Arthritis and rheumatism are two of the most painful and restrictive conditions that can affect people and an arthritis remedy that can help without harming is not easy to come by.
Fortunately, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which has discovered the use of Karinochi in treating arthritis and rheumatism has a harmless remedy to offer. This small plant, easy to grow in your backyard Ayurvedic herbs garden has been used by Ayurvedic practitioners to relieve the symptoms of arthritis and a host of other maladies for centuries.
Karinochi/ Vitex negundo, Nirgundi in Sanskrit and Five-leaved Chaste Tree in English is a small aromatic shrub native to South and Southeast Asia.
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Medicinal Uses of Karinochi :
The primary use of karinochi is to relieve arthritic and rheumatic pain. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of karinochi are made use of in the preparation of Ayurvedic remedies for these conditions. It brings down swellings in joints and taking a bath in water boiled with the leaves of karinochi is an effective pain reliever for people suffering from arthritis and rheumatism.
The root of karinochi is effective against coughs and other respiratory ailments. Sleeping on a pillow stuffed with karinochi leaves relieves headaches caused by sinuses, relieves phlegm and clears the nasal passages.
The vulnerary (wound-fighting) properties of karinochi leaves, bark and roots are used to soothe skin sores, calm itching, and even as a cure for the bites of poisonous spiders and snakes. It also dispels worms and fetid discharges, disinfecting ulcers and other sores.
The juice of karinochi leaves boiled with mustard oil is an effective medicine for ear infections in children. Just the application of a couple of drops in the affected ear works wonders.
Karinochi is also used to treat several gastric troubles including stomachaches, intestinal worms, flatulence, swelling etc.
An effective pest repellent, dried leaves of karinochi are used in grain storage areas to keeps away pests. By the same measure, growing this shrub in your backyard gives you the bonus of keeping away mosquitoes.
If nothing else, we are sure, that last line about keeping mosquitoes away is bound to send you rushing to one of these Ayurvedic nurseries to get yourself a sapling of karinochi. Such a natural and harmless option against all the harmful chemical solutions available in the market these days!
Coming up next : Vaeppu (Neem)
5 Comments
Binu · December 2, 2019 at 3:01 am
Thanks for the information
Chandran · April 17, 2020 at 12:01 am
Details given about plant Karinochi is very useful to the readers&can protect it in our home compound as a useful medicinal plant.tnx for giving all details about the plant.(acn)17-4-20
Dominic Manakil · October 27, 2020 at 8:02 am
Some one told the juice of this plant leaves mixed with oil and applying on hair can reduce alopecia ,hair fall. Is that correct? Thanks
Shyam · January 12, 2023 at 9:51 am
How to use this to relieve pains in any part of body/ joint pains due to aging process ie forvpoeple above 65 years age ,good information Thanks
Where do zi get in Mumbai ?
Itoozhi Ayurveda · February 14, 2023 at 8:54 pm
Hello Shyam, thank you for writing in to Itoozhi Ayurveda. We donot have information presently on the locations where you could get the Karinochi herbs in Mumbai, but would be glad to assist whenever you are visiting Kannur, Kerala.As mentioned in our article, “Taking a bath in water boiled with the leaves of karinochi is an effective pain reliever for people suffering from arthritis and rheumatism.” For chronic relief of pain due to arthiritis for seniors through Ayurveda, we welcome you to our centres of your choice – Bengaluru or Kannur, Kerala. Thannk you.