A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Jyotishmati (Celastrus panniculatus)
Latin Name: Celastrus panniculatus, Willd.
Family: Celastraceae (Jyotishmati Kula)
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka Samhita: Shirovirechana (Substances that cleanse the head/orifices)
Sushruta Samhita: Adhobhagahara (Substances acting on the lower body), Shirovirechana
Sanskrit Synonyms: Paravatapadi, Kakandaki, Kangunika, Peetatalia, Svarnalata, Jyotirlata.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Malakangani
Marathi: Malakangoni
Gujarati: Malkangni
Malayalam: Pahruvam
English: Staff Tree
Morphology: A large, deciduous climber reaching up to 18 meters in height. The stem is reddish-brown with numerous small, elongated, whitish lenticels. Leaves are ovate with serrated margins. Flowers are green and fragrant. The fruit is a bright yellow, trilobed capsule containing 3-6 triangular, saffron-colored seeds, each enclosed in a brightly colored orange-red aril. The plant is named 'Jyotishmati' (lit. 'lustrous') due to the vibrant color of its fruits.
Habitat: Found in Punjab, the hilly areas of Kashmir, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Malaya.
Part Used: Seed (Beeja), Seed Oil (Taila)
Purification (Śodhana): Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text for Jyotishmati. Classical texts may describe specific Śodhana processes, but this information is absent from the source.
Preservation: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Standard practice involves storing dried seeds and oil in airtight containers, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
Guṇa (Qualities) Teekshna (Penetrating), Snigdha (Unctuous)
Vīrya (Potency) Ushna (Hot)
Vipāka (Post-digestive Effect) Katu (Pungent)
Prabhava (Special Effect) Medhya (Intellect promoting, Nootropic)
Dosha Karma:
Kapha-Vātahara: Primarily pacifies Kapha and Vata Doshas due to its Ushna (hot), Teekshna (penetrating), and Katu-Tikta (pungent-bitter) properties.
Pittakara: Can aggravate Pitta due to its Ushna Vīrya (hot potency).
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha & Purishavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Acts as a Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestive) due to its Katu-Tikta Rasa and Ushna Vīrya. Its Snigdha (unctuous) and Ushna qualities facilitate Vatanulomana (downward movement of Vata), making it useful in Vibandha (constipation) and Gulma (abdominal lumps/tympanites).
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): Its Kaphaghna (reduces Kapha) and Shirovirechana (cleansing head passages) properties make it beneficial as a Nasya (nasal administration) for Kaphaja Shiroroga (sinus congestion, headaches). It helps in Kasa (cough) and Shvasa (dyspnea, asthma) by liquefying and expelling Kapha (Kaphavilayana).
Rasavaha & Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory System): Stimulates heart function and improves circulation (Rasa-Samvahana) due to its Ushna Vīrya and Teekshna Guna. This action helps overcome depressed cardiac function and clears edema by absorbing excess fluid (Kleda). Useful in managing edema and weakness.
Majjavaha Srotas (Nervous System): Its primary action is Medhya (nootropic). It enriches Sadhaka Pitta (the sub-dosha governing intellect) and strengthens the brain (Mastishka) and nervous pathways (Vatavahinis). Indicated in memory loss, lack of concentration, and other cognitive deficits.
Vātavaha Srotas (Nervous/Musculoskeletal System): Highly effective in Vatavyadhi (neuromuscular disorders) due to its Snigdha (unctuous), Ushna (hot), and Teekshna (penetrating) properties, which help remove Srotorodha (channel blockage) caused by Ama. Used in Pakshaghata (hemiplegia), Ardita (facial paralysis), Sandhivata (osteoarthritis), Grudhrasi (sciatica), and Kampavata (tremors).
Shukravaha & Artavavaha Srotas (Reproductive System): Acts as a Vajikara (aphrodisiac) due to its Ushna Vīrya. It stimulates the uterus, promoting menstrual secretion (Artavajanana) and is used in cases of Kashtartava (dysmenorrhea) and to ease labor.
Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary System): Stimulates kidney function and pacifies Vata, making it useful in Mutrakrichchhra (dysuria).
Primary Actions Summary:
Medhya: Nootropic, intellect-promoting.
Vajikara: Aphrodisiac.
Vātahara: Pacifies Vata Dosha, especially in neurological conditions.
Shirovirechana: Cleanses the head and sense orifices.
Svedjana: Promotes sweating (diaphoretic), useful in fever.
Vishaghna: Antidote to certain poisons.
Dosage (Mātrā):
Seed Powder (Beeja Churna): 1 - 2 grams.
Seed Oil (Taila): 1 - 10 drops.
Anupāna (Vehicle):
Warm Water, Milk, Ghee.
Important Formulations (Kalpa):
Jyotishmati Taila: The primary medicated oil used for both internal administration and external massage (Abhyanga) in neurological disorders.
Contraindications (Nivārita): Contraindicated in individuals with high Pitta, inflammatory conditions, hyperacidity, and during pregnancy (except under strict medical supervision for labor induction).
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha/Atiyoga Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Overdose causes gastric irritation leading to Chhardi (vomiting).
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): The irritation and vomiting caused by overdose can be controlled by administering cow's milk and ghee. Lavanga Taila (Clove oil) is mentioned as a specific antidote (Pratinidhi).
Chemical Composition:
Seeds contain approximately 52% of a thick, fragrant oil.
Other constituents include resin, tannin, and about 5% salts.