JatamansiJaṭāmāṃsī
Pacifies all three doshas; especially calming to Vata and Pitta.
- Common name
- Jatamansi
- Sanskrit (IAST)
- Jaṭāmāṃsī
- Latin botanical
- Nardostachys jatamansi
- Form
- Herb / Powder (Choorna)
- Category tags
- SleepCalming · Cooling
Overview & dosha effects
Pacifies all three doshas; especially calming to Vata and Pitta.
Traditional uses
The following are traditional Ayurvedic uses documented in classical texts and modern materia medica — not therapeutic claims for the treatment of disease.
How it is taken
1/4 to 1/2 tsp powder with warm milk at bedtime, or 300 mg capsules.
Classical text references
- [1]Bhāvaprakāśa NighaṇṭuKarpūrādi Varga
Cited as a medhya and nidrā-janana (sleep-promoting) dravya.
Modern research
Contemporary clinical and pharmacological reviews (see references) explore Jatamansi's role in the areas where Ayurveda has traditionally used it. Evidence quality varies; treat single studies with caution and prefer systematic reviews.
Safety notes — read before use
As with all traditional herbs, avoid in active flare-ups of the condition you're treating and in anyone with a known allergy to the plant family. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop rash, breathing changes, swelling, digestive upset or any new symptom after starting.
- ✕Pregnancy and lactation — insufficient safety data
- ✕With benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol, or general anesthesia — additive CNS depression
- ✕Two weeks before surgery
- ✕Severe hypotension or bradycardia
- ✕Driving or operating machinery shortly after dose
Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without direct supervision by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your GP or obstetrician. Many Ayurvedic herbs have not been studied in pregnancy and traditional cautions apply.
May interact with prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medications, sedatives, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants and drugs metabolised by the liver. Always share a complete list of herbs and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist.
Specific to Jatamansi: Source carefully — Nardostachys jatamansi is CITES-listed; many products are adulterated with Valeriana species.
Valerianaceae family. Those allergic to valerian root may cross-react. Rare reports of headache or paradoxical excitation.
This is educational information, not a prescription. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (vaidya) and your GP before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, over 65, take prescription medication, have a chronic condition or are scheduled for surgery.
Classical alternatives
Sustainably-sourced Tagara (Valeriana wallichii) or Shankhpushpi gives similar calming action without conservation concerns.
References
- [1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu, Karpūrādi Varga — Cited as a medhya and nidrā-janana (sleep-promoting) dravya.
- [2]PubMed · Nardostachys jatamansi neuropharmacology ↗
- [3]CITES appendix listing (conservation) ↗
- [4]Banyan Botanicals · Jatamansi ↗
