HERBAL GARDEN
नल
Classification
Synoyms
Nala (Sanskrit)
Great Reed
Wild Cane
Giant Cane
Habit
Tall, perennial reed-like grass
Habitat
Commonly found along riverbanks, wetlands, canals and moist soil areas. Grows in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in India, Mediterranean countries and Southeast Asia.
Morphology
- Gows up to 6–10 meters in height
- Stems: Hollow, jointed, similar to bamboo but softer
- Leaves: Long, linear-lanceolate, green and tapering
- Flowers: Purple to brown panicles, flowering rarely in some regions
- Rhizomatous root system helps in rapid vegetative propagation
Chemical Composition
Lignin
Essential oils
Flavonoids
Tannins
Phenolic compounds
Alkaloids
Guna-Karma
Rasa- Kashaya, Tikta
Guna- Laghu, Ruksha
Virya- Sheeta
Vipaka- Madhura
Karma- Mutrala, Jwaraghna, Shothahara, Pittahara, Vranaropana
Doshakarma- Pitta-Vatahara
Medicinal uses
Used in urinary problems like dysuria and burning micturition.
Effective in fever and inflammatory conditions.
Helps in jaundice, internal heat, and thirst.
Traditionally used to treat wounds and skin irritation.
Roots are known to relieve Pitta disorders and reduce inflammation.
Useful Part
Root, Rhizome, Stem
Doses
Kwath (decoction): 20–50 ml
Churna (powder): 2–5 g
Swarasa (juice): 10–15 ml (from fresh root)
Important Formulation
Nalad Mool Kwath
Trinpanchmool kwatha
Shloka
नलः शीतो लघुः स्वादुः कफपित्तप्रशान्तकः।
तृष्णादाहज्वरार्तेषु लाभकारी विशेषतः॥ (भावप्रकाश निघण्टु – तृणवर्ग)
Hindi Name
नल घास
English Name
Giant Reed / Elephant Grass
Botanical Name
Arundo donax L.
Family
Poaceae (Gramineae)