Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Use of Jati (Nutmeg tree)’ of the study on cosmetics, costumes and ornaments of ancient India based on Sanskrit sources. Chapter one deals with cosmetics and methods of enhancing beauty; Chapter two deals with costumes, garments and dresses; Chapter three deals with ornaments for humans and animals. Each chapter deals with their respective materials, types, preparation and trade, as prevalent in ancient Indian society.
1.10. Use of Jāti (Nutmeg tree)
[Regarding Jāti (Nutmeg tree—Myristica fragrans)], both Jātiphala (the fruit) and Jātikośa (the red covering of the seed of fruit) were used to make cosmetics. In Dhanvantarī-nighaṇṭu[1], properties of both Jātiphala and Jātikośa are mentioned separately. According to the text Jātikośa is pungent and hot in potency. It is an alleviator of Kapha, anti-toxic and improves complexion. It removes the bad odour of mouth, while Jātiphala is useful in Vāta, throat diseases, diabetics and dysentery. It stimulates hunger and is an aphrodisiac. Jātipatrī, Sumanapatrikā, Mālatīpatrikā and Malanāśinī are the synonyms of Jātikośa, while for Jātiphala, Dhanvantarī-nighaṇṭu lists six names -Śālūka, Mālatīphala, Madaśauṇḍa, Jātiśṛṅga, Puṭa and Saumanasaphala.