Celastrus paniculatus (known as jyotishmati in Sanskrit) is a herb that sounds celestial. However, when I studied its function in the ayurvedic texts, superficially I found that it had very straightforward uses. It is a woody fruit bearing vine which is very hot in potency and used in treating skin diseases. In particular, the oil which is black is used in treating leucoderma.
The other uses to which this herb is put to is as a brain tonic. Its specific prabhava or special qualities is that it has medhya properties. Properties that improve the intellect. Its seeds, locally known as malkangani beej, are used in powder form and taken with milk. Other names include Kuvarikuntal in Tamil and Polulavam in Malayalam. The common English trade name for this is the black oil plant.
The seeds of the plant improve the functioning of the brain, nerves, joints and bones. It acts on the acetylcholine level of the brain and improves cognitive functions. Majority of the impacts caused by jyotishmati is because of its relation to the neurotransmitters serotonin, epinephrine and dopamine.
It is, therefore, very useful in treating dementia and memory disorders. The dosage has to be monitored by a physician as it is extremely hot in veerya and is totally contraindicated in pitta-type individuals. The dosage is between five and 15 drops of oil in milk or 1 gm of the powder in milk. It has powerful antioxidant effects and, hence, prevents oxidative damage to brain cells.
It is a nervine stimulant. It helps in tackling stress disorders. Additionally, it stimulates the liver and prevents plaque build-up in the arteries. This herb is usually recommended only in winters because of its thermogenic action which increases the heat in the body. In summer the dosage is usually reduced drastically. Because of its heat producing properties, it is contraindicated in pregnancy. It is also used to combat insomnia.
The oil from the plant known as jyotishmati or Celastrus oil or the elixir of life. Ginkgo biloba has popularly been used as a memory-enhancer. However, Celastrus paniculatus has been used for centuries as an aid for clarity of thought and memory in Ayurveda. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant. The seeds are bitter; however, traditionally the seeds have been boiled in water for about four minutes and then drunk to improve psychological capacity and mental function. Instead, 10 to 12 seeds can also be chewed. Many of the effects indicated above have also been scientifically validated recently.
The fruit of the tree is orange-coloured and superficially resembles the kumquat orange. It is a strikingly beautiful vine and grows in Punjab and Kashmir at an altitude of about 1,000 metres.
Now for an interesting aside about the herb. I was told that this herb promotes ‘lucid dreaming’ and dream recollection. Some even say that you can control your dreams. It is called the ‘intellect’ tree and along with its medhya improvement function, it also ‘improves’ the way you dream. Some pharmaceutical companies market this herb expressly for this purpose. It is a herb that can alter your consciousness and supercharge your brain. It is a perfectly legal and non-addictive herb. However, please do consult your vaidyar before use.
The writer is retired Additional Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu. She can be reached at sheelarani.arogyamantra@gmail. com/arogyamantra.blogspot.com