Mallika (Mallika (Madayanti, Sheeta-bheeru, Bhoopadi))
Mallika, known as Jasminum sambac, is a fragrant herb used in Ayurveda for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It is traditionally used to alleviate anxiety, improve sleep, and promote skin health.
Botanical name: Jasminum sambac. Also known as: Mallika, Arabian Jasmine, Sambac Jasmine, Tuscan Jasmine, Mogra, Madan Mogra, Malli, Gundu Malli, Mallepuvvu, Mallikaipu, Mallige, Chameli, Bela, Motia.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory activity, Anxiolytic effects, Antimicrobial action, Sedative properties
Dosage
Fresh Flower Tea: Steep 6–8 fresh blossoms in 200 ml hot water for 5–7 minutes. Drink up to three cups daily for nervous tension or mild insomnia. Dried Flower Powder: 1–2 g of flower powder mixed with warm water or honey, twice a day, for digestive soothing or menstrual cramps. Jasmine Head Oil (Phool Tel): Apply 2–4 drops to temples or chest at bedtime. For skin, massage 3–5 ml onto face before sleep, up to once daily. Essential Oil Inhalation: Add 2–3 drops of jasmine essential oil to a diffuser or inhale directly from a cotton ball, used sparingly due to high potency. Floral Water (Hydrosol): 10–15 ml orally or topically for mild hydration and cooling effect. Decoction: 10-15 ml, once daily for respiratory or digestive issues.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Bitter, pungent
- Virya: ["Slightly warm"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Aphrodisiac
- Removes toxins
Traditional uses
- Calming and therapeutic properties
- Balances emotions and calms the mind
- Balance Vata and Pitta doshas, promoting relaxation
- Anxiety and Stress Relief
- Sleep Aid
- Skin Care
- Digestive Aid
- Respiratory Comfort
- Fever
- Wounds
- Eye diseases like conjunctivitis
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Toothache
- Asthma
- Breast cancer
- Uterine bleeding
- Venereal diseases
- Liver diseases like hepatitis
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Fresh Flower Tea: Steep fresh Mallika petals in hot water for 5–7 minutes.
- Dried Flower Powder: Mix with warm water or honey.
- Jasmine Head Oil (Phool Tel): Apply topically.
- Essential Oil Inhalation: Use in a diffuser or inhale from a cotton ball.
- Floral Water (Hydrosol): Administer orally or topically.
- Paste: Crush Jasmine leaves into a fine paste and mix with honey, milk, or rose water, then apply to the affected area.
- Oil: Mix a few drops of Jasmine oil with almond or coconut oil before applying to the skin or hair.
- Decoction: Use for gargling in cases of gingivitis and mouth ulcers.
- Jasmine Scented Tea: Place Jasmine flowers in a jar with black or green tea and let it sit for at least 24 hours.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking jasmine in medicinal amounts if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is best to stick to food amounts.
- Lactifuge: The flowers are traditionally used to arrest the secretion of breast milk.
- Potential Interactions: Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
- High doses: In high doses, it can cause constipation due to its astringent property.
Side effects
- Skin Sensitivity
- Photosensitivity
- May cause constipation in high doses
- Allergic to jasmine and experience contact dermatitis
Interactions
- May potentiate CNS depressants, sedatives, or anti-anxiety medications, leading to excessive drowsiness.
- Mallika may potentiate sedatives or antihypertensives, so use cautiously if you're on such medications.
- It is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Clinical evidence
Limited randomized controlled trials suggest potential benefits of Jasminum sambac for musculoskeletal injuries, anxiety reduction, and sleep improvement. More extensive research is needed to confirm these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Aphrodisiac
- Removes toxins