. Nardostachys jatamansi protects against cold restraint stress induced central monoaminergic and oxidative changes in rats by Lyle N, Chakrabarti S, Sur T, Gomes A, Bhattacharyya D, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, India published in PubMed

Ayurvedic Ways of Healing Heart Disorders

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Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. You can find the real truth of this verse if you take it close to your heart!!! Heart is one of the most vital human organs, not only because it propels oxygenated blood to the human body, but also propagates one of the most essential elixirs of human life to the humanity, which is LOVE & PEACE!!!! How difficult would it be to come across a problem with such a prodigious part of your body!!!! Even the simplest issue may lead to serious outbreaks if not treated properly. I’m not here to threaten you; rather I’m just trying to share some of the splendid ‘heart’ shielding systems of the stupendous scintillating science called as Ayurveda.

Before selecting the right treatment to proceed with, the most important thing that one should know is the root cause of the ailment that he/she suffers from. The top most imperative idea behind this fact is that it helps you to explore the depth of the treating process of an ailment and whether it progresses with the root cause rather than just momentarily moving with the ill effects of the illness. Heart diseases have become so common and the major root causes are listed below:

1. Stress – Drain the Strain from your Brain: Chronic stress is that one major contributor for heart problems for it plays a vital role in promoting hormonal alteration and biochemical retorts, which activates the cardiovascular disease and draws it under the deadly shadow of PRESSURE!! Stress is also a silent contributor to hypertension, poor eating habits, weakened digestion, slow elimination and increased cigarette smoking, which are all the major risk factors of heart diseases.

Ayurveda and Ayurvedic essential oils play an important role in dealing with the three types of stress a human body can experience namely Mental Stress, Emotional Stress & Physical Stress. Mental stress can be brought under control by managing the mental activities which is greatly induced by aromatherapy, meditation and an expert Ayurvedic massage therapy. Emotional stress can be kept at bay by undertaking an Ayurvedic pattern of daily diet which includes cup of warm milk with cooling rose petal, cardamom, garlic, onion, coriander, cilantro, mint etc. A simple self-massage with cooling oils like coconut oil can help you in the long run for managing a good night’s sleep, which is trusted to bring down your emotional stress. Physical stress can be pacified by taking the necessary rest and following moderate exercises, switching to a healthy Ayurvedic diet and a soothing Ayurvedic massage.

2. Ineffective Circulation – Try circulating it: One of the key sources of heart problems is ineffective circulation of blood, which is caused due to hardening, inflammation or congestion of the arteries. Ineffective circulation of blood can restrict blood flow as well as set excess pressure on the heart muscles and tissues. Some of the factors that greatly influence proper blood circulation and Ayurveda’s role in toning up these factors are:

  • Nutritious Food – Human’s Best Intake: The very first wealth a human should possess is health and the key technique of acquiring this wealth is the intake of nutritious food. There are certain food items that are heavier and clogging in nature. It affects blood circulation. Ayurveda suggests natural remedies in healing blood circulation issues. Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) is one such nature’s gift, which has some unique properties that help in strengthening the cardiac muscle, reducing arterial congestion and lowering blood pressure.
  • Digestion, Elimination, Metabolism – Three keys to better circulation: Digestion, Elimination and Metabolism are the three key processes that go hand in hand in harmonizing the process of circulation. The ability to digest is even more important than what is actually consumed. Even a nutritious food may turn notorious if the process of digestion is improper. Poor ability to digest may even turn the stalest food to toxic, which act as clogging impurities that find shelter in the vessel walls.
  • Elimination is that one process which when slows down makes the body to absorb the impurities. These impurities when absorbed not only clog the vessels but may even damage them!
  • Metabolism comes into effect in building the tissues properly and removing the waste products created by cells and tissues. There are many toxic waste products which possess the ability to damage vessel walls and one such product is free radical.

Ayurveda, as everybody knows is one source of enormous healing methodologies that provides complete solution for supporting systematic digestion, elimination and metabolism.

3. Daily Diet & Lovable Lifestyle – Live it!!! Love it: You can predict your future with the diet and lifestyle you follow. Yes, this is absolutely true since your diet and lifestyle frames the healthy structure of your body both internally & externally. A nourishing diet truly cherishes your body and if not taken in the right way it can exactly show its adverse effects.  Ingesting heart friendly herbs, spices and staples like garlic, turmeric, ginger, saffron, whole grains, pulses etc, can help you a long way prolifically.

4. Live right to lead right with a righteous lifestyle: Yoga – a simple systematic sibling of Ayurveda helps in stabilizing your body skillfully. One can follow practicing this wonderful tool, which can shape your lifestyle blissfully!!!

It is always good to remember that prevention is better than cure. No matter what the root cause is? It is only you who is responsible for all that happens to you!! Nature has blessed us with plenty of uncountable resources, which can be proved fruitful if utilized in the right way. Let us make use of the heart of Nature – Ayurveda to soothe the human heart.

Thought for the day:

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.                                                            –Helen Keller 

Suggested Reading:

  1.  AYURVEDA FOR CORONARY HEART DISEASE by Dr.Shashikant Patwardhan
  2. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume One: Fundamental Principles by Vasant Lad
  3. The Digestive System and the Process of Nutrition in Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Medicine by C. Scott Ryan

Reference Links:

  1. Ayurvedic Treatment For Heart Diseases by Ayurveda For You
  2. The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach To Cardiovascular by Authentic Ayurveda Health Spa – The Raj
  3. Ayurveda Approach To Treating Stress by Holistic Healing

The Goals of Ayurveda: The Ultimate Wisdom For Life

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Every single task in this world has a purpose or a determined goal behind its sustenance. When this applies to simple things, then think of Ayurveda the noble science. Yes! The Ayurvedic goal has 4 prominent facets for life and each of them constitutes a vital part and parcel of our daily lives. These goals act as a point of connection between nature and mankind as it basically focuses on assuaging human torments.

The constitution of the human body is known as Prakriti and it is solely based upon the unique combination of Doshas also known as Ayurvedic body types namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha. This helps us in hitting perfect balance between our physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and environmental lives while pacifying the mind, body and soul. According to Ayurveda, a person can be called healthy only when he/she undergoes the positive conditions of finest robustness, sense of balance, tranquility and natural bliss.

The Ayurvedic Acumen: The ancient wisdom gifted by our ancestors has brilliantly talked about the 4 goals of human life, each of which is practical without any kind of embellishment. None of these goals reflect egocentricity or narcissism but apparently guides us to live happily by accepting ourselves and others also. With these goals, Ayurveda always aims at bringing back the right balance in the constitution of the human body. This common sense science wants human beings to understand their physical and mental set up along with the environmental factors that affect their health. This is where Ayurveda lays the foundation for treating illness first and preventing it in the future as well. Such sensible goals of realism are:

1. Dharma, the genuine purpose of life: The first goal of life according to Ayurveda is called as Dharma, which is a determined path of righteousness and the law of living right. It suggests you to be yourself and live originally without any imitation to be a better person to the world.

You can never a imagine a ‘tiger’ to be soft and feeble as a ‘deer’ and being ferocious is the Dharma of a tiger for which it cannot be cursed or blamed as it is created in such a way. Imitating like a deer will deteriorate the trust, respect and actual personality attributed to a tiger. ‘It is better to be yourself imperfectly than be like someone else perfectly’ says Bhagavad Gita, the most respected sacred book of the Indians. It also clearly explains about the eternal duties of a person, the benefits of performing them and the adverse effects of failing to carry out your duties in the third chapter, Karma Yoga.

Each and every individual is unique and has an exclusive trait or a specific set of attributes. It is that inborn and natural quality of you that decides who you are? And what are the roles you need to play in the society just be being ‘YOU’. Practicing a predetermined code of conduct will help an individual to lead a disciplined life and be a successful personality of his/her family and society through which he/she can do justice for his creation.

2. Artha, the scale of security: To live a closely controlled life of values, you basically need money or wealth but for which you might fail in rendering your duties to your family and your society. Understanding this important inference has made Ayurveda to indicate Artha as the second goal of life.

This doesn’t mean to accumulate wealth illegally and live a posh life but to lead a contented and meaningful life that helps in the progress of your culture as a whole. Failing to attain this goal of life means failing to earn enough for accomplishing your basic needs like food and shelter, which will increase your dependency, make you depressed and deprived of your needs, ending up in abandoning Dharma, the noble rationale behind your life.

3. Kama, the delight or decisive pleasure: Life cannot be mechanical and human beings are not just machines but social animals, who need some kind of pleasure or eternal joy to attain perpetual happiness. Such an enduring joy can be conquered only when there is a perfect balance of amusement and delight in the midst of a complicated life that he/she runs to reach Artha while abiding by Dharma simultaneously.

To be clear, Kama is not just the pleasure attained from mere sex as many of them mistakenly understand the term. Ayurveda insists that recreation, enjoyment, amusement and other things that contribute to cheerfulness including sex should be enjoyed and experienced at a healthy level. Too much of which would affect your physical and emotional well-being and when a comparatively lower level of pleasure will make you crave for things and feel depressed about not getting it.

4. Moksha, the lasting liberation: After passing through all the three goals of life, every individual prefers to attain Moksha or the ultimate freedom. Every religion in this world for that matter has a strong trust that their soul would reach their Creator in the world after.  Moksha or the final goal of life is the spiritual liberation where your mind, body or spirit is no more bound by any of the social or environmental factors.

At this stage an individual would have completed all his duties and would start realizing the divinity, sacred love and the reason behind his creation in an unambiguous manner. He/she would arrive at the everlasting bliss of their life and get ready to reach the next world where he would be rewarded for his life on earth. This can also be called as stage of surrender, where an individual completely admits himself to God, thanking Him and showing his gratitude for all the gifts He has given through all the stages of one’s life. Yoga and Meditation act as the influential part of attaining Moksha.

Remembering these goals and following them without any digression can certainly help you live a balanced life, free of diseases, filled with wisdom and fruitful for the entire society granting complete peace of mind.

Thought for the day:

Every goal, every action, every thought, every feeling one experiences, whether it be consciously or unconsciously known, is an attempt to increase one’s level of peace of mind. By Sydney Madwed

Suggested Reading:

  1. Ayurveda: Life, Health, and Longevity by Robert E. Svoboda B.A.M.S
  2. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume One: Fundamental Principles
    By Vasant Lad
  3. Tao and Dharma: Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda
    By Robert Svoboda, Arnie Lade

Reference Links:

  1. Dharma by Wikipedia
  2. Karma Yoga by Bhagavad Gita
  3. The Wisdom of Ayurveda: The 4 Goals of Life by Jonathan Glass, LAc, MAc