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Veliyath Gardens

Mahavilvam Live Plant (Naringi crenulata)

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Mahavilvam: The Sacred Healer in Your Garden

Botanical Name: Naringi crenulata

Common Names: Mahavilvam, Narinarakam, Toothed-Leaf Limonia, Elephant Nettle

Mahavilvam (Naringi crenulata) is a revered plant in traditional medicine, deeply rooted in Ayurvedic and folk healing practices across India and Southeast Asia. This hardy, medicinal tree is known for its diverse therapeutic benefits, with every part of the plant offering remedial properties. From promoting digestive health to enhancing fertility, Mahavilvam has been valued for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments.

A Medicinal Powerhouse

Healing Properties and Traditional Uses

The Mahavilvam tree has been extensively used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine for its curative effects. Different parts of the plant serve distinct medicinal purposes:

  • Roots: A decoction made from the roots is traditionally used to treat colic disorders, vomiting, and dysentery.

  • Leaves:

    • A paste made from fresh leaves mixed with milk is believed to help with epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

    • Decoction of the leaves is effective in relieving cold, cough, and digestive issues.

    • Fresh leaf extract, when applied externally, is known to promote hair growth.

    • Regular chewing of raw leaves is believed to support a healthy pregnancy.

  • Bark: The bark juice is used externally for quick relief from sprains and muscular pain.

  • Fruits: Dried fruit powder is used as a stimulant and general tonic. A fruit decoction is traditionally used as an insect repellent.

The plant is also utilized to treat skin conditions like eczema and scabies, often in combination with Phyllanthus reticulatus. Additionally, it has been employed in treating throat infections, jaundice, and even cardiovascular ailments.

Nutritional Benefits of Mahavilvam Fruit

While Mahavilvam fruit is considered edible, it is primarily valued for its medicinal properties rather than its taste. The fruit is rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants, making it beneficial for overall health. Some of its key benefits include:

  • Boosts Immunity: Packed with bioactive compounds that enhance immune function.

  • Supports Digestive Health: Helps in relieving digestive disorders and promotes gut health.

  • Anthelmintic and Astringent: Effective in eliminating intestinal parasites and improving bowel movements.

  • Cardiac and Liver Support: Traditional medicine suggests its role in maintaining heart health and treating jaundice.

How Does Mahavilvam Taste?

The fruit has a mildly astringent and slightly bitter taste, which is why it is not widely consumed as a snack. However, when mixed with honey or other sweeteners, its nutritional benefits can be easily incorporated into daily diets.

Growth and Maintenance of Mahavilvam Tree

Mahavilvam is a low-maintenance tree that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It is resilient to drought and grows well in a variety of soil conditions.

  • Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

  • Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility.

  • Watering: Requires minimal watering once established; ideal for regions with moderate rainfall.

  • Pruning: Regular pruning enhances its growth and maintains a bushy appearance.

  • Pest Resistance: Naturally resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an ideal addition to home gardens.

Cultural and Traditional Importance

Mahavilvam holds a sacred place in Indian culture, particularly in Ayurveda and folk medicine. It is often associated with rituals and holistic healing practices, where its leaves and fruit are used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Mahavilvam is revered as a divine plant and is often found in temple courtyards.

How to Preserve and Utilize Mahavilvam in Daily Life

  • Drying the Leaves and Fruits: Leaves and fruits can be dried and powdered for long-term storage.

  • Herbal Infusions: Decoctions made from the leaves and bark can be consumed regularly for health benefits.

  • Oil Infusions: Leaf extracts can be infused into oils for use in hair and skin treatments.

Why You Should Add Mahavilvam to Your Garden

Mahavilvam is more than just a plant; it is a natural healer. By growing this medicinal tree in your home garden, you ensure access to a traditional remedy that has been trusted for generations. Its resilience, coupled with its vast therapeutic benefits, makes it a worthy addition to any landscape.

At Veliyath Gardens, we bring you the finest Mahavilvam Live Plants, cultivated with care and expertise. Add this sacred plant to your garden and experience its natural wonders firsthand!

Planting and Care

Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility.

Watering: Requires minimal watering once established; ideal for regions with moderate rainfall.

Special Feature

Boosts Immunity: Packed with bioactive compounds that enhance immune function.

Supports Digestive Health: Helps in relieving digestive disorders and promotes gut health.

Anthelmintic and Astringent: Effective in eliminating intestinal parasites and improving bowel movements.

Uses/Benefits

Mahavilvam holds a sacred place in Indian culture, particularly in Ayurveda and folk medicine. It is often associated with rituals and holistic healing practices, where its leaves and fruit are used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Mahavilvam is revered as a divine plant and is often found in temple courtyards.