Jatamamsi

Question 1

What does the word jatamamsi mean?

Answer 1

‘aunty of matted hair’, because of the appearance of the root. This refers to the second mother (or aunty) of the mind, because matted hair also symbolizes a highly experienced woman or yogini.

Question 2

What is it’s rasa?

Answer 2

Bitter, astringent, sweet

Question 3

What is it’s virya?

Answer 3

Shita

Question 4

What is it’s vipaka?

Answer 4

Sweet

Question 5

What are it’s three gunas?

Answer 5

unctuous, sharp, light

Question 6

What is it’s prabhava?

Answer 6

enhances intelligence, removes possession by spirits, and heals mental disorders
Pacifies all three doshas

Question 7

For what dhatus does it have an affinity?

Answer 7

Mamsa, meda, asthi, majja, and the mind

Question 8

What are it’s 23 actions?

Answer 8

Enhances intelligence, improves memory, rasayana, brain tonic, antidepressant, mood elevator, anti-epileptic, removes possession, reduces fever, calms down burning, rashes and other skin disorders, enhances color complexion, improves digestion, mild laxative, diuretic, cardiac inhibitor, reduces high blood pressure, bronchodilator, improves sperm count, enhances meditation and awareness; externally used it is anti-inflammatory and reduces excess sweating

Question 9

In what 12 conditions is it indicated?

Answer 9

Hysteria, epilepsy, depression, syncope, breathlessness, tachycardia, cystitis, dysmenorrhea, eczema, decreases blood pressure, palpitations

Question 10

In what circumstances is it contraindicated?

Answer 10

Severe insomnia. In high doses it can cause vomiting and diarrhea with abdominal pain.