Aganosma caryophyllata – (Gandhamalati) – Uses, Qualities, Research

By Dr Renita D’Souza
Gandhamalathi and Gandhakokila are fragrant Ayurvedic herbs mentioned in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. They are considered as hot in potency and mainly act on kapha dosha by expelling its excess quantity.

Botanica Name – Aganosma caryophyllata
Family – Apocynaceae
Synonyms – Aganosma dichotoma, Aganosma heynei

Table of Contents

Qualities, morphology

Medicinal Qualities
Rasa (taste) – Tiktha (bitter)
Virya (potency) – Ushna (Hot)
Guna (qualities) – Snigdha (unctuous), Sughanda (fragrant)
Karma (action) – reduces excess Kapha dosha

Gandhakokila plant also possess same quality as that of Gandhamalathi .

Morphology
Gandhamalathi is a large climber with white fragrant flowers. Leaves are leathery, ovate and green colour.

Uses, Sanskrit verse, vernacular

Uses
In pitta diseases its leaves are used.
It induces Vomiting.
Flowers are used in eye disorders.
Flower bud paste is used in skin infection between the toes.

Vernacular Name
Hindi Name – Malati
Bengali Name – Malati
Telugu Name – Mogari

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.