White Champa

(Ironwood)
Sanskrit: नागकेसर • Botanical: Mesua ferrea Linn.

Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea) is a beautiful evergreen tree with fragrant white flowers with golden stamens. The flower stamens (Kesara) are the primary medicinal part. They are used in bleeding disorders, piles, dysentery, and skin diseases. The tree grows in the Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayan forests. The wood is extremely hard (hence 'ironwood'). The flowers bloom in March-April. The dried stamens are used commercially as a spice and medicine. Verse: 15.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Mesuol, Mammeisin, Xanthones, Essential oil
Also Known As
English: Ironwood, Cobra's Saffron
Sanskrit: नागकेसर, नागपुष्प, चम्पेय
Hindi: नागकेसर

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Grahi (absorbent)
  • Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding)
  • Vranaropana (wound healing)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.