Medicinal uses of Ratan Jot | Fusion - WeRIndia

Ratan Jot or alkanet belongs to the Borage family.

The root is widely used in folk medicines and is believed to have medicinal benefits.

Here is a list of medicinal uses of Ratan Jot:

• Ratan Jot has anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it is used to treat migraine.
• With its cooling effect, alkanet has the potential to reduce heat in the body and cool down fever.
• Ratan Jot is used to treat bed sores, rashes and varicose veins.
• The herbal tea made from it can alleviate coughing.
• It also treats gastric ulcers, diarrhea and skin wounds. It eases the symptoms of stomach ulcers.
• Alkanet tea is used as an astringent.
• Soak the herb in water overnight and drink it next day morning. This infusion is very powerful in eliminating toxins from the body.
• Ratan Jot helps maintain the function of heart by improving blood circulation.
• Keep alkanet in boiled water. Drink after cooling it. It is effective in treating jaundice, kidney stones, abscesses and ulcers.
• Ratan Jot is used to treat infections and burns by combining it with clarified butter or ghee.
• Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, alkanet improves immunity in the body.
• Applying masks made with Ratan Jot is believed to benefit skin. Application of oil made with this herb eliminates wrinkles and pigmentation issues.
• Regular intake of Ratan Jot is believed to treat hypertension and cardio vascular diseases.
• It can also treat fungal infections.

However, before using Ratan Jot consult your physician and take advice. Take the following precautions.

Precautions while using Ratan Jot:

• Any form of intake is not recommended for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
• The root may cause pneumonitis, heart failure and liver failure when consumed in heavy doses internally.
• Due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid components, it can cause lung toxicity. Hence consume moderately.

Image Credit:– “Ratanjot (Nepalese: रतनजोत)” by Dinesh Valke is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Image Reference: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dinesh_valke/2561329079