Tagara And Ashwagandha – Recommended Herbs For Insomnia

Tagara or Valerian has been mentioned in Ayurveda text as a cure for insomnia in generally all the main Ayurvedic literature like Charaka samhita and Sushruta Samhita.

Scientific Name: Valeriana wallichi

Sanskrit Name: Kalanusarika

Indian Name: Tagara, Sugandhbala

Mention in Ayurveda:

The synonyms of Tagara are Kalanusarika, kutila, nahusha, nata, vakra, shat etc. Moreover, Tagara is madhura, tikta, kashaya, katu rasa, ushna Virya, Laghu, Snigdha Guna, katu Vipaka and Tridosahara (pacifies aggravation in all the three doshas viz. vata, pitta and kapha).

Tagara is mentioned in classical texts to be a holder of various gunas or specific properties such as Seetaprasamana, Tiktaskandha, Eladigana, chandanadigana, Karpuradi Varga.

Ayurveda herbs like Tagara, Ashwagandha, Jatamansi, and Jyotishmati has been mentioned as nidranashahara dravyas ( that what relieves from the malady of loss of sleep) by various authors. Thus, Tagara is one of the single herbs mentioned in Ayurveda as Nidrajanaka shamanoushadha.

Tagara is having ushna veerya and Snigdha Guna, acts as a vatahara ( pacifies Vata dosha or the air body humor). Due its vatahara property it is indicated in manovaha srotodusti vikaras  (mental ailments) like unmada, apasmara, mada etc.

Tagara Tree:

Tagara trees are long trees with small trunk and bearing white or pink flowers, and small fruits. The root and rhizome of the herb is used for medicinal purposes. This tree is found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Himalayas and Bhutan.

Valepotriates and the isovaleric acid are among many active chemical components of valerian, they promote healthy sleep patterns. The valepotriates have a calming effect on agitated people but it might have a little side effect of occasional fatigue.

Constitutes:

Roots and Rhizome of Tagara come to use as the main constitutes. Two teaspoons of fresh chopped root could be soaked for 8 to 10 hours in a cup of cold water. It could be used for insomnia and anxiety.

Usage:

  • Tagara (Valerian wallichi) is beneficial for eyes and central nervous system.
  • It is useful in hysteria.
  • Tagara has an analgesic and antiepileptic effects which helps reducing blood pressure.
  • Tagara is mainly useful for insomnia, as it helps the patient to fall asleep easily and quickly allows them to wake up without feeling dazed.
  • The extract of the herb reduces brain and spinal cord irritability.
  • This herb is considered a good remedy for restlessness, and stress-related anxiety, without affecting the ability to concentrate. It provides a feeling of calmness.
  • Even regular dosage of Tagara solves the problems of Ingestion or cholesterol.
  • Tagara is one such medicine which provides relief from all Nervous related activity.

 

Benefits of Tagara:

  • Stabilizes the mind and provides calmness.
  • Enhances sleep related cellular nervous system.
  • Enhances blood circulation hence good for skin and skin related problems.
  • Controls blood flow and maintains blood pressure.
  • Useful in treatment of Anxiety, Depression and other sleep disorders.
  • Increases Retention power of the brain.

Properties And Action: 

Rasa : Katu, Tikta ,Kasya

Guna : Laghu, Snigdha

Virya: Usna

Vipaka: Katu

Karma: Visaghna, Tridosahara, Raktadosahara, M¡nasadoshara.

Taste: Tagara is bitter, sweet, pungent and astringent in taste.

 

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About the Author:

Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon

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