Bhootkeshi – Bhutakeshi – Selinum vaginatum – Beg karfas

Bhootkeshi – Bhutakeshi

Latin – Selinum vaginatum

Other Names : Beg karfas, Begkarfas, Bhutakeshi, Bhootkeshi, Akasamamsi, Mura, Bhurigandha,  Gandhamadanri, Selinum vaginatum, Rochanatagara, Mansri Vishesa, Rochana-Tagara, Bhutakesi, Muramaansi, Mura, Moramamsi, Murra, Pushwari , Taggar, Moor, Pushwaari, Peshavari

Origin : India

Chemical Constituents : Coumarins, vaginatin, selinidin, vaginol, vaginidin and archangelone.

Ayurvedic Classification :

• Rasa (taste on the tongue): Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
• Guna (Pharmacological Action): Ruksha (Dry), Snigdha (Unctuous)
• Virya (Action): Ushna
• Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Katu (Pungent)

Action / Karma

1. Tridoshahara: Pacifies all the three doshas
2. Vedanahara: Gives relief in Vedna or Pain.
3. Rakshoghna: Protects against diseases
4. Keshya: Nourishes and improves hair condition.
5. Vranashodhana: Wound cleaning.

Properties :

1. Analgesic: Pain relieving.
2. Antispasmodic: Relieve spasm of involuntary muscle.
3. Aromatic: Pleasant and distinctive smell.
4. Carminative: Relieves flatulence.
5. CNS-Depressant: Slow brain activity. This property makes them useful for treating anxiety and sleep disorders.
6. Emmenagouge: Stimulates or increases menstrual flow.
7. Hypotensive: Lower blood pressure.
8. Nervine sedative: Nerve Tonic, calms nerves.

Other Uses

1. The rhizome is used for fumigation to ward off ghosts and spirits.
2. The rhizomes are used for liquor preparation.
3. The roots are aromatic and used as incense or Dhoop.