Nakhi (Nakhi (Hattavilasini))
Nakhi, known as Ziziphus jujuba or Chinese date, is a herb with a history in traditional medicine. It is traditionally used to eliminate graha afflictions, phlegm, vata, blood disorders, fever, leprosy, and heart disease. Modern research highlights its potential in treating constipation, dyslipidemia, and skin hyperpigmentation, attributing these effects to its rich phytochemistry.
Botanical name: Ziziphus jujuba. Also known as: Jujube, Chinese date, Red date, Indian plum, Ber, Badara, Unnab Ber.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Sedative effects, Gastrointestinal regulation, Cardiovascular protection, Neuroprotection, Hepatoprotection, Antimicrobial activity, Skin health promotion
Dosage
General: The general recommended dosage is 3-6 grams of *Ziziphus jujuba* daily, once a day. Fruit Powder: 5–15 g daily, mixed in water or honey. For elderly or those with sensitive digestion, start with 2–3 g of powder. 1-3 g twice daily with warm water or honey for digestive support (specifically for *Ziziphus mauritiana*). Seed Extract Capsules: Standardized to 2.5–5% jujubosides; 100–300 mg twice daily for sleep and anxiety. Decoction: Boil 10–20 g dried fruit in 300 ml water until reduced by half. Strain and consume warm before bed. Conserve/Syrup: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) up to thrice daily to soothe cough and throat irritation. Leaf tea: 3-5 g dried leaves infused for 10 minutes, up to 2 cups/day for anxiety and mild digestive complaints (specifically for *Ziziphus mauritiana*). Murabba (preserve): 10-20 g fruit preserve post-meal as general tonic; suitable for post-fever recovery (specifically for *Ziziphus mauritiana*). Standardized extract: 300 mg capsule (jujuboside standardized) once daily for sleep issues (specifically for *Ziziphus mauritiana*). Other uses: 1 tsp of fruit powder with water helps purify blood and aids digestion. 1 tsp of fruit powder with a pinch of black pepper once daily may prevent colds.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Astringent, Bitter, Pungent
- Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Grahanashaka (Reduces graha afflictions)
- Kaphahara (Reduces Kapha)
- Vatahara (Reduces Vata)
- Raktadoshahara (Reduces blood disorders)
- Jwarahara (Reduces fever)
- Kushthahara (Reduces leprosy)
- Hridrogahara (Reduces heart disease)
Traditional uses
- Grahapida (Graha afflictions)
- Kapha disorders
- Vata disorders
- Raktavikara (Blood disorders)
- Jwara (Fever)
- Kushtha (Leprosy)
- Hridroga (Heart disease)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Fruit Powder: The fruit can be consumed as a powder mixed with water or honey.
- Decoction: Boil dried fruit in water.
- Tea: Boil jujube fruits in water to make a soothing tea. Leaves can also be used to make tea.
- Fresh or Dried: The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried as a snack.
- Topical Application: Powder can be mixed with other herbal ingredients to create pastes or masks for skin care. Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied to the skin.
- Syrup: Jujube fruit cooked with minimal sugar.
- Extracts: Available in capsule or tablet form. Extracts can be prepared using methods like Soxhlet extraction, percolation, or decoction. Water extracts may be preferable to ethanol extracts.
- Other preparations: Conserves, fermented tonics.
Contraindications
- Ziziphus jujuba: Allergies (rare, Rhamnaceae family), high doses might cause mild diarrhea or abdominal discomfort, may potentiate CNS depressants, may have additive potassium-sparing effects, insufficient data for pregnancy & breastfeeding, monitor blood sugar levels, stop taking zizyphus at least 2 weeks before surgery.
- Aspidium cicutarium: Not enough information available. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using it.
Side effects
- Generally considered safe at recommended doses.
- Allergic Reactions: Rare, but possible in individuals sensitive to the Rhamnaceae family. Watch for skin rash or itching. Contact dermatitis has been reported rarely after leaf handling.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: High doses (over 20g powder, or ≥6 g/day of *Ziziphus mauritiana* fruit powder) may cause mild diarrhea or abdominal discomfort.
- May cause sleepiness and slowed breathing.
- High doses may cause mild GI upset; severe toxicity is rare under traditional dosage ranges.
- People who are allergic to latex might also be allergic to zizyphus.
Interactions
- CNS Depressants: May potentiate CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, sedative medications). Exercise caution if on sedatives or antidepressants due to potential additive effects on the central nervous system.
- Diuretics: Additive potassium-sparing effects.
- Diabetes Medications: *Zizyphus* might lower blood sugar levels. Monitor blood sugar closely. Dosage of diabetes medication might need to be changed.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates): *Zizyphus* might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications.
- Surgery: May interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking zizyphus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
- May interact with medications for blood pressure.
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 3 RCTs and databases tracking trials show Ziziphus jujuba is beneficial for chronic constipation, dyslipidemia, and skin hyperpigmentation. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated antibacterial, antioxidant, sedative, hepato-protective, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Grahanashaka (Reduces graha afflictions)
- Kaphahara (Reduces Kapha)
- Vatahara (Reduces Vata)
- Raktadoshahara (Reduces blood disorders)
- Jwarahara (Reduces fever)
- Kushthahara (Reduces leprosy)
- Hridrogahara (Reduces heart disease)
Classical clinical indications
- Grahapida (Graha afflictions)
- Kapha disorders
- Vata disorders
- Raktavikara (Blood disorders)
- Jwara (Fever)
- Kushtha (Leprosy)
- Hridroga (Heart disease)