What is Parijat (Night Jasmine)?
Parijat, known as Night Jasmine or Night-flowering Jasmine in English, is botanically Nyctanthes arbor-tristis — a species of the Oleaceae family whose Latin name poetically means “sad tree of the night.” Its Sanskrit name Parijata (पारिजात) holds deep mythological significance: in Hindu tradition, it is the divine flowering tree that emerged from the cosmic churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and was brought to earth by Lord Krishna. Beyond its cultural and spiritual importance, Parijat is a therapeutically rich medicinal plant in Ayurveda, with its leaves, flowers, seeds, and bark all finding application in classical formulations. It is particularly noted as one of the few Ayurvedic herbs with specific activity against malaria and other fevers, and is also used for arthritis, skin diseases, intestinal worms, and cough.
Ayurvedic Properties of Parijat
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Name | Parijata (पारिजात), Shephali, Harshringar |
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha Effect | Pacifies Vata and Kapha; may mildly increase Pitta in excess |
| Part Used | Leaves (primary), flowers, seeds, bark |
Health Benefits of Parijat
1. Fever Management and Anti-malarial Action
Parijat is one of classical Ayurveda’s most important Jwaraghna (fever-reducing) herbs and holds the rare distinction of being specifically indicated for Vishama Jwara — the irregular, recurrent fevers associated with malaria. Charaka Samhita includes Parijat leaves in formulations for complex and chronic fevers. The bitter glycoside nyctanthoside, isolated from Parijat, has demonstrated anti-plasmodial activity in pharmacological studies, validating the traditional use of leaf decoction for malaria management. The leaves are typically boiled to prepare a concentrated decoction, which is given in measured doses during febrile episodes to reduce fever and restore normal temperature patterns.
2. Arthritis and Joint Inflammation
Parijat leaves are highly regarded in Ayurveda and folk medicine as a Vatahara herb for Sandhivata (osteoarthritis) and Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis). Both internal use (leaf decoction) and external application (leaf paste or warm fomentation with boiled leaves) are employed to reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The anti-inflammatory alkaloids in Parijat leaves — including arbortristoside — reduce prostaglandin-mediated inflammation in the synovial joints. Classical practitioners often recommend a sustained 6–8 week course of Parijat leaf decoction alongside Panchakarma procedures for chronic arthritis management.
3. Intestinal Worms and Anti-parasitic Action
Parijat seeds are a classical Krimighna (anti-parasitic) remedy specifically for intestinal worm infestations — particularly roundworms (Ascaris) and threadworms. The seeds’ bitter compounds create a toxic environment for intestinal parasites, paralysing and expelling them from the gut. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and Dhanvantari Nighantu both describe the use of powdered Parijat seeds for Krimi Roga (worm infestation). This is typically given as a single dose with warm water or buttermilk on an empty stomach, followed by a mild laxative to expel dead parasites. External application of Parijat leaf juice to the scalp is a traditional remedy for head lice.
4. Cough and Respiratory Conditions
Parijat is described as Kasahara (cough-relieving) and Shwasahara (breathlessness-relieving) in classical Ayurvedic texts. Its Ushna Virya and Kaphahara properties help dissolve and expel excess mucus from the respiratory tract, making it effective for Kapha-type coughs with thick, sticky sputum. A decoction of Parijat leaves with ginger (Shunti) and honey is a traditional preparation for chronic cough, particularly when the cough is worsened by cold weather — a clear Vata-Kapha pattern. The flowers, when used in a steam inhalation, provide aromatic bronchodilatory relief for nasal congestion and sinusitis.
5. Skin Disorders and Anti-fungal Action
Parijat leaf juice and bark decoction are used in Ayurvedic practice for Kushtha (skin diseases) including ringworm, scabies, and chronic itching (Kandu). The Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent, from the heating effect) properties of Parijat create an inhospitable environment for skin fungi and parasites. The leaf paste is applied directly to fungal lesions as an effective topical treatment. Classical texts also mention its use for Visarpa (erysipelas — a spreading bacterial skin infection), where both internal (decoction) and external (poultice) applications are recommended in combination.
6. Laxative and Intestinal Cleansing
Parijat has mild Bhedana (laxative) and Rechana (purgative) properties that are utilised for managing constipation and cleansing the intestinal tract before anti-parasitic treatment. The leaf decoction given in moderate doses acts as a gentle intestinal stimulant that promotes peristalsis and bowel movement without causing griping pain. This laxative action is described in the context of Virechana (purgation therapy) preparation in some classical texts, where Parijat is used as a mild pre-Virechana preparatory herb before administering stronger purgatives like Trivrit.
7. Hair and Scalp Health
In traditional Ayurvedic hair care, Parijat flowers and leaves are used to promote hair growth, reduce premature greying (Palitya), and address scalp conditions including dandruff and fungal infections. The flowers — which fall naturally at dawn and are collected fresh — are used in hair oils and pastes in regional Ayurvedic traditions. The leaves are known as Keshya (hair-nourishing) in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and are applied as a scalp treatment mixed with coconut oil. The antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties of the leaves address the scalp infections that underlie many cases of hair loss and persistent dandruff.
How to Use Parijat
| Form | Dosage | How to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Decoction (Kwatha) | 50–100 ml per day | Boil 10–15 g fresh or dried leaves in 400 ml water to 100 ml; take twice daily for fever and arthritis |
| Leaf Juice (Swarasa) | 10–20 ml per day | Extract fresh juice; take in the morning on empty stomach; effective for fever, arthritis, and skin |
| Seed Powder (anti-parasitic) | 1–2 g as single dose | Take on empty stomach with warm water or buttermilk; follow with a mild laxative; for intestinal worms only |
| Leaf Paste (external) | As needed | Grind fresh leaves into a paste; apply to affected joints, fungal skin lesions, or scalp; leave 20–30 min |
Side Effects & Precautions
Parijat is generally safe in standard therapeutic doses. Its Ushna Virya may aggravate Pitta when used in excess — those with hyperacidity, acid reflux, or strong Pitta constitution should use it cautiously, preferably with a cooling anupana. High doses of Parijat seeds should be avoided, as concentrated seed extracts may cause nausea and gastrointestinal irritation. Pregnant women should avoid medicinal doses of Parijat, particularly the seeds (which have mild uterine-stimulating properties) and the leaf in large doses. People on immunosuppressant or antifungal medications should inform their healthcare provider before using Parijat concurrently.
Classical References
Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana 3) includes Parijata among herbs indicated for Vishama Jwara (malarial and irregular fevers) and Vatika disorders. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga) provides a detailed pharmacological account of Shephali (Parijat), noting its properties in fever, arthritis, skin diseases, and intestinal parasites. Dhanvantari Nighantu classifies Parijata among Krimighna (anti-parasitic) and Jwaraghna (fever-reducing) herbs. Raja Nighantu also describes Parijat as Keshya (hair-nourishing) and Kasahara (cough-relieving). Its mythological significance is described in the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, cementing its place in both Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cultural heritage.