Parijat

Introduction

Parijat is regarded as a divine tree in Indian tradition and culture. It is admired for its fragrant flowers, beauty, and medicinal value. The tree is also mentioned in the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, highlighting its cultural importance.

Other Names

Parijat is popularly known by several names, such as:

• Har Singar
• Sephali
• Sephalika
• Night Jasmine

Botanical Features

Parijat is famous for its beautiful and fragrant flowers.

• The flowers bloom only in the evening hours.
• They fall off by the next morning.
• The flower stem is saffron-orange in colour.
• The petals are white and delicate.
• The branches of the tree are rectangular in shape.
• Flowering season is generally from August to October.

Distribution

In India, Parijat grows in the outer Himalayas up to an altitude of 1400 metres. It is found in:

• Jammu and Kashmir
• Nepal to eastern Assam
• West Bengal
• Tripura
• Central India up to the Godavari region in the south

It is also found in:

• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Pakistan

Medicinal Uses

Parijat is valued in traditional medicine.

• Leaf juice is used in treating fever.
• Bark medicine helps reduce swelling of lungs.
• Bark oil is used for eye pain and hair tonics.
• Leaf juice mixed with honey helps in chronic fever.
• Leaf decoction is used for sciatica pain.
• Leaf juice with sugar helps children’s stomach disorders.
• Tender leaves with ginger juice are used in high fever.
• Flowers improve appetite and soothe the stomach.
• Seeds are used in treatment of skin diseases and piles.

Philatelic Significance

A commemorative set of two postage stamps was issued on the Parijat tree and flower, depicting the tree on one stamp and the flower on the other.

Conclusion

Parijat is not only a sacred and ornamental tree but also an important medicinal plant. Its fragrant flowers, seasonal beauty, and healing properties make it highly cherished in Indian heritage.