Herb library

Parijata (Night-Flowering Jasmine)

Harsingar (Night-Flowering Jasmine)

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

Night-flowering jasmine, also called harshringar: leaf juice used for joints and fever.

Harsingar tree · Tree · Parts: Leaf, Flower, Bark, Seed

Taste (rasa)
Bitter, pungent
Energy (virya)
Heating
Balances
Kapha, Vata

What it is used for

Benefits

  • Leaf juice is a well-known folk remedy for sciatica and arthritic pain
  • Traditionally used for intermittent fevers and to clear ama
  • Bitter leaves used for intestinal worms and sluggish digestion

How it has been used

Traditional uses & benefits

Parijata, the night-flowering coral jasmine, is the classical folk remedy for fevers and stubborn joint pain.

Traditional uses

  • Intermittent fevers and post-fever weakness
  • Sciatica and long-standing joint stiffness
  • Dry cough with a heavy chest

Practical guidance

  1. 1Leaf decoction is taken on an empty stomach in the morning — 5–7 leaves boiled down.
  2. 2It is intensely bitter; a little honey after (not in) the hot decoction makes it drinkable.
  3. 3Traditionally used in courses of 2–3 weeks with a break.

How much

Dosage

10-20 ml of fresh leaf juice, or 2-4 leaves boiled as a decoction, once daily.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Leaf decoction

Boil 3-4 fresh leaves in a cup of water until reduced by half; strain and sip warm.

Morning on an empty stomach, in courses of 2-3 weeks

Flower infusion

Steep a few dried night-fallen flowers in hot water for 10 minutes.

Evening, for restlessness

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Precautions

  • Very bitter; can cause nausea on an empty stomach
  • Avoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding
  • Keep courses short and take breaks between them

Where this comes from

Sources

Common questions

What is Harsingar used for?

Night-flowering jasmine, also called harshringar: leaf juice used for joints and fever. In traditional use the main applications are: Leaf juice is a well-known folk remedy for sciatica and arthritic pain; Traditionally used for intermittent fevers and to clear ama; Bitter leaves used for intestinal worms and sluggish digestion.

What is the typical dosage of Harsingar?

10-20 ml of fresh leaf juice, or 2-4 leaves boiled as a decoction, once daily. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.

How and when should Harsingar be taken?

Leaf decoction: Boil 3-4 fresh leaves in a cup of water until reduced by half; strain and sip warm. Timing — Morning on an empty stomach, in courses of 2-3 weeks

Are there any precautions with Harsingar?

Very bitter; can cause nausea on an empty stomach Avoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding Keep courses short and take breaks between them Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.

Does Harsingar replace medical treatment?

No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.

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