The botanical name of the parijat flower is Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. In Hindi it is called Harsingar. In Bengali the flower is called Sheuli or Shefali. In Odisha it is called Gangaseuli or Jharaasephali. Since it blooms at night, many people also call it Raat ki Rani. The plant is also known in English as night jasmine and coral jasmine. The reason is the plant's unique flowering routine.
The Parijat flower is white in color. It has 8 petals evenly spaced from an orange stalk. It comes with a sweet and light scent that fills the surroundings. The fallen flowers reflect the beauty of the ground.
In India, the flowering period of the parijat flower is August to November. Besides India, the harsingar flowering plant also grows in Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan and Indonesia.
History and Meaning in Indian Mythology
The Parijat or Harsingar flower is a divine flower that according to mythology was brought to earth by Lord Krishna.
Parijat plants flowers at night and sheds them in the morning. It is said that the flowers fall from the branches when the first ray of sunshine comes out. This is the only flower that can be plucked from the ground and sacrificed to god while you need to pluck other flowers to sacrifice to god. It is known as God's favorite flower. The word parijat means heavenly. The plant's other name Harsingar was derived as the flower is used as an ornament of God.
She is known as the flower of God. It is used in various spiritual activities. The blossoms of this flower signify the advent of autumn as well as the arrival of Ma Durga. It is also the state flower of West Bengal. In Tripura, this flower is associated with the human life cycle, as there it signifies birth and death.
There are many mythological stories about this plant. The most famous story among all is how it became Lord Krishna's favorite flower. Many mythological books such as the Bhargava Puran, Mahabharata and Vishnu Puran contain references to the Parijat flower. This plant was a result of Samudra Manthan. Lord Krishna won a battle with Lord Indra and put the tree in its place. His two wives, Satyabhama and Rukmini, longed for this beautiful plant. However, the tree was planted in Satyabhama's backyard as per their request. Finally, the Parijat flowers fell in the backyard of Rukmini, his beloved wife. In this way, it becomes a symbol of love, purity, devotion and loyalty in every relationship.
How to grow the parijat plant:
Although the general concept is that the Parijat plant should grow on the ground and needs a lot of space, you can have this plant in a pot. For this you need to follow a few rules.
So, here we are going to share the tips to grow the parijat plant in a pot.
From seed:
1. To grow the plant in the pot, you need at least a 16 inch diameter planter. For the best result; You must take an earthen pot. Make sure there are at least 3 holes in the bottom part of the planter so that the excess water comes out of the pot.
2. The best planting time is spring. You can also propagate it by cutting stems.
3. Do not plant the seeds in the winter season. During this time the seeds will not germinate. You must also avoid planting the tree at this time of year.
4. To prepare the soil you need to use 50% garden soil and 50% some type of compost like organic compost or vermicompost. Now mix the soil and compost well and make sure that no lumps are left. Now fill up the pot with the mixture.
5. To plant the seeds, you need to create a separate section and place them. You must maintain a depth of 2 cm so that the seedlings come out with ease.
6. You must maintain soil moisture, but not overwater it.
From cutting:
1. The first important thing in propagating Parijat or Raat-ki-Rani flowering plants is choosing the right stem. The stem must be at least 6-8 inches long and have at least 4-5 leaves. The stalk must be ripe and brown in color. Avoid green and tender stems.
2. Remove the leaves from the stem, keeping only 2-3 leaves along with it.
3. Now cut the end of the stem at a 45 degree angle. It increases the surface area of the stalk, allowing it to absorb as many nutrients as possible.
4. Prepare a potting mix of garden soil, river sand and cow manure.
5. To encourage root growth, you can also add rooting hormone at the bottom of the stem and plant it directly into the mix.
6. Water thoroughly after planting the stem.
7. Now you need to cover the pot with a plastic bag or bottle to provide the greenhouse effect.
8. Keep the plant in the shade for at least 10-12 days and check for new growth after the duration
9. Finally, you can put it in a larger pot if it outgrows the existing pot.
Caring for the parijat plant:
1. To take care of the parijat plant at home, you need to take care of the plant's watering schedule. The reason for this is that water is the main factor that can damage the plant. More often than not, overwatering can lead to root rot and eventually the plant dies. Water the plant deeply regularly for best results.
2. For the flowering of the plant, you need to add well-rotted manure. Be sure to prune the plant occasionally.
3. Give the plant organic fertilizer once a year. You can also add a handful of Neem Khali to protect the plant from fungal infections.
4. While growing the plant in the pot, you need to cut it frequently.
5. The plant needs at least 3 hours of morning sun and then you need to put it in the shade. Just avoid the harsh afternoon sunlight as it can damage the raat ki rani or parijat plant.
Reasons for Parijat Plant Not Flowering:
There are three main reasons the plant may not bloom flowers. The first reason is too much sunlight. It just needed morning sunlight. If the plant you have gets sunlight all day, you need to move it as soon as possible. For the rest of the day you need to keep the plant in a shady place.
The second reason that the parijat plant does not bloom is the lack of fertilization. It is a large tree and needs adequate fertilizer to grow flowers and leaves. Before Parijat blooms, you need to add the compost so that it gets all the nutrients for the flowers.
The third reason is the error in the watering routine. Standing water should be avoided if possible. Overwatering can lead to root rot and it may not have flowered as a result.
Parijat-Blume als Delikatesse:
The Parijat flower is used not only in spiritual and decorative activities but also in the kitchen.
In Assam, it is considered a flower with many health benefits. The flowers are bitter in taste but good for the digestive system and gut health.
It is also used in fish curries to make the dish tastier. The delicate flowers must be plucked from the ground and washed carefully to avoid damaging them and keeping the fragrance intact.
The medicinal value of the flower is immense, especially for the intestines. It can be cooked with rice and consumed to gain immunity to seasonal diseases. The flowers are also used as an appetizer as they can help with constipation.
Medicinal value of Parijat:
The parijat plant is very useful. From the roots to the leaves, almost every part of the plant has health benefits. It can reduce the symptoms of diabetes by increasing the function of insulin. For this reason, many people include it in their diabetic diet.
Leaves of Parijat:
The Parijat leaves are used to treat various types of fevers along with coughs, arthritis and worm infestations. The juice of the leaves is used as a tonic. You can boil the leaves in water along with other Ayurvedic ingredients to make a decoction for arthritis, worm infestations and constipation.
Flowers of Parijat:
Parijat flowers are very good for the digestive system. If you have stomach problems or breathing problems, you can use this flower to get quick relief.
The tribe of Parijat:The powder obtained from the stem of the Parijat flower is used to treat joint pain and malaria.
Health Benefits of Parijat:
The Parijat plant has so many medicinal values that it has been used in Ayurveda for many years. It has become a subject of research due to the varied health benefits associated with it. Let's take a look at the numerous health benefits of the Parijat tree, from reducing inflammation to controlling fever.
To treat fever:
Parijat is antipyretic by nature. There are many types of fevers such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya that can be treated with the leaves of parijat. The bark and leaf of this plant are used to quickly relieve fever. When the platelet count decreases in dengue and chikungunya; The juice of the leaves helps increase it. It can also limit bacterial growth to prevent fever.
To treat arthritis, knee pain, and sciatica:
The pain of arthritis and sciatica is unbearable. The leaves and flowers of the parijat flower have anti-inflammatory properties. Parijat essential oil is used to treat knee pain due to arthritis.
To treat dry cough:
With constant irritation and a dry cough, the tea made from parijat flowers and leaves is very useful. The flowers and leaves are used to treat coughs, colds, and conditions like bronchitis. According to research, it has been proven that Parijat leaf ethanol extract is an excellent remedy for bronchitis and asthma.
Use as antiviral, antibacterial and antiallergic:
Parijat oil is a wonderful remedy for allergies, viral and bacterial infections. The oil has the property of stopping the growth of germs such as E.coli, fungal infections and staph infections. It is also good for the skin because it helps get rid of fungal infections.
Use as an immunity booster:
The flower and leaf of the Parijat tree have immune stimulating properties as they contain ethanol. You can drink water boiled with leaves and flowers every day to boost your immunity.
To control diabetes:
Parijat is known for its ability to control diabetes. According to the previous study, the Parijat extract has the potential to have anti-diabetes properties.
To nourish the hair:
To combat dandruff and hair lice; The decoction of Parijat seeds is very useful. A hair tonic made from the Parijat flower is used to control hair fall and strengthen hair. In addition, it also helps to stop hair graying and other scalp-related problems.
Application for the treatment of malaria:
According to the study, the leaves of the parijat plant were found to be used to treat malaria. The extract from the leaves relieves the fever caused by malaria pathogens and also helps to reduce the concentration of parasites in the body. It's also a great way to reduce inflammation caused by malaria.
Use to heal various health conditions:
Aside from the above factors; The parijat is also helpful for many problems such as constipation, anxiety, skin problems, menstrual cramps, hyperacidity and worm infestation.
Other Uses of Parijat Flowers:
Aside from the health benefits, the stems of the parijat flower are also used for dyeing. The beautiful orange hue is used to organically dye cotton and silk fabrics. The flowers are also used to roll incense sticks or agarbatti. The scent of the flower is also used to make perfume.
For pimples and acne on the skin, the flower is used as a face pack. It gives an instant glow to the face and reduces the problem of acne.
Diploma:
Harsingar or Parijat is a beautiful plant. The scent of the flower fills the whole household with a divine aroma. On top of that, it also comes with so many health benefits. You can also gift Parijat flower plants to your loved ones. I hope this article gives you complete information about the plant.
Author:Trilock
A green thought leader, Trilock Chand Saini loves to write down his experiences to help urban plant parents. His goal is to reduce the carbon footprint on this earth by encouraging people to take up gardening as a hobby. He comes up with tips and tricks curated through his years of gardening experience. He is engaged in various houseplants, edible gardening and flower gardening all year round.View all posts by Trilock
FAQs
How do you grow parijat flowers? ›
Parijat is easily grown from a cutting taken from a healthy plant in the spring or early summer. Snip a cutting 6 to 8 inches long from a healthy plant just below the node. Leave a few leaves at the top and remove all the leaves from the lower area. It should be planted in a pot with well-draining potting soil.
How do you take care of a Harsingar plant? ›For Parijat (Harsingar) plant care, provide it with a fast-draining potting soil that has a good amount of nutrition. Grow it in a location with moderate sunlight and water deeply only when the few inches of the top layer are dry. Fertilize in the spring and summer seasons.
What are the benefits of Parijat plant? ›The plant shows anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties which help in managing pain and fever. It is also used as a laxative, in rheumatism, skin ailments, and as a sedative[2]. As per the Ayurveda textbook, the plant provides relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
What are the benefits of Harsingar flowers? ›“Harsingar is a plant of varied health benefits. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the tree make it a blessing for human health and well being. The leaves are given for treating chronic fever, rheumatism, arthritis, joint pain, obstinate sciatica,” she explained.
Does Parijat grow in USA? ›In Northern America, the best places to grow the plant is in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 11. Their blooming period is from August until December. 'Paarinaha Samudrath jaatho va parijatah' translates to “parijat, born out of the sea after a long search”.
Is it good to grow Parijat plant at home? ›Also known as Harsingar, the Parijat tree is beautiful, and planting it at home is considered very auspicious. People generally use these plants for worship, but keeping the Parijat Tree at home Vastu is also highly recommended.
How long does Parijat take to grow? ›Its leaves are also useful for the treatment of kidney and bladder ailments. "Flowering in Parijat generally takes place five years after plantation. It happens around monsoon onset.
What season do parijat flowers grow? ›Parijat flowers have four to eight petals arranged above a vibrant orange tube in a pinwheel pattern. These highly fragrant flowers open at night spreading their fragrance in the surrounding area with an intensely sweet floral aroma. These flowers blossom between August to December.
What is the lifespan of Parijat tree? ›It is a terrestrial, woody, perennial, small tree growing up to 10 m tall, with flaky grey bark. Branches are spreading, rough, twigs tetragonal, having life spans 5-20 years.
Can Parijat leaves cure arthritis? ›Benefits of Parijat for Arthritis and Sciatica:
The decoction prepared using leaves of the Parijat consists of anti-inflammatory activity, which effectively treats sciatica and arthritis.
What is special about parijat flower? ›
Parijat is also known in India as Harsingar, or the ornament of The Gods. It is therefore the only flower that can be offered to the Gods after picking it up from the ground. The flower is said to also help one remember one's past lives and incarnations. In this reference there is a story from ancient texts.
How big do Parijat plants grow? ›Mature plants reach a maximum height of about 11-12 inches.
How to use Parijat leaves for diabetes? ›The easiest way to use Parijat is to make a tea or decoction using the leaves and flowers. Oil extracted from the plant is also used for its healing properties.
What is the benefits of Harsingar leaves for hair? ›Harsingar is known as a remedy for hair loss in ayurveda. Ayurvedic doctors suggest a decoction (kadha or tea) of harsingar seeds for dandruff and hair lice. Flowers of harsingar are known to be nourishing for hair and are used traditionally to get longer and healthier hairs.
Does Parijat tree attract snakes? ›It is not the smell of the plant the snake is attracted to, it is rather the insects that are attracted to the strong, far-reaching smell of its flowers. Flowers develop fragrance to attract pollinators, and snakes eat pollinators, so in a way they are attracted to the tree.
Who brought Parijat tree to earth? ›There are a number of legends about this tree which have popular acceptance. One being that Arjun brought this tree from heavens and Kunti used to offer and crown Lord Shiva with its flowers. Another saying being, that Lord Krishna brought this tree for his beloved queen Satyabhama or Rukmini.
Does Parijat plant need sunlight? ›Here are some quick tips from Kaveri to grow a healthy Parijat tree: Pick a well-lit place in your garden that receives sunlight for at least six hours a day. Parijat, similar to bougainvillaea, hates the shade.
How do you take care of a Parijat plant? ›Soil & Potting Mix: Parijat plant loves well drained soil, rich in organic matter. Prepare potting mix with 50% normal garden soil + 30% organic compost like vermicompost or leaf compost, mix it thoroughly. Sunlight: Parijat plant or Night Blooming Jasmine requires 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Does Parijat flower smell? ›The Parijat is a highly fragrant Indian flower, which opens at night to spread it's intensely sweet yet sensuous aroma.
Why is my Parijat plant not growing? ›Reasons for Parijat Plant, not Flowering:
The first reason is too much sunlight. It required only morning sunlight. If the plant you have receives sunlight all day long, you need to move it as soon as possible. You need to keep the plant in a shady place for the rest of the day.
How tall does Parijat tree grow? ›
Locally known as parijat hills, the twin hills are entirely covered with innumerable trees, however only in the form of shrubs about 7-8 feet tall. “The tree can grow upto 20-30 feet, but in the hills in Gavhalu, their growth could be stunted due to over-exploitation by locals.
Which God likes Parijat flower? ›Lord Krishna:
It is said that Parijat (Nyctanthes arbortristis) is a heavenly tree brought to earth by lord Krishna.
Mentions in the Hindu texts
It is also believed that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, loves the flowers of Parijat and its tree is used to appease the Goddess. It is important to note that only those flowers of the Parijat tree are used, which fall on the ground by themselves and plucking its flowers is prohibited.
- Garlic. Garlic has traditionally been used as an antidote for disease. ...
- Ginger. Ginger has been used as folk medicine for centuries. ...
- Cinnamon. Once so valuable and rare, cinnamon was often given as gifts to kings. ...
- Turmeric.
There is no cure for arthritis. The treatment goal is to limit pain and inflammation and preserve joint function. Treatment options include medicines, weight reduction, exercise, and surgery.
Which plant is used to cure joint pain? ›Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is a readily available remedy that people use for a wide range of conditions. Extracts of eucalyptus leaves feature in topical remedies to treat arthritis pain. The plant leaves contain tannins, which may help reduce swelling and pain related to arthritis.
Is Parijat a lucky plant? ›parijat a lucky plant
One such lucky plant that stands out among all other lucky plants, is The Parijat Flower.
Boil the extract powder of parijat leaves with water and consume it to reduce pain. You can also add a few drops of parijat leaves in coconut oil and apply the mixture on the affected areas to get relief from pain.
What is the fastest home remedy for diabetes? ›- Apple Cider Vinegar. The primary compound in ACV is acetic acid and is believed to be responsible for many of its health benefits. ...
- Fiber and Barley. Eating fiber decreases blood sugar and insulin concentrations. ...
- Chromium. ...
- Zinc. ...
- Aloe Vera. ...
- Berberine. ...
- Cinnamon. ...
- Fenugreek.
- Curcumin. The compound curcumin, which is found in the spice tumeric, has been shown to both boost blood sugar control and help prevent the disease. ...
- Ginseng. ...
- Fenugreek. ...
- Psyllium. ...
- Cinnamon. ...
- Aloe vera. ...
- Bitter melon. ...
- Milk thistle.
Which green leaves is good for diabetes? ›
...
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard
- spinach.
- lettuce.
- collards.
- turnip greens.
- kale.
- Swiss chard.
According to Vastu Shastra, the Harsingar or parijat tree should always be placed either at the east or north-facing side of your house. This will ensure that all bad omens and energies are removed from your home, filling your living space with positivity and tranquillity.
What is the medicinal use of Harsingar? ›Parijaat or Harsingar, known for its medicinal properties, can help heal many diseases from arthritis, dry cough, cold and cough, fever to worms, according to Ayurveda expert Dr Dixa Bhavsar.
How long does it take for Parijat to flower? ›Its leaves are also useful for the treatment of kidney and bladder ailments. "Flowering in Parijat generally takes place five years after plantation. It happens around monsoon onset.
Why we should not pluck parijat flowers? ›Mentions in the Hindu texts
It is also believed that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, loves the flowers of Parijat and its tree is used to appease the Goddess. It is important to note that only those flowers of the Parijat tree are used, which fall on the ground by themselves and plucking its flowers is prohibited.
Reasons for Parijat Plant, not Flowering:
The first reason is too much sunlight. It required only morning sunlight. If the plant you have receives sunlight all day long, you need to move it as soon as possible. You need to keep the plant in a shady place for the rest of the day.
It is not the smell of the plant the snake is attracted to, it is rather the insects that are attracted to the strong, far-reaching smell of its flowers. Flowers develop fragrance to attract pollinators, and snakes eat pollinators, so in a way they are attracted to the tree.
What is the importance of Parijat flower? ›Parijat is known as a great anti-pyretic. It cures various nauseous types of fever including malaria, dengue, and chikungunya fevers. Recent studies suggest that Parijat leaf and bark extract are very useful to ameliorate fever instantly. It helps to increase platelet count in dengue and chikungunya fever.
How long does Parijat tree take to grow? ›Germination time for Parijat seeds. Fill a container with seed starter mix, and sow the seeds 2 cm deep. Mist the soil and then place it in bright but indirect sunlight. The seeds will germinate in 3-4 weeks.
Why should you not touch plants at night? ›In addition, at night you may not be able to see dangerous, spiders, bugs, or snakes that make their home in trees. In addition, at night it is difficult to identify dangerous plants (e.g. poison ivy, poison oak, stinging nettle, etc.).
What fertilizer encourages flowering? ›
If you are looking to boost flower production, you want a mix like 15-30-15, which is high in flower-developing phosphorus. If you want to green up your lawn, choose a mix like 25-6-4, which is high in nitrogen. Many fertilizers are formulated for specific plants like roses, bulbs, or vegetables.
How can I improve my plant flowering? ›SUNLIGHT: Place your plant in a location where you get adequate sunlight. Atleast 6 hours to 8 hours DIRECT SUNLIGHT is compulsory for flowering plants. If its too hot like in summer, protect them from noon sunlight using a green shade net.
How do you activate flowering? ›Switching from Veg to Bloom
Plants need at least 13 hours of light each day to stay in veg – a few 'long' nights may be enough to trigger budding. Plants begin budding when they get at least 12 hours of 'uninterrupted' darkness each night (12/12). This must continue until harvest.