Sanskrit name: Damanaka
Botanical name: Artemisia vulgaris L.
Family name: Asteraceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/209
Vernacular names: Mugwort (English), Naga-daman (Hindi), Damanaka (Sanskrit), Davana (Marathi), Jwarhar (Unani)
Synonyms:
उक्तो दमनको दान्तो मुनिपुत्रस्तपोधनः । गन्धोत्कटो ब्रह्मजटो विनीतः कलपत्रकः
Classification
Bhav Prakash: pushpa varga
Habitat & Distribution:
Widely distributed throughout temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. In India, commonly found in the Himalayas, northeastern states, and temperate zones up to 3,600 meters. Grows wild in uncultivated and hilly areas.
Morphology:
A perennial aromatic herb or shrub growing up to 1.5 meters high. Stems are erect, often purplish, and grooved. Leaves are pinnately lobed, dark green on top and silvery-white underneath. Inflorescence is panicle-shaped with numerous small, yellow to reddish flower heads.
Varieties:
No formally documented varieties, though local morphological differences exist across regions.
Substitute/ Adulterant:
Substitute – Artemisia absinthium
Adulterant – Parthenium hysterophorus, other non-aromatic Artemisia spp.
Phytochemicals:
Camphor, cineole, thujone, borneol, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), sesquiterpene lactones, essential oils, tannins, coumarins
Raspanchaka:
Rasa – Tikta, Kashaya
Guna – Laghu, Ruksha
Virya – Ushna
Vipaka – Katu
Prabhava – Krimighna
Dosha shamakta – Tridosh shamak
Karma – Rogaghnata:
Krimighna, Jwaraghna, Deepana, Pachana, Vatahara, Kaphahara, Vedanasthapana
Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:
External:
Used as poultice or oil in arthritis, wounds, and muscular pain. Dhoopana (fumigation) for disinfection and respiratory issues.
Internal:
Infusion used in fevers, indigestion, worm infestation, menstrual disorders, epilepsy, and hysteria. Also used to stimulate appetite and treat anemia.
Part used:
Leaves, roots, flowering tops
Dose:
Swarasa: 5-10 drops
Yoga/Formulations:
Damanakarishta, Damanaka churna, Unani formulations like Majoon-e-Damanak, Damanak taila (for uterine disorders)
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated
Research updates:
Kumar A, Singh VK, Pandey AK. Antioxidant and anthelmintic potential of Artemisia vulgaris leaf extract. J Herb Med.
Rana VS, Blazquez MA. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Artemisia vulgaris. Nat Prod Res.
Sultana S, Ahmad S, Jahangir T. Protective effect of Artemisia vulgaris on liver and renal oxidative stress induced by acetaminophen. Hum Exp Toxicol.
