Nandi Tree (Nandivriksha (Nandi, Vanaspati))

Nandi tree (Ficus benjamina) is a plant used in traditional medicine, known for its potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is also investigated for anticancer activity and wound healing. In Ayurveda, it is considered to have light, sweet, bitter, astringent tastes and hot potency.

Botanical name: Ficus benjamina. Also known as: Weeping fig, Benjamin fig, Ficus tree, Java fig, Benjamin Tree, Chinese Banyan, Indian Rubber Plant, Small-leaved Rubber Plant, Pilkhan, Nandi, Dāru Raksha, Malai-Ichi, Konda golugu, Konda juvvi, Putra juvvi.

Properties

Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Wound Healing

Dosage

Leaf Decoction: 5–10 g of fresh leaves boiled in 200 mL water, reduced to 50 mL, taken twice daily. Powdered Bark: 1–2 g mixed with honey or warm water, once daily, primarily for joint discomfort. Standardized Extract (4:1): 250–500 mg capsules, twice daily after meals. Topical Poultice: 10 g bark powder blended with 5 mL honey, applied to clean wound area up to twice daily. Powder: 1 to 3 g. Decoction: 50 to 80 ml. Milky latex: 5 to 8 drops.

Classical attributes

Rasa: Sweet, Bitter, Astringent
Virya: ["Hot"]
Vipaka: ["Sweet"]

Benefits

Antimicrobial activity
Anti-inflammatory properties
Antioxidant effects
Wound healing
Respiratory health
Anti-inflammatory Relief
Respiratory Support
Gastrointestinal Health
Antimicrobial Action
Antioxidant Capacity

Traditional uses

Treating cancer
Treating piles
Treating leprosy
Treating skin issues
Treating inflammation
Treating malaria
Soothe joint pain
Soothe mild arthritis
Eases congestion
Accelerate epithelial regeneration
Calm mild diarrhea
Calm dysentery
Minor skin infections
Anti-aging roles
Neuroprotective roles

Dosha effects

vata: balancing
kapha: balancing
pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

Leaf Decoction: Boil fresh leaves in water.
Powdered Bark: Mix with honey or warm water.
Topical Poultice: Blend bark powder with honey.
Extract Preparation: Extracts can be prepared using ethanol or water.

Side effects

Latex contact can trigger dermatitis in sensitive individuals
High doses of bark powder may cause mild nausea or abdominal cramps
Potential estrogenic effects
Overdosage may cause vomiting and diarrhea

Interactions

Concurrent use with anticoagulants (warfarin) could theoretically increase bleeding risk due to quercetin's antiplatelet action
May interact with other allopathic medicines
May interact with diabetes medication
May interact with hypertension medication

Clinical evidence

Limited clinical trials exist specifically for Ficus benjamina, most evidence is derived from in-vivo studies and phytochemical analysis. Studies using animal models have shown analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. Further research is needed to validate these effects in humans.