Medical Reviewer: Dr Surabhi Rawat
Safed Musli is a Rasayana herb which according to Ayurveda is best used as an aphrodisiac and an adaptogen and Ayurveda even calls it a ‘Divya Aushadhi’. Often called as just Musli, its botanical name is Chlorophytum borivilianum. The herb belonging to the family Liliaceae grows up to the height of 1.5 m only. The flowers of safed musli are of white colour. It is mainly the root of the herb which is used as a constituent in various medical formulations.
Safed Musli is known in Ayurveda for its exceptional benefits for male reproductive issues like erectile dysfunction, Oligospermia (low sperm count), premature ejaculation & low libido. It also is considered an excellent natural aphrodasiac for both males and females as it increases stamina & performance. It also helps in gaining weight and adding bulk.
Safed Musli Uses And Properties
Safed Musli’s root powder is used as a medicine as well as forms part of many Ayurvedic concoctions like Musli Pak.
Major uses of the herb include:
- As an aphrodisiac and even an alternative to Viagra
- Curing physical debility and for weight gain
- In joint problems like arthritis and osteoporosis
- Controlling diabetes mellitus
- Improving immunity
This herb has the following medicinal properties:
- Adaptogenic
- Androgenic
- Aphrodisiac
- Erectogenic
- Antacid
- Anti-arthritic
- Anticancer
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Anti-stress
- Cardioprotective
- Alternative
- Immunomodulatory
- Tonic
- Galactagogue
- Antihyperglycemic
- Antihyperlipidemic
Ayurvedic Properties or Gunadharma
- Physical property (Guna) – heavy and oily
- Taste (Rasa) – madhura or sweet
- Potency (Veerya) – sheeta or cool
- Conversion after digestion (Vipaka) – sweet after digestion
- Effect on doshas – pacifies Vata and Pitta but increases pitta
The major constituents of this herb which impart it such properties include saponins and alkaloids. The key saponins include hecogenin and stigmasterol. It is stigmasterol’s presence which makes it extremely effective in curing problems of the male reproductive system as it behaves like testosterone inside the body. Hecogenin helps in the synthesis of anabolic hormones. These hormones help in effective muscle building. Also, its’s roots are a storehouse of 25 types of alkaloids and minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium. It also contains a good number of minerals. Apart from this, it contains a good number of polysaccharides, mucilage, resins and phenols.
Benefits
Safed Musli Benefits For Weight Gain
Malnourishment is as prevalent as obesity. Malnourishment is not only about less than average body weight and physical debility but is the result of missing nutrition in food. Sometimes it can also happen because of poor digestive system functioning. When digestion doesn’t happen properly, many essential nutrients are excreted instead of being absorbed by the body. If malnutrition is not treated, it can even result in mental disability.
Safed Musli is considered as one of the best cures of malnutrition. This is because it helps in improving the digestive ability of the body and helps in absorbing maximum nutrients from food. It improves the metabolic function of the body and enhances the appetite. People looking for weight gain must consume it with milk on a regular basis. In case the patient has a very weak digestive system and there is a decrease in gastric acid secretions, Safed musli should be taken with Trikatu and honey.
Suggested Remedy: Malnutrition has many other associated symptoms like fatigue and weakness. However, physical weakness might also be a result of a long illness or performing strenuous activities. In case one is suffering from fatigue and tiredness, one must consume equal quantities of Safed Musli and Shakkar (1 teaspoon preferably) daily with a glass of milk.
Immunomodulatory
Safed Musli’s consumption regularly helps in improving the functioning of the immune system. There have been studies demonstrating that safed musli can help improve the fighting capability of the body against numerous bacteria.
For Treating Oligospermia
Oligospermia is a condition in which the sperm count is reduced. Chlorophytum borivilianum is quite effective in treating oligospermia. A study was performed in 2013 on adult males aged between 20 and 40 years. Some of them were given Safed Musli and some were given placebo. People given Safed Musli were given 500 mg of it daily in two divided doses. The study concluded that people given safed musli showed a significant rise in levels of sperm count, sperm motility, semen volume and liquefaction time of semen. This effect of safed musli is because of its Guru and Sita Virya property. In case one is looking for an effective medication to improve their semen quality, they must take the following combination of herbs for best results:
- Safed Musli
- Gokshura
- Shatavari
- Talmakhana
- Vidarikand
- Cardamom or Elaichi
- Praval Pishti
- Bang Bhasma
- Mukta Pishti
The total quantity of the mixture should be about 3 grams and it must be employed with milk daily.
Erectile Dysfunction: Increases Testosterone Levels
Spermatogenic property of Safed Musli ensures that better quality sperms are produced. It also helps in improving testosterone levels. More testosterone levels mean that more blood reaches the genitals which help in improving erections and treating erectile dysfunction. If one suffers from erectile dysfunction, one must consume Safed Musli with Akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum).
Suggested Remedy: For males suffering from sexual debility, consume half a teaspoon with one teaspoon honey or a cup of milk on a daily basis. Continue with the medication for around one to two months for best results.
Better Libido
Safed Musli is often referred to as herbal Viagra and is called Vajikarana or aphrodisiac in Ayurveda texts. As mentioned above, Safed Musli is extremely beneficial in males suffering from sexual debility due to poor sperm count and quality and erectile dysfunction. Apart from this, it can also help in controlling premature ejaculation and improving strength and stamina. It is a revitalizing agent and improves libido to a good extent. In 2016, a study was conducted in which albino rats were given the root extract. The study concluded with the result that safed musli has good aphrodisiac potential and helps in improving sexual vigour.
Suggested Remedy: To improve sexual performance, consume half a teaspoon safed musli powder with a glass of milk or one teaspoon honey. Consume it twice a day for about a month or two for best results.
Promotes Lactation In Pregnant Women
Safed Musli is known to act as a galactagogue. A galactagogue is any substance which improves the flow of milk in lactating mothers. For best result, lactating mothers should consume safed musli with shakkar/khandsari (organic raw sugar) or jeera (cumin seeds).
Treatment For Diabetes
Safed Musli is a potent anti-diabetic and antihyperglycemic. In 2014 a study was conducted in which male diabetic rats were given root extract of safed musli for 28 days. The quantity of herb administered was 250 to 500 mg per kg of body weight. The result of the study showed that the rats consuming safed musli displayed normal levels of blood sugar and haemoglobin and also normal body weight. Safed Musli also has an antioxidant property which helps prevent damage to the pancreas.
Ayurveda states that treatment of diabetes differs from person to person according to their bodily characteristics. People who are underweight and suffer from physical debility show positive results when treated with safed musli. However, similar is not the case when overweight people are administered safed musli.
Suggested Remedy: If the patient is weak and underweight, he or she must be given half a teaspoon safed musli powder along with milk twice daily. The medication must only be given till Vata is in a pacified state and Kapha starts increasing. This is because in such a case, safed Musli’s effects start vanishing.
Safed Musli For Joint Related Disorders
The anti-inflammatory properties of Safed Musli make it extremely beneficial if a person is suffering from rheumatism, arthritis or any other kind of joint pains. It is especially helpful in treating osteoarthritis. In the case of osteoarthritis, the joint lubricating synovial fluid level decreases. This happens because of a decrease in the level of shelshmaka kapha. When synovial fluid is absent or present in very low quantity, friction in the joints increases which results in inflammation of joints. Consuming safed musli helps in increasing the production of shelshmaka kapha and thereby synovial fluid, helping in preventing the deterioration of joints.
Safed Musli’s Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants are substances that help in flushing out free radicals from the body and reducing the buildup of oxidative stress. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology published a study in which it stated that administration of safed musli helps in inhibiting the buildup of free radicals and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. These reactive substances are formed as a result of lipid peroxidation in which free radicals damage the cells by removing electrons from the cell membrane lipid. Free radical formation and accumulation are also responsible for the formation of cancerous tumours. The root extract of safed musli shows anti-tumour and antimutagenic properties. Therefore consumption of safed musli also helps in eliminating tumours in the body. Presence of steroidal glycoside in Safed Musli also makes it an anti-cancer herb.
Other Benefits
- Safed musli displays adaptogenic activity; that is it helps the body adapt to stress like conditions. Hence consuming the herb can help induce calmness and reduce the buildup of stress and anxiety.
- If Safed Musli’s root powder is deep-fried in ghritam (ghee) and administered, it can help in curing throat and mouth infections.
- Since safed musli can aid in tissue restoration and muscle growth, it can also be used as a dietary supplement for bodybuilding.
- Safed musli is also said to be beneficial in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea.
Safed Musli: How To Consume And Dosage
- Take about two hours after meals
- It can be taken on an empty stomach, preferably with water
- It can be consumed with milk but not on an empty stomach
The dosage of the herb can vary according to body type and age. However, the general dosage is:
- Infants and children – 25 to 50 mg per kg body weight with a maximum dose of 1 gram at a time
- Teenagers – 1.5 to 2 grams
- Adults (18 to 60 years) – 3to 6 grams
- People above the age of 60 years – 2 to 3 grams
- Pregnant and Lactating women – 1 to 2 grams
The doses must be taken twice a day along with milk, approximately two hours after a meal and the total maximum permissible dosage in a day should not exceed 12 grams.
Safed Musli, Ashwagandha, Kaunch Beej & Shatavari Benefits Of Consuming Together
This is a great combination to be taken together. This mixture helps in increasing weight, physical strength, sexual power and vigour but there are two things that you should take care of before consuming it.
- Take it only with warm milk not cold.
- Also, do not consume it more than it is recommended by the Ayurveda practitioner and it can cause digestive issues like acidity.
Safed Musli: Side Effects And Precautions
This herb taken in prescribed dosage is considered safe and consumption more than required can cause the following side effects:
- Weight gain
- If a person suffers from any liver problem, there might be difficulty in digestion of food.
- Consuming in large quantities can also reduce appetite.
- People with a very poor digestive system should not consume, as it is heavy to digest.
It is best to use any herb after doctor’s consultation as each body type is different and the same herb might affect different people differently.
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