Exploring the Health Benefits of Parijat Leaves and Flowers

Introduction

The parijat plant, commonly referred to as night jasmine (scientifically Nyctanthes arbour-tristis), is more than just a small shrub with fragrant, nocturnal blooms. It’s a treasury of medicinal properties revered in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. This remarkable plant serves as a therapeutic treasure trove, with its leaves, flowers, stems, and roots each playing a vital role in natural healthcare practices, particularly in India. 

Medicinal Uses of Various Parts of the Parijat Plant

Here are some of the medicinal uses of the parijatham leaf:

• Leaves

The leaves of the parijat plant are renowned for their myriad health benefits, attributed to their antiallergic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. The bitter juice extracted from the leaves serves as a tonic, aiding in the management of fevers, coughs, arthritis, and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of parijat leaves may help provide significant relief from joint pain and conditions such as sciatica.

• Flowers

Parijat flowers are also beneficial in addressing respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments. They are often brewed into teas that can help ease symptoms of coughs and bronchitis. Also, extracts from these flowers exhibit bronchodilator properties, providing relief for individuals suffering from asthma.

• Stems and Roots

The stem powder of parijat leaf is found to be beneficial in managing joint pain and malaria. The roots, too, are employed in various traditional remedies.

Health Benefits of Parijat

The parijat plant (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) is not just a beautifully fragrant shrub but also a powerhouse of health benefits. Its various parts are utilised for their therapeutic properties, making it a significant element of traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Here are some of the parijat plant benefits that contribute to overall health:¹

1. Fever Management

The parijat plant is particularly notable in managing fevers, including malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, due to its antipyretic properties. Extracts from the leaves and bark not only help control fever but can also help boost platelet counts in dengue patients. A common method of use is boiling the parijatham leaf to create a decoction that effectively manages fever symptoms.  It is essential to consult a healthcare professional when using parijat for fever management.

2. Useful in Arthritic Knee Pain and Sciatica

The anti-inflammatory properties of parijat leaves and flowers play a significant role in managing arthritic knee pain, making them a natural option for knee pain treatment and relief from sciatica. Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend a decoction of the leaves or a topical application of a mixture made from parijat essential oil and coconut oil to soothe the affected areas.

3. Helps Soothe a Dry Cough

Parijat leaves can help manage dry cough and respiratory issues. Brewing them into tea with ginger helps soothe throat irritation, reduce coughing, and may help ease symptoms of cough, cold, bronchitis, and asthma by easing breathing difficulties. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the suitability of this remedy for your specific condition.

4. Anti-allergic, Antiviral, and Antibacterial Properties

The benefits of the parijat plant include strong anti-allergic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Extracts from the plant can inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens like E. coli and Staphylococcus, as well as certain fungal infections, making parijat leaves a natural and effective formula for various infections.

5. Immunity Booster

The benefits of the parijat plant extend to its immunostimulatory effects, which help strengthen the immune system. Drinking a decoction made from parijat leaves and flowers can help boost your body’s defence against diseases. Consumption of this brew, prepared by grinding the leaves and flowers, boiling them with water, and drinking the mixture, may enhance resistance to infections and support overall well-being.

6. Diabetes Control

If you’re managing diabetes, the parijat plant benefits may be helpful. Its ability to balance vata-kapha and its bitter (tikta) properties help prevent ama, or toxic buildup from poor digestion, and improve insulin function. This can aid in controlling blood sugar levels and alleviating diabetes symptoms.

7. Nourishment of Hairs

A decoction made from parijat seeds can help control dandruff and head lice effectively. Moreover, a hair tonic derived from parijat flowers aids in controlling hair fall, strengthening hair and stopping the greying process. Regular use of parijat lends nourishment to your tresses and promotes healthy hair growth.

8. Malaria Recovery Support

The extract from the parijat leaves has been shown to manage fever triggered by malarial parasites. The plant’s anti-parasitic properties may help arrest the growth of the malaria parasite during its early life stages, thereby preventing infection from worsening. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnostics and treatment.²

How to Use?

Here’s how you can use parijat leaves for maximum benefits:

• Brew a tea or decoction using the parijat leaves and flowers. This can be done by boiling the leaves and flowers in water till the water reduces to half, then straining and drinking this concoction.
• The oil extracted from the parijat plant is known for its therapeutic properties. It can be applied topically for skin ailments or used in aromatherapy for calming effects.
• For those who prefer a more convenient method, there are various parijat supplements available, including capsules, powders, and tablets.
• A tincture of parijat is an alcoholic extract often used for medicinal purposes.

Side Effects of Parijat

Here are some of the side effects of parijat leaves:

• Allergic Reactions: For some people, using parijat could lead to allergic reactions such as skin rashes or irritation. If you notice these symptoms, immediately stop using it and consult your doctor.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Over-consumption of parijat can lead to gastrointestinal problems like nausea or diarrhoea.
• Drug Interactions: Especially for those with diabetes or on blood sugar control medication, it’s crucial to note that parijat might interact with these medicines.

Conclusion

Parijat, also known scientifically as Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, is a potent medicinal plant that offers numerous health benefits. Its usage in managing conditions like fevers, arthritis, sciatica, and respiratory ailments highlights the parijat plant’s benefits. Through its various forms, including juice, powder, decoction, and capsules, one can easily incorporate parijat into their health regime. Yet, while the parijat flower’s benefits are vast, it’s vital to use this plant wisely. Always be aware of the potential side effects and ensure you consult your doctor if you’re on medication or have any health concerns. By taking these precautions, you can confidently tap into the healing power of parijat and experience its benefits for your overall wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. https://ijprajournal.com/issue_dcp/Comprehensive%20Review%20on%20Parijat%20(Nyctanthesarbor%20tristis).pdf ↩︎
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S097594761630033X ↩︎