Staff Tree Oil (Malkangani)

Botanical Name, Celastrus paniculatus

Uses:  Malkangani, also known as “Staff tree” or ‘Tree of Life’, is a large woody climbing shrub.

• Its oil is beneficial for hair and is used as a hair tonic. The application of Malkangani on the scalp makes hair healthy and helps reduce dandruff due to its antifungal property.
• Malkangani is also used for managing dermal problems such as eczema. Malkangani leaves have strong wound healing activity and help reduce pain and inflammation due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• According to Ayurveda, Malkangani powder can be taken along with honey or water to help manage pain and swelling due to osteoarthritis due to its vata balancing property.
• Malkangani is also one of the most useful Ayurvedic herbs that are used for hair related problems. According to Ayurveda, the reason for hair fall is an aggravated Vata dosha. Using Malkangani oil helps in balancing Vata and remove excessive dryness from the scalp.
• Malkangani powder or oil helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected area. Some of the symptoms of eczema are rough skin, blisters, inflammation, itchiness, and bleeding. Applying Malkangani or its oil reduces inflammation and helps to stop bleeding. This is because of its Ropan (healing) property.
• Tips:

1. Take 2-5 drops of Malkangani (Jyotishmati) oil or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with coconut oil or olive oil.
3. Apply or massage on the affected area.
4. Repeat this to manage various skin diseases.

• Malkagani oil is good for skin diseases when applied externally. It helps to reduce inflammation and fastens the healing process due to its Ropan (healing) property.
• The oil extracted from the seeds of Malkangani has sedative, antidepressant, anticonvulsant anxiolytic, and antiulcer properties. It is beneficial in case of stomach problems, sores, infections and diseases like Beriberi.
• Malkangani is good during winters due to its Ushna (hot) nature that keeps the body warm. A massage with Malkangani oil gives relief from joint pain and stiffness especially during winter.

Malkangani can be used for dermal problems. The leaves of this plant have wound healing, antimicrobial, moisturizing, antifungal properties and reduces pain and inflammation. Therefore Malkangini can be used in the management of skin diseases like pruritus.