Jatamansi: Explore its Properties, Uses and Health Benefits

Are you aware of the Jatamansi benefits? To begin with, Jatamansi is an ancient Ayurvedic herb belonging to the valerian family. Its botanical name is Nardostachys Jatamansi and is known as Spikenard in English. Jatamansi benefits range from  boosting memory and treating psychological disorders like depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Keep reading to learn more about the goodness of this magical herb and the many health benefits.

Other names of Jatamansi [9]

Language	Names
English	Muskroot, Indian Spikenard
Sanskrit	Mamsi, Jatamansi, Tapaswani
Gujarati	Baalchad
Hindi	Balchara
Marathi	Jatamansi

Ayurvedic Properties Of Jatamansi

• Exhibits Laghu (light to digest) and Snigdha (oily, unctuous) properties.
• Has Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) and Madhura (sweet) Rasas and a cold potency.
• Helps balance all three Doshas, but has a special effect on Pitta and Kapha.
• Has Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) and Madhura (sweet) Rasas and a cold potency.
• Helps balance all three Doshas, but has a special effect on Pitta and Kapha Dosha.

1. Manages Epilepsy and Seizures

• Prevents oxidative damage Balances hormones
• Aids treatment of epilepsy Prevents seizures

2. Helps with Insomnia

• Jatamansi balances Tridosha
• Highly effective in calming the nervous system
• Helps in inducing sound sleep.

3. Boosts Memory

• Known to bolster memory
• Improves cognitive skills
• Used as a restorative agent

4. Enhances Nervous Functions

• Potent nerve tonic
• Helps lower mental stress and exhaustion
• Widely used to enhance cognitive performance

5. Supports Hair Growth

• Promotes the growth of hair
• Aids in hair fall prevention
• Strengthens hair roots
• Makes hair lustrous & silky

6. Remedies For Skin Care

• Most popularly known for treating
• Fungal infections
• Dermatitis
• Other skin ailments

Potential Uses of Jatamansi

1. Treats Insomnia [1]

Jatamansi helps promote restful sleep. An exacerbated Vata dosha, according to Ayurveda, renders the neurological system sensitive, which causes Anidra (insomnia). Because jatamansi balances the Tridosha, it relaxes the nervous system. Due to its special Nidrajanana (sleep-producing) impact, it aids in restful sleep.  

2. Improves Brain Health [2]

 Jatamansi benefits for brain are immense. When taken regularly, jatamansi helps to manage the symptoms of memory loss. Vata is said to be in charge of the neurological system in Ayurveda. [12] Weak memory or low mental attentiveness are symptoms of an imbalance in Vata. Jatamansi improves memory and provides mental alertness. This is because of its ability to balance the Tridosa and enhance intelligence (Medhya). 

3. Provides Radiant Skin [4]

Jatamansi offers a multitude of benefits for the skin. It enhances skin radiance, promoting a brighter complexion and a youthful appearance. By regulating intestinal fermentation and reducing gas, it fosters a clear gut, which in turn contributes to clearer skin. Jatamansi’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help combat skin damage caused by free radicals.

4. Promotes Healthy Hair [5] [6]

The benefits of jatamansi for hair are numerous. When applied to the scalp, jatamansi oil helps to reduce hair loss and encourage new hair growth. This is because an irritated Vata dosha in the body is the primary cause of hair loss. By balancing the Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas), jatamansi or its oil affects hair loss. Additionally, it eliminates extreme dryness and encourages hair development. 

5. Antifungal and antibacterial [7]

As per research when jatamansi’s methanolic extract was tested against microorganisms, it proved to be effective against most of them, which could support the plant’s claims to be an antifungal and antibacterial agent.  

6. Anti-diabetic [8]

In a study conducted it was found that jatamansi alleviates hyperglycemia by improving insulin sensitivity and inhibiting gluconeogenesis in the liver. It also helps in improving insulin sensitivity and suppressing hepatic glucose production in type 2 diabetes. 

How To Use Jatamansi

The following are some applications for jatamansi:  

•  You can use jatamansi powder or decoction. 
• Jatamansi oil can be applied to hair to promote silky, healthy, and smooth hair. 

Side Effects of Jatamansi 

There is no major study that reports any side effects of jatamansi. But in case you experience any side effects, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider. 

Recommended Dosage of Jatamansi 

• Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon of jatamansi powder twice a day. 
• Take one or two jatamansi tablets twice a day.  

Precautions to Take with Jatamansi

Pregnant women and lactating mothers should consult healthcare providers before consuming jatamansi. 

Conclusion

Nutrient-rich jatamansi is praised in Ayurveda as a therapeutic herb. It has been utilized as a herbal remedy throughout India. Jatamansi has various applications, including skin and hair care. Its therapeutic properties are beneficial in treating many ailments.  

FAQs

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. For proper medical guidance, please consult your healthcare provider.

References:

1. A comparative clinical study on the effect of Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC.) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi DC.) in the management of Anidra (primary insomnia). 2015 Jan-Mar; 36(1): 46–49. E. Toolika, Narayana Prakash Bhat, Suhas Kumar Shetty
2. Conceptual study of Vata Dosha w.s.r. to Nervous System. April 2024. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 9(2):134-140
3. Nardostachys jatamansi extract prevents chronic restraint stress-induced learning and memory deficits in a radial arm maze task. 2012 Jul-Dec; 3(2): 125–132. Gloria Karkada, K.B.Shenoy
4. The study of effect of herb nardostachys Jatamansi on skin. 14th International Conference on Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. June 19-20, 2017 Philadelphia, USA. Manisha Chandajkar Joshi
5. Phytochemical investigation and hair growth studies on the rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. 2011 Apr-Jun; 7(26): 146–150. V.R. Gottumukkala, Tirunganasambandham Annamalai
6. A review article on phytochemistry and pharmacological profiles of Nardostachys jatamansi DC-medicinal herb. Purnima, Meenakshi Bhatt and Preeti Kothiyal, 2015.
7. Medicinal Properties of Nardostachys jatamansi  (A Review). April, 2016. Renu Sahu, H. J. Dhongade, Ajit Pandey, Poonam Sahu, Varsha Sahu, Dipali Patel and Pranita Kashyap
8. Nardostachys jatamansi DC Extract Alleviates Insulin Resistance and Regulates Glucose Metabolism in C57BL/KsJ-db/db Mice Through the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway.  2018 Apr;21(4):324-331.doi: 10.1089/jmf.2017.4015. Epub 2018 Mar 16.
9. NARDOSTACHYS JATAMANSI: IMPORTANCE OF HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT AND ENDANGERED PLANT IN AYURVEDA. Received on: 05/04/21 Accepted on: 15/06/21
10. A review on pharmacognostic and phytochemical study of a plant Nardostachys Jatamansi Sanjay Singh Nakoti, Dr. Divya Juyal and Amit Kumar Josh, 2017. 
11. Study of colouring effect of herbal hair formulations on greying hair.  2015 Jul-Sep; 7(3): 259–262. Vijendar Singh, Mohammed Ali, Sukirti Upadhyaya
12. Can the vagus nerve serve as biomarker for vata dosha activity? 2019 Apr-Jun; 10(2): 146–151. Venil S. Pratibha N.