BALCHAR

English            :           Nardus root/Indian Nard/Spikenard

Urdu                :           Balchar

Telugu             :           Jatamansi/Jatamamsi

Description  :

This is a perennial herb having its stem partly underground and partly above ground about 10-60 cm woody long and stout rhizome. It is the drug which is grey in colour as thick as the little-finger, covered by a bundle of fine reddish-brown fibers from the stalks of the dead leaves. It has aromatic odour and bitter taste. It contains a volatile oil. Leaves arise from the root-stock,15-20 cm long and 2.5-3 cm broad.

Action and Uses:  Root or rhizome is warming,resolvent ,diuretic, emmeagogue, tonic for vital organs,depressant, anti-spasmodic and sedative.

It is used in gastritis,hepatitis,jaundice,impaired liver fuctions,spastic colon,cystitis and metritis. It is also used in the treatement of epilespy,hysteria,other convulsive affections,hyperkinesia, chorea, nervous headache,palpitation of heart, menopausal disturbances and amenorrohea.

It is good and effective in insomnia in which is its volatile oil mixed wiht sesame oil is rubbed on the head as a nervine sedative. It promotes growth and blackness of hairs. Hence it is included in the formulations of hair oils and hair oils and hair tonics.

The juice extracted from the fresh rhizomes is more effective and the properties of the drug are lost in drying.

Ibn Sina’s View:It is deobstuent and resolvent. Indian variety is more constipating but less hot. It prevents catarrh and strengthens for hepatic and gastric obstuctions and gives them strength. Very useful in jaundice. Also diuretic and emmenagogue.