Nirgudi / निर्गुडी / Chinese Chaste Tree / Vitex negundo L.

Other Names

Status & Habitat

Status: Least Concern
Habitat: Shrub
Occurrence: Near bodies of water, recently disturbed land, grasslands, and mixed open forests
Season of Availability: Warmer parts of the year.
Geography: Eastern and Southern Africa and Asia
Method of Propagation: Vegetative propagation
Part used for Propagation: Stem cuttings

Raw: No
Ripe: N/A
Both Raw & Ripe: N/A
Dangerous Form to Consume: Raw plant
As Food: Seed is a pepper substitute, and may also be eaten.
As Medicine: Paste of matured leaves is applied to areas of swelling; seed/fruit powder used to cure nasal passage disorders; leaf oil applied to joints to reduce joint pain. Leaf extract is used for earache
Cooking Without Prior Boiling: N/A
Boiling Before Cooking: N/A
Pickling: N/A
Brining: N/A
Fermenting: N/A
Drying for later Consumption: N/A
Overall Method: Seeds may be used as a pepper alternative; paste of leaves and bark can be used; leaf and bark decoction may be taken; leaf and bark may be powdered.

Nutritional Benefit: Good source of calcium and phosphorus.
Medicinal Benefit: Ear ailments, Pain reliever, Rheumatoid arthritis, Abdominal ailments, Fever, Cough

Tribal Wisdom: Paste of matured leaves is applied to areas of swelling; seed/fruit powder used to cure nasal passage disorders; leaf oil applied to joints to reduce joint pain.