Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Jatamansi scientifically known as Nardostachys jatamansi is a perennial Himalayan herb belonging to the Valerianaceae family. The dried rhizome is the primary medicinal part used in Ayurveda. It possesses Bitter Astringent and Sweet tastes with Light and Unctuous qualities. Uniquely it has a Cold potency and Pungent post digestive effect making it Tridoshanut or capable of balancing Vata Pitta and Kapha doshas. It is highly valued as Medhya for promoting intellect and Nidrajanana for inducing sleep making it effective for insomnia and mental disorders. Therapeutically it treats burning sensations skin diseases like leprosy and erysipelas and heart conditions. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 2 to 3 grams of the rhizome powder or 5 to 10 grams for decoction.
Jatamansi, scientifically known as Nardostachys jatamansi, is a valued medicinal herb in Ayurveda derived from the rhizome of a perennial herb found in the sub-alpine Himalayan tracts. It is highly revered for its ability to treat neuropsychiatric disorders and skin conditions. In Ayurvedic texts, it is classified as Tridoshanut, meaning it balances all three biological humors (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and is specifically noted for its Nidrajanana (sleep-inducing) and Medhya (intellect-promoting) properties.
Jatamansi is an erect perennial herb growing at altitudes of 3000–5000 meters in the Himalayas. The medicinal part is the dried rhizome, which is dark brown, cylindrical, and covered with reddish-brown fibers forming a network (skeletons of sheathing leaf bases). It has a strong, characteristic aromatic odour and a slightly bitter, acrid taste. It is currently recognized as an endangered species in the Himalayan region due to over-exploitation.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Jatamansi is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Jatamansi is generally considered safe when used in recommended dosages. It is frequently used in polyherbal formulations for children (e.g., Bala Graha) and adults alike.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – Nardostachys jatamansi
https://cites.org
IUCN Red List – Nardostachys jatamansi
https://www.iucnredlist.org
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Nardostachys jatamansi)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Nardostachys jatamansi
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Jatamansi
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Nardostachys jatamansi Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Nardostachys+jatamansi
ScienceDirect – Jatamansi Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/nardostachys-jatamansi
SpringerLink – Neuroprotective & Clinical Studies on Jatamansi
https://link.springer.com
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in small therapeutic doses (2-3g), it can be taken to improve sleep and intellect, usually for a specified period under guidance.
Q. When should it be taken?
For sleep issues, it is best taken at night. For general health or respiratory issues, it can be taken as part of compound formulations like Eladi Churna.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. It can be taken as a powder with water or honey. Formulations containing Jatamansi (like Kalyanaka Ghrita) are often taken with warm milk or water.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Jatamansi scientifically known as Nardostachys jatamansi is a perennial Himalayan herb belonging to the Valerianaceae family. The dried rhizome is the primary medicinal part used in Ayurveda. It possesses Bitter Astringent and Sweet tastes with Light and Unctuous qualities. Uniquely it has a Cold potency and Pungent post digestive effect making it Tridoshanut or capable of balancing Vata Pitta and Kapha doshas. It is highly valued as Medhya for promoting intellect and Nidrajanana for inducing sleep making it effective for insomnia and mental disorders. Therapeutically it treats burning sensations skin diseases like leprosy and erysipelas and heart conditions. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 2 to 3 grams of the rhizome powder or 5 to 10 grams for decoction.
Jatamansi, scientifically known as Nardostachys jatamansi, is a valued medicinal herb in Ayurveda derived from the rhizome of a perennial herb found in the sub-alpine Himalayan tracts. It is highly revered for its ability to treat neuropsychiatric disorders and skin conditions. In Ayurvedic texts, it is classified as Tridoshanut, meaning it balances all three biological humors (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and is specifically noted for its Nidrajanana (sleep-inducing) and Medhya (intellect-promoting) properties.
Jatamansi is an erect perennial herb growing at altitudes of 3000–5000 meters in the Himalayas. The medicinal part is the dried rhizome, which is dark brown, cylindrical, and covered with reddish-brown fibers forming a network (skeletons of sheathing leaf bases). It has a strong, characteristic aromatic odour and a slightly bitter, acrid taste. It is currently recognized as an endangered species in the Himalayan region due to over-exploitation.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Jatamansi is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Jatamansi is generally considered safe when used in recommended dosages. It is frequently used in polyherbal formulations for children (e.g., Bala Graha) and adults alike.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – Nardostachys jatamansi
https://cites.org
IUCN Red List – Nardostachys jatamansi
https://www.iucnredlist.org
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Nardostachys jatamansi)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Nardostachys jatamansi
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Jatamansi
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Nardostachys jatamansi Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Nardostachys+jatamansi
ScienceDirect – Jatamansi Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/nardostachys-jatamansi
SpringerLink – Neuroprotective & Clinical Studies on Jatamansi
https://link.springer.com
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in small therapeutic doses (2-3g), it can be taken to improve sleep and intellect, usually for a specified period under guidance.
Q. When should it be taken?
For sleep issues, it is best taken at night. For general health or respiratory issues, it can be taken as part of compound formulations like Eladi Churna.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. It can be taken as a powder with water or honey. Formulations containing Jatamansi (like Kalyanaka Ghrita) are often taken with warm milk or water.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem