Safed Musli: Properties, Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
There are many types of herbs in Ayurveda and one of them is the Safed Musli plant, is also a vajikarana herb. In Ayurveda, the use of white musli is considered very important for health.
It is used in traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy.
The properties found in it can be beneficial for health in many ways, specially prescribed for men with sex problems, especially for men who have low sperm count and low libido. It is also traditionally used as remedial for arthritis, cancer, diabetes, body immunity, prenatal and post natal problems, enhancing vitality, puberty, enhancing potency, semen and many other uses.
What Is Safed Musli?
The scientific name of Musli is Chlorophytum Borivilianum. It belongs to the Liliaceae family of plants. Safed Musli (Safed Musli in Hindi) usually grows on its own in the forest during the rainy season, but considering its usefulness, Safed Musli is now cultivated all over the country.
Considering its medicinal properties, it is also considered as ‘safe gold’ and ‘divine medicine’ in the Indian medical system. Apart from this, it is also used in Ayurvedic, Unani, Homeopathic and Allopathic medical systems.
Its roots (tubers) are widely used for various therapeutic applications. It is also sometimes referred to simply as Musli or Indian Spider Plant. (study) (study)
Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed musli ) Botanical Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Chlorophytum
Species: C. borivilianum
Agricultural Technology: Basically it is a wheat crop, hence the land used should be soft. Sandy clay loamy soil with good drainage, which contains adequate amount of fossils, is considered best for this. The soil should not be too soft otherwise the tubers will be thin.
Considering the usefulness of Safed Musli, its commercial cultivation is also done. The states with commercial cultivation of Safed Musli are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal etc.
Vernacular Names
- English: India spider plant, Spider plant (India), White musale.
- Hindi: Safed musli, Hazarmuli, Satmuli.
- Sanskrit: Swetha musli.
- Gujrati: Ujlimusli, Dholi musali.
- Arabic: Shaqaqule.
- Telgu: Tsallogadda, Swetha musli.
- Malyalam: Shedeveli, Shedheveli.
Safed Musli Properties
It is a valued medicinal plant, has become very popular and is now considered as an alternative to ‘Viagra’.
Recent medicina studies on the tubers of C. borivilianum have indicated antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antistress, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory activities. Steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, fructans and fructooligosaccharides, beta sitosterol, stigmasterol, hecogenin and mucilage are the major constituents of C. borivilianum which act as therapeutic agents in many therapeutic applications.
The major biochemical constituents of C. borivilianum are carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, saponins and alkaloids. Mainly saponins and alkaloids provide medicinal value. It is a rich source of alkaloids, vitamins, proteins, calcium, magnesium, phenols, resins, mucilage and polysaccharides and also contains high amounts of simple sugars, mainly sucrose, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose and xylose.
It also contains high quantity of simple sugars, mainly sucrose, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose and xylose. (study)
Safed Musli Ayurvedic Properties:
According to ayurvedic medicine, this herb is mainly Pittasamic and Vattsamic, but it increases Kapha dosha. For this reason, it should be avoided in phlegm related problems.
Rasa: Sweet, Bitter
Guna: Moist, Unctuous,
Heavy Virya: Cold
Vipaka: (post-digestive effect): Sweet (study)
Health Benefits Of Safed Musli
It is used as a herb and its consumption provides many benefits to our body, which are supernatural. So let us know what are the benefits of consuming Safed Musli.
To Increase Immunity
It has been scientifically proven that Safed Musli can fight diseases in the body and promote overall health. Furthermore, its bactericidal activity and antibody response serve as good immunological indicators in fish. (study)
To reduce stress
This herb is very beneficial in removing physical weakness and increasing energy, that is why it is used in the manufacturing of many medicines. (study)
Arthritis
Pain in bones and joints is a common problem as we age. Most of the elderly in the world are suffering from the problem of arthritis. Consumption of Safed Musli provides relief from joint pain and swelling in arthritis. As we mentioned above, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Which can be beneficial in relieving pain caused by arthritis. (study)
Female Disease
Musli is also very beneficial for women. It reduces the effects of aging on women and enhances their beauty. Apart from this, it is also beneficial in many types of female diseases.
Increase Women Libido
In most women, sexual desire increases with age, which can cause mental stress and problems in personal life. But white pestle or capsules made from it can be used as a natural way to increase the libido of women. Since it is helpful in removing the weakness and weaknesses of the female body. Additionally, it also promotes sexual health and general health of women.
For Impotence
According to research, it increases semen production and improves semen quality. The antioxidant properties found in it can be beneficial in increasing fertility. It is believed that its regular consumption can reduce the risk of impotence to a great extent. (study) it is considered as an alternative ‘Viagra’.
Safed Musli Uses
According to research, 15 grams of Safed Musli root can be boiled in a cup of milk and taken twice a day. It would be better if you consume Musli as per the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor.
Musli powder and Musli Pak are mainly used for its consumption in Ayurvedic medicine. Generally it is advised to eat Safed Musli with milk.
It can be consumed in various forms like powder, capsules, or as a tonic. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications, to avoid any potential interactions or side effects.
Side Effects Of Safed Musli
Some potential side effects of Safed Musli may include:
Gastrointestinal Issues: Some people may experience digestive problems like diarrhea, stomach cramps, or nausea.
Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions are possible with any herb. Symptoms might include itching, rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Hormonal Changes: Safed Musli is believed to have effects on certain hormones. In some cases, it might cause hormonal imbalances, affecting reproductive hormones or thyroid function.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to determine the safety of using Safed Musli during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It’s better to avoid it during these times to err on the side of caution.
Blood Sugar Levels: Safed Musli might affect blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes should monitor their levels closely when using it.
Interactions with Medications: It’s important to be cautious when using Safed Musli alongside certain medications, as it could potentially interact and affect their efficacy.
Conclusion
Safed Musli, is a herb native to India with a long history in traditional medicine. Its purported benefits span a wide range, from aphrodisiac properties to potential effects on overall health. However, while it has been used in Ayurveda and traditional practices for various health conditions, scientific research supporting its efficacy is still limited and inconclusive.
