Jivak
Jivak
Jivak is an orchid that forms colonies in shady places or moist and wet grounds.It is majorly found in Uttrakhand, India, and is known for its medicinal properties. It is an important ingredient of “Chyawanprash” from ancient times.
Externally, Jivak is beneficial for protecting skin from harmful radiation as it possesses photo-protective activity. In addition, it also prevents skin aging due to its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. In Ayurveda, Jivak is useful in managing joint pain or pain associated with the wound due to its Vata balancing property.
As per Ayurveda, it helps manage diarrhea due to its Vata and Pitta balancing. It is also helpful in bronchitis due to its Vata and Kaph balancing properties. Jivak also maintains the overall health of a person due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. Taking Jivak Chyawanprash protects from infection by strengthening the immune system.
As there is not enough scientific evidence available, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Jivak for medicinal purposes[2][6][8].
Externally, Jivak is beneficial for protecting skin from harmful radiation as it possesses photo-protective activity. In addition, it also prevents skin aging due to its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. In Ayurveda, Jivak is useful in managing joint pain or pain associated with the wound due to its Vata balancing property.
As per Ayurveda, it helps manage diarrhea due to its Vata and Pitta balancing. It is also helpful in bronchitis due to its Vata and Kaph balancing properties. Jivak also maintains the overall health of a person due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. Taking Jivak Chyawanprash protects from infection by strengthening the immune system.
As there is not enough scientific evidence available, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Jivak for medicinal purposes[2][6][8].
What are the synonyms of Jivak?
Malaxis acuminata, Jivya, Dirghayu, Cirajivi, Jeevak, Jeevakam, Jeevakamu[1].
What is the source of Jivak?
Plant Based
Benefits of Jivak
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea, known as Atisara in Ayurveda, is a condition in which a person suffers from watery stools more than 3 times a day. It usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha which disturbs the functioning of the digestive fire (Agni) and results in Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). The other factors which might be responsible for Diarrhea are improper food, impure water, toxins (Ama) and mental stress. Jivak helps to manage diarrhea due to its Vata balancing property. It also helps to maintain the digestion and digestive fire due to its Pitta balancing property, thereby providing relief in diarrhea[8].
2. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the windpipe and lungs, which results in the accumulation of sputum. In Ayurveda, Bronchitis is known as Kasa roga and is caused by an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas. The imbalance of Vata dosha blocks the Kapha dosha in the respiratory tract (windpipe) resulting in the accumulation of sputum. This leads to congestion in the respiratory tract that obstructs the air pathway. Jivak helps to manage Bronchitis due to it’s Vata balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. It prevents the imbalance of Vata and reduces the symptoms of Bronchitis. It also helps maintain the overall health of a person[8].
3. Sexual weakness
Sexual weakness is the condition in which a person faces either loss of libido (low sexual desire in one or both partners) or early discharge of semen (in case of male partner). It usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Jivak helps to manage Sexual weakness due to it’s Vata balancing and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties[8].
Diarrhea, known as Atisara in Ayurveda, is a condition in which a person suffers from watery stools more than 3 times a day. It usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha which disturbs the functioning of the digestive fire (Agni) and results in Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). The other factors which might be responsible for Diarrhea are improper food, impure water, toxins (Ama) and mental stress. Jivak helps to manage diarrhea due to its Vata balancing property. It also helps to maintain the digestion and digestive fire due to its Pitta balancing property, thereby providing relief in diarrhea[8].
2. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the windpipe and lungs, which results in the accumulation of sputum. In Ayurveda, Bronchitis is known as Kasa roga and is caused by an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas. The imbalance of Vata dosha blocks the Kapha dosha in the respiratory tract (windpipe) resulting in the accumulation of sputum. This leads to congestion in the respiratory tract that obstructs the air pathway. Jivak helps to manage Bronchitis due to it’s Vata balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. It prevents the imbalance of Vata and reduces the symptoms of Bronchitis. It also helps maintain the overall health of a person[8].
3. Sexual weakness
Sexual weakness is the condition in which a person faces either loss of libido (low sexual desire in one or both partners) or early discharge of semen (in case of male partner). It usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Jivak helps to manage Sexual weakness due to it’s Vata balancing and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties[8].
Precautions when using Jivak
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Enough evidence is not available about the precautions and safety related to the use of Jivak. So it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Jivak.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The botanical name of Jivak is Malaxis acuminata[1].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Sharma Y, Rani J, Raina R, et al. New insights into the morphology of Malaxis acuminata D Don. International Journal of Farm Sciences.2014;4(4):136-146.
- Sharma P, Nipun M, Pankaj G, et al.Malaxis acuminata: A Review.International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy.2011;2(2):422-425.
- Sharma P, Garg P, Dadhwal S, et al.Antimicrobial activity of butanol extract of Malaxis acuminata.Journal of Pharmacy Research.2011;4(8):2703-2704.
- Bose B, Choudhery H, Tandon M, et al.Studies on secondary metabolite profiling, anti-inflammatory potential , in vitro photoprotective and skin- aging related enzyme inhibitory activities if Malaxis acuminata, a threatened orchid of nutraceutical importance.Journal of photochemistry and photobiology.2017;173(C):686-695.
- Garg P,Aggarwal P, Sharma P, et al.Antioxidant activity of the butanol extract of Malaxis acuminata. (Jeevak).Journal of Pharmacy Research.2015;5(5):2888-2889.
- Raturi R, Kaur G, Gupta V, et al.Microstylis muscifera (Jeevak): Highly Therapeutic and Endangered Orchid.JBPR.2017;6(6):1-9.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.