Safed Musli Benefits: The White Gold Herb of Ayurveda

Many times, we are struggling with laziness and a never-ending anxiety that impacts our overall health before we can pay attention. I struggled with the same question and dilemma of how to choose the right Ayurvedic supplement that can help the body rejuvenate.

Through research and conversations with elders, I came across this magical root named Safed musli that is derived from the roots of the musli plants and has innumerable benefits. 

If stress and hormonal imbalance trouble you a lot, dive in to explore the Safed musli benefits and more about this ayurvedic herb. 

What is Safed Musli? The Magical Indian Herb Overview 

Safed musli is a medicinal plant also known as the ‘White gold’ due to its white-coloured roots, which have rich nutritional value and hold great significance in Ayurveda, are credited for improving immunity, reproductive health, and having antioxidant properties. 

Botanically known as the Chlorophytum borivilianum, the origins of this medicinal herb can be traced back to South Africa, but the genus is native to India and is widely distributed in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka. 

This magical white root has been mentioned in various texts, like the Atharva Veda, as the ‘divine herb’ due to its medicinal properties. 

Knowing the scientific classification always goes a long way, especially in the case of herbs, so here is the taxonomy of the Chlorophytum borivilianum: 

Botanical name	Chlorophytum borivilianum
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Order	Asparagales
Class	Liliopsida
Family	Asparagaceae
Genus	Chlorophytum
Species	Borivillianum

Also read: What is Pitta Dosha? Symptoms, Home Remedies & Diet

Nutritional Properties of Safed Musli 

The safed musli is obtained from the musli plant roots, which are dried for around a week before they are fit for use. Knowing the musli benefits is incomplete without understanding the nutritional value of the plant: 

Nutrient	Quantity (per 100g)
Alkaloids	15-25 g
Proteins	12.5 g
Glycosides	1.9- 3.5g
Carbohydrates	65.3 g
Crude fibre	3-5 g
Calories	341 kcal
Fat	1.5 g
Saponins	2- 17 g

Did you know? The Chlorophytum borivilianum is considered a critically endangered species by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Safed Musli Benefits for Men and Women 

The musli plant benefits are associated with boosting immunity, improving reproductive health and managing stress. 

Before diving into the individual benefits, take a look at the shared, common musli benefits that impact all the specific ones: 

Benefits of Safed Musli

The white musli is considered a Rasayana (rejuvenating tonic) and has adaptogenic properties that help in regaining energy by boosting immunity and productivity. Due to the presence of the saponins, this fibrous herb has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This herb has aphrodisiac properties and helps to improve the reproductive health of both men and women. For people with heart issues and diabetes, this safed musli is said to have nutrients that manage the blood sugar levels and improve heart health. If digestive issues are a problem, this white gold might be the perfect solution. The presence of dietary fibre aids the process of digestion, and the diuretic compounds flush out the toxins from the body. Additionally, the diuretic properties and stress management also significantly improve the skin and health.

The benefits can vary by a degree for both men and women, although the safed musli benefits are majorly same; here are the differing benefits of the same: 

Safed Musli Benefits for Male

1. Improves Reproductive Health: The safed musli has aphrodisiac qualities that help in improving sperm count, erectile dysfunction and libido. Its antioxidant qualities also help in enhancing the overall reproductive health in men. 

2. Manages Stress and Boosts Testosterone Levels: Consumed mostly in the form of the safed musli powder, it is also known as the adaptogen in Ayurveda, which means having the capacity to deal with stress and anxiety.

Safed Musli Benefits for Females

1. Balancing Hormonal Imbalance:  Chlorophytum borivilianum benefits in balancing the hormones that are constantly fluctuating in a woman’s body. This stabilising capability helps in managing stress, mood swings and also boosts productivity. 

2. Postpartum Recovery: After childbirth, mothers consume the musli powder as it helps in regaining strength and bounce back to the normal routine.  However, significant research is still required to validate the claim. 

3. Manage Menstrual Cycle and Menopause: The Chlorophytum borivilianum benefits for women also cover ensuring the regular menstrual cycle and managing the symptoms of menopause. 

Read next: Gond Katira Benefits: What Practitioners and Research Say About Its Benefits

Potential Safed Musli Side Effects 

The overconsumption of the safed musli can lead to discomfort and reverse the positive effects.  Hence, it is significant to keep in mind the side effects so that the consumption is mindful: 

1. Digestive issues like stomach pain, diarrhea and discomfort can be caused by the unmonitored consumption of the safed musli. 

2. It can also cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration, so avoid taking more than the prescribed dosage. 

3. The musli benefits the Vata and the Pitta Dosha, but can increase the Kapha Dosha, which leads to weight gain.

4. The negative effects of the herb can also manifest in terms of skin allergies and rashes. 

How to Consume the Safed Musli?

The perfect way to enjoy the benefits of the Safed Musli is to consume it in appropriate amounts. The reason being just because something comes from a source of nature does not mean that it should be consumed blindly. 

Appropriate Dosage of Safed Musli 

The appropriate dosage varies from person to person depending on health, age, and gender. The most general and normal amount of musli that can be consumed by a healthy adult is as follows: 

Form	Dosage
Powder	¼ or ½ tablespoon twice a day
Capsules	1-2 capsules twice a day

The musli pak is generally consumed in the form of a powder and can be taken with different mediums. Take a look at a few ways Safed Musli can be eaten: 

Form	Image	Method
With Milk and Water		The musli powder benefits the body’s immunity and is obtained through the dried roots of the musli plant, and consumed with water or milk as preferred.
Blended Paste		The safed musli can also be formed and used as a paste combined with Shilajit and Ashwagandha.
Capsules		Musli capsules can be carried and used effortlessly. Although the fibre content may be higher in the powder, capsules ensure a monitored consumption.

Who Should Not Take Safed Musli? 

Even the most natural source of medicine can be harmful for different people because our bodies are different; it is important to know if one needs to avoid any form of ayurvedic supplement: 

Take a look at the conditions that strictly prohibit the consumption of safed musli:

1. Diabetic Patients: Although musli helps in managing blood sugar levels, always consult a doctor for the prescribed dosage and avoid any reaction with the existing medications. 

2. Pregnant Women: There is not enough scientific research to claim whether it is safe for the mother or the baby; pregnant women can either avoid it or consult their doctor. 

3. Digestive Issues: The overconsumption of safed musli can lead to digestive discomfort like diarrhoea, so people with such issues should be mindful while consuming because it can be a little heavy to digest.

4. People who want Weight Loss: This herb is known to increase the Kapha dosha, which leads to weight gain. So, people who want to lose weight should avoid it. 

Scientific Research: Ayurveda Meets Modern Science 

What is Ayurveda, and how does it impact our lives? These are the questions that linger in every mind, especially in a science-centric world. 

However, science does not neglect Ayurveda and vice versa. The following research about the Safed Musli benefits is proof that ayurvedic supplements have a strong scientific backing: 

Study year: 2016  Sample type: Wistar rats   Aim: To analyse the effects of safed musli in increasing the aphrodisiac potentials in the Wistar rats.  Key findings: The study, after careful examination over the period of 54 days, concluded that safed musli benefits in the spermatogenic activity and recorded very low sperm abnormality, making it safe to use.  Source: National Center of Biotechnology Information

Study year: 2024  Sample type: Myocardial toxicity induced in albino rats Aim: To assess the effects of the role of Chlorophytum Borivilianum extract against Doxorubicin(a drug used for chemotherapy)  Key findings: EECB (Ethanol extracts of the Chlorophytum Borivilianum), with its antioxidant properties, helps improve heart health by increasing the GSH, CAT and SOD (antioxidant components of the heart)  MDA levels were decreased, which indicated that there was less damage to the heart cells.  Hence, the EECB is effective in reversing the effects of Doxorubicin.  Source: National Center of Biotechnology Information

Concluding Remarks

The safed musli is rightly named as the ‘white gold’ because what else would you name such a power-packed medicinal herb? Ayurveda has been a huge part of my life, but always through conversations and tales. However, my research led me to the same results as I had heard from people. 

Whether it is about hormonal balance or improving immunity and reproductive health, all the solutions are trapped in the fibrous roots, which can be consumed as a drink or a capsule. 

Conclusively, Ayurveda has all the solutions for a healthier body and mind; the only catch is to consume mindfully and watch it change your life for the better. 

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