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Shwet Musli is the Sanskrit term for the widely useful herb Chlorophytum borivilianum. This traditional medicinal plant hails from thick forests throughout peninsular India, and its tuberous roots have been used by Ayurvedic practitioners for centuries, especially to improve general libido. Schwet Musli is considered a divya aushad — a divine healing plant without equal, perhaps due to its ability to address such a varied number of health complaints and imbalances.
Schwet Musli (often called Safed Musli) is generally considered to be a health-giving tonic, an important herb for pre- and post-natal problems, a restorative for the immune system, and a tonic for diabetes and arthritis. In addition, the plant increases the Kapha energy, and reduces Vata and Pitta energies. The fact that this plant is now, very unfortunately, considered a threatened species worldwide, due to overharvesting, shows how popular it is in Eastern healing traditions.
Neetu Bansal, Arya Institute of Engineering and Technology, India, wrote that appreciation for Schwet Musli in ancient Indian healing was expressed in medical literature from the 11th century AD. Modern science has determined that the plant contains saponins and may have aphrodisiac, adaptogenic, antiaging, health restorative, and health promoting properties. Schwet Musli also contains therapeutic agents that may play a vital role in many healing applications. More than 25 alkaloids, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, steroids, saponins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phenol, resins, mucilage, and polysaccharides have also been identified.
Ayurveda considers Schwet Musli as a pivotal herb in Brihana Therapy, a treatment that includes different types of plants that enhance strength, boost physical performance, and improve bodily endurance. Brihana therapy is considered beneficial for addressing blood sugar imbalances, bone health, muscular weakness, fatigue, body-building, male issues, and other debilitating health problems.
For male Ayurvedic patients, Schwet Musli is used to nourish reproductive organs and Shukra Dhatu (generative tissue or semen). Schwet Musli may be prescribed to support healthy sperm production in males, and healthy ovulation in females. As an aid during pregnancy, Schwet Musli has been used to nourish baby and mother; and for nursing mothers, to support breast-milk production.
Ayurveda claims that Schwet Musli offers aphrodisiac effects that play a part in reducing mental stress and anxiety, as well as stimulating the hormones that increase libido. The herb may support virility and stamina in men, and many bodybuilders and weight lifters are now using it as well.
One of the wonderful aspects of Ayurvedic herbs is that they have so many applications. As such, science has yet to keep up with Schwet Musli’s most diverse set of health benefits. It is a powerful herb that has been extensively mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic scriptures of Charaka Samhita and Raj Nighantu for health issues ranging from blood sugar imbalances to sexual dysfunction, and from urinary tract problems to digestive complaints.
In addition, it is a potent adaptogenic herb, suggesting that it helps the body resist stressors of all kinds — physical, emotional, mental, chemical, and biological. This makes the plant helpful for mind-body health issues for which emotional agitation leads to physical ailments. Indian pharmacists have reported that Schwet Musli normalizes the Vata and Pitta doshas, which, in turn, supports healthy serotonin-hormone levels. This action helps reduce various symptoms associated with anxiety, including uneasiness, restlessness, and cold hands and feet.
As with all herbs, it is most helpful to have an Ayurvedic practitioner work with you to use Schwet Musli wisely in your health care regime.