Herb's Introduction
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, commonly known as Parijatham, Night-blooming Jasmine, or Coral Jasmine, is a species of flowering plant native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall, belonging to the family Oleaceae. The plant is deeply rooted in Indian culture and mythology and is revered for its highly fragrant flowers that bloom at night. The name arbor-tristis in Latin means "sad tree" or "tree of sorrow," a name it earned because its beautiful, fragrant flowers fall off the tree at dawn, littering the ground below.
Name in Different Countries
The plant is known by many names across different regions, reflecting its widespread presence and cultural significance. Some of the most common names include: English: Night-blooming Jasmine, Coral Jasmine, Tree of Sorrow, Queen of the Night. Sanskrit: Parijata (पारिजात), Sephalika (शेफालिका). Hindi: Prajakta (प्राजक्ता), Harsingar (हरसिंगार). Bengali: Shiuli (শিউলি), Shefali (শেফালী). Marathi: Parijatak (पारिजातक), Khurasoi. Kannada: Paarijaat (ಪಾರಿಜಾತ), Goli (ಗೋಳಿ). Malayalam: Pavizhamalli (പവിഴമല്ലി). Tamil: Pavazha malli (பவழ மல்லி), Parijatham. Telugu: Parijatham (పారిజాతం). Assamese: Hkhewali (খেৱালী). Indonesian: Srigading. Oriya: Shefali (ଶେଫାଳି), Ganga Shiuli (ଗଙ୍ଗ ଶିଉଳି). Sinhala: Sepalika (සේපාලිකා).
Terminology
Nyctanthes: The genus name, derived from the Greek words 'nycto' (night) and 'anthos' (flower), literally translating to "night-flower." arbor-tristis: The species name, a Latin term meaning "sad tree" or "tree of sorrow," referring to the behavior of its flowers. Vernacular names: The plant is known by many vernacular names, such as Parijatham and Shiuli, which are used in daily language and cultural contexts. Ayurvedic terms: In Ayurveda, it is known by names like Vatari (reduces Vata dosha) and Shuklangi (referring to its white flowers).
Availability
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is native to the sub-Himalayan regions and Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated throughout India, Nepal, Thailand, and other countries for its ornamental and medicinal value. It is commonly found in home gardens, temple premises, and public parks. The plant is also available for purchase from nurseries as live plants, seeds, and various medicinal preparations, such as leaf extracts and essential oils, for traditional use.
External Look
This plant is a large shrub or small tree with flaky, grayish-green bark. Its leaves are opposite, simple, and have a rough, hairy texture. The most distinctive feature is its fragrant flowers. They are produced in clusters of two to seven, with each flower having a five- to eight-lobed white corolla and a bright orange-red center. The flowers are sessile, opening at dusk and wilting at dawn, falling to the ground like a carpet of white and orange. The fruit is a flat, bilobed, heart-shaped capsule, each lobe containing a single seed.
Healing Properties
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis holds a significant place in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Siddha. All parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, seeds, and bark, possess medicinal properties. It is known for being: Antipyretic: It helps reduce fever. Anti-inflammatory: It helps reduce inflammation and pain, particularly in joint disorders. Analgesic: It acts as a pain-reliever. Laxative: The leaf juice can be used to treat constipation. Anthelmintic: It is effective against intestinal worms. Hepatoprotective: It helps protect the liver. Antimalarial: It is traditionally used to treat malarial fever.
Advantages
The advantages of this herb lie in its wide range of therapeutic applications and its natural availability. Its leaves and flowers are a rich source of phytochemicals like glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which contribute to its healing properties. The plant is considered a safe and effective remedy for various ailments in traditional practices, offering a natural alternative for health and wellness. Its beautiful and fragrant flowers also make it a valuable ornamental plant for landscaping and spiritual uses.
Uses
Medicinal Uses: Fever: Leaf juice mixed with honey is a popular remedy for chronic and intermittent fevers, including malaria. Joint Pain and Sciatica: The leaves, when prepared as a paste or decoction, are used to relieve pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and sciatica. Skin Diseases: The leaf paste is applied externally to treat various skin ailments, including ringworm. Hair Care: A paste made from the seeds or flowers is applied to the scalp to control hair fall and promote hair growth. Digestive Ailments: Leaf juice is used to treat intestinal worms and other digestive disorders. Cultural and Ornamental Uses: Worship: The flowers are highly revered and are used in religious rituals and offerings to deities. Decoration: They are used to make garlands for spiritual ceremonies and home decor. Dye: The bright orange corolla tubes of the flowers are a source of a natural orange dye called nyctanthin, which is used for coloring silk and other fabrics.
Using way
The usage of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis varies depending on the ailment and the part of the plant used. For Fever and Cough: Take 5-10 ml of fresh leaf juice and mix it with a spoonful of honey. This mixture is consumed internally, typically three times a day. For Joint Pain: Create a paste by grinding a few leaves. This paste can be applied directly to the affected joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Alternatively, a decoction of the leaves can be prepared and consumed. For Hair Fall: Grind the seeds or fresh flowers to make a paste. Apply this paste directly to the scalp and leave it for 20-30 minutes before washing it off with water. Repeat twice a week for effective results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, or Parijatham, is a remarkable plant with a unique nocturnal blooming cycle that has captivated people for centuries. Its cultural and spiritual significance is matched by its extensive pharmacological properties. From its use as a traditional remedy for a wide range of ailments like fevers, arthritis, and skin diseases, to its aesthetic and practical applications in dyeing and perfumery, this "Tree of Sorrow" is a true treasure of nature, offering both beauty and healing to those who appreciate its virtues.
