Ayurveda

Medicinal properties of FoxNut

(Euryale ferox ) or “Makhana”

The plant foxnut belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. It is popularly known as “Makhana” in India. It grows in water and is found in India, Korea, Japan and Russia.

Fox nut plant does not have stem. It has large round leaves and produces bright purple flowers. The whole plant is covered with small thorns (kantaka) .The leaves of fox nut plant have green upper surface and purple shaded lower surface. This plant produces fruits which are about the size of a small orange. Each fruit contains 8-10 seeds which are of pea size.

According to texts of ayurveda foxnut or makhana tastes sweet (madhura rasa) and is heavy to digest (guru). It increases moisture level in body tissues (snigdha and sheeta veerya).

Medicinal Properties of Makhana
 
The seeds of foxnut are used in ayurvedic preparations. Fox nut alleviates vata and pitta dosha. It strengthens the heart and is very useful in anemia. Makhana increases quality and quantity of semen, prevents premature ejaculation, increases libido and helps in female infertility. It is an important ingredient of herbal preparations used for erectile dysfunction. It strengthens body and increases energy level. Because of its aphrodisiac properties it is grouped under vrishyadi varga. The herbs under this group are used in vajikarana therapy.

The texts of ayurveda describe properties of foxnut or makhanna as follows

“makhannam snigdhavrishyam cha garbhasamsthapakam param |
Vatapitta haram balyam sheetam pittasradaahanut ||”


Makhanna increases stickiness of secretions by increasing moisture level in body. Hence it increases quality and quantity of semen and is useful in impotence. It helps to increase the fertility in women and reduces vata and pitta. It strengthens the body and reduces burning sensation and quenches thirst.

Uses of Fox Nut or Makhana in Alternative Medicine Systems

According to principles of traditional Chinese medicine fox nut or Makhana is used to strengthen spleen and kidneys. It is indicated in conditions like spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, neuralgia, incontinence, chronic diarrhea etc. According to herbalists it is helpful in preventing early discharge of semen and restores sexual vigor in older men. (Because of this property the fox nut is categorized under Vajikarana dravyas in texts of ayurveda.) Makhana helps in conditions like arthritis, erectile dysfunction and premature aging. This herb has antioxidant properties and helps in digestion, rejuvenates respiratory system and prevents frequent urination.

04-Sep-2010

More by :  Dr. Savitha Suri

Top | Ayurveda

Views: 4183      Comments: 5



Comment will this Makhana consumption help in improvig AMH which is teh cause for infertility and in case of hypothyroid in case of my husband . Myself aged 35 and husband is 39yrs. if so, what should be the level of consumptions and how and in which form for good results

Abhijeeta Bhadange
26-Jul-2011 00:56 AM

Comment It depends upon the grade of cancer and treatment the patient is undergoing

savithasuri
23-Oct-2010 21:27 PM

Comment Are they good for patients who have kidneycancer.

shoob
23-Oct-2010 21:10 PM

Comment It approximately contains 12% of protein, 76 % carbohydrate, 0.1% fat, 1.3 %minerals and 12 %water. It can be used in making subzis, kheer, and parathas. Lots of makhana recipes are available on internet. 1/2 cup of makhana will suffice both of you when used in Indian recipes.

savithasuri
05-Sep-2010 23:45 PM

Comment Article is very good. I would like to know the effective quantity for daily consumption by aged Man and Women i.e. Age more then Sixty and Seventy. Calorific Value. It is a proteine or carbohydrate.
Thanks for reply.

Ram
04-Sep-2010 19:42 PM




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