Nagini (Tambuli, Nagapushpi, Nagavallari)

Properties

Anti-inflammatory action, Antipyretic action, Appetite enhancement, Increased gastric acid secretion

Dosage

Leaf Decoction: Boil 5–10 g of dried leaves in 200 ml water for 10 minutes, strain and sip hot, 1–2 times daily. Powder (Churna): 1–2 g (approximately ¼ tsp) with warm water, post-meal, once daily. Extract Tincture: 10–20 drops of a 1:5 ratio alcohol extract in water, 2 times per day. Root bark decoction: 15-20 ml to treat hepatomegaly and fever. Seed powder: 4-5 g with hot water to induce purgation.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Bitter
• Virya: ["Hot"]
• Vipaka: ["Pungent"]

Benefits

• Palatable
• Alleviates Kapha
• Alleviates Pitta
• Eliminates Poison

Traditional uses

• Hepatomegaly
• Fever
• Intestinal worms
• Ascites
• Epilepsy
• Snake poisoning
• Dysmenorrhea
• Dyspepsia
• Dysentery

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: decreasing
• pitta: decreasing

Preparation methods

• Leaf Decoction: Boil dried leaves in water, strain, and sip.
• Powder (Churna): Grind dried leaves to a fine powder.
• Extract Tincture: Use a 1:5 ratio alcohol extract.
• Topical Paste: Crushed leaves mixed with coconut oil are used topically for muscular stiffness.
• Nasal installation: Vacha, Bharangi and Naga danti powder is mixed with cow urine and used for nasal installation to treat epilepsy.

Contraindications

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Overconsumption (e.g., more than 15g of leaf decoction) might cause nausea or mild diarrhea.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease: It's contraindicated for individuals with peptic ulcer disease because its digestive-stimulating action might worsen acid reflux.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it only under professional guidance as high doses may stimulate uterine tone.
• Potential Drug Interactions: Quercetin, a compound in *Croton oblongifolius*, may interact with anticoagulants (like warfarin) or antihypertensive medications. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional.
• Skin Sensitization: The milky sap can cause skin irritation in some people. Perform a patch test before topical use.
• Excessive Dose: An excess dose of *Naga Danti* can lead to severe purgation, potentially causing abdominal cramps and dehydration.
• Use with Western Medicines: It is advised to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.

Side effects

• Overconsumption can cause nausea or mild diarrhea.
• The milky sap can cause skin irritation; perform a patch test before topical use.
• Excess dose can cause severe purgation leading to abdominal cramps and dehydration.
• Overuse can irritate the gut lining.
• High doses during pregnancy may stimulate uterine tone and should be avoided.

Interactions

• Quercetin may interact with anticoagulants and antihypertensive medications.
• If taking with allopathic/modern medicines, it is advised to take the allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
• Use caution in children under 12; only use very low doses under expert supervision.
• People with peptic ulcer disease should use caution as the digestive-stimulating action might exacerbate acid reflux.

Clinical evidence

Limited clinical trials and animal studies suggest potential benefits for muscle soreness, fever reduction, anti-inflammatory effects, and appetite enhancement. Large-scale human trials are still lacking.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Palatable
• Alleviates Kapha
• Alleviates Pitta
• Eliminates Poison

Classical clinical indications

• Hepatomegaly
• Fever
• Intestinal worms
• Ascites
• Epilepsy
• Snake poisoning
• Dysmenorrhea
• Dyspepsia
• Dysentery

Frequently asked questions