Black Musli facts and health benefits (2024)

Black Musli, Kali musli or Kali Musali scientifically known as Curculigo orchioides is an endangered flowering plant species in the genus Curculigo and Liliaceae Juss. (Lily family). The plant is native to Nepal, China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Papuasia, Micronesia, Malaysia and Australia. It is found in subtropical Himalayas from Kumaon eastwards ascending to 1800m, the Khasia hills, Bengal, Assam, Konkan, Kanara, the western peninsula and Tamil Nadu extending south as far as Cape Comerin. Some of the popular common names of the plants are Orchid palm grass, Black musale, Black Musli, Kali Musli, Nelamuli, Nelataale, Nilappane, Brahmin Ginseng, Golden Eye-Grass, Star grass, golden eye-grass, xian mao, weevil-wort, black musli, Kali musli, Kali Musali, Kuluthupokie, Mushali, Nelatati-gadde, Nelatatygadda, Nilappanai, Tala nuli, Toloangi and Wan prao. It grows widely as a forest herb and since times immemorial it is used as folk medicine. However, in several regions of India due to its overutilization, Kali Musli is slowly becoming uncommon. Every part of this medicinal herb has been utilized for several purposes.

Black Musli Facts

Black Musli Quick Facts
Name: Black Musli
Scientific Name: Curculigo Orchioides
Origin Nepal, China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Papuasia, Micronesia, Malaysia and Australia
Colors Pale green in color
Shapes Capsule about 1.5-2 cm long, 8 mm broad, oblong, glabrescent with a slender beak, and spongy septa
Taste Sweet, Bitter, Acrid
Health benefits Promotes Male Reproductive Health, Male Sexual Dysfunction, Women's Health, Oligospermia (Low Sperm Count), Cure Urinary Tract Infection, Strengthens Immunity, Augments Liver Health, Boosts Skin Complexion, Enhances general systematic Health, Treating Digestive disorders, Treat respiratory disorders
NameBlack Musli
Scientific NameCurculigo Orchioides
NativeNepal, China, Japan, Papuasia and Micronesia. It is found in subtropical Himalayas from Kumaon eastwards ascending to 1800m, the Khasia hills, Bengal, Assam, Konkan, Kanara, the western peninsula and Tamil Nadu extending south as far as Cape Comerin. It is also distributed in Sri Lanka, Japan, Malaysia and Australia
Common NamesOrchid palm grass, Black musale, Black Musli, Kali Musli, Nelamuli, Nelataale, Nilappane, Brahmin Ginseng, Golden Eye-Grass, Star grass, golden eye-grass, xian mao, weevil-wort, black musli, Kali musli, Kali Musali, Kuluthupokie, Mushali, Nelatati-gadde, Nelatatygadda, Nilappanai, Tala nuli, Toloangi, Wan prao
Name in Other LanguagesArabic: Muralisyahoa, muslisiah
Afghani: Sadamurali
Assamese: Talmuli, Tailmuli
Bengali: Talamuli (তলমুলি), Sadamurali, talamali, Talura, talusa, Tallur, Talamuli
Burma: Ka.Ñhwut-nak
Chinese: Shan dang shen, Po lu men shen, Du mao, Xian mao shen, Di ziang, Ya guo zi, Hai nan shen, Xian mao (仙茅), Dōng chóngcǎo
(冬蟲草)
English: Golden Eye Grass, Orchid palm grass, Black musale, Black Musli, Kali Musli, Nelamuli, Nelataale, Nilappane, talamuli, Brahmin Ginseng, Golden Eye-Grass
French: Musale noir
Gujarati: Kalimusali
Hindi: Kali Musli (काली मुसली), Tal-muli (ताल मूली), Tirna Padi (तीर्ण पदी), Kalimusali, Krishna musli, Musali kand, Muslikand, Syahmusali
Irula: Nilappannai
Japanese: Kinbaizasa (キンバイザサ)
Kannada: Nelatygadda, Nelataale (ನೆಲತಾಳೆ), Neladali, Nelatenga, Nela Tatigadde, Nela tengu (ನೆಲತೆಂಗು), Neladengu (ನೆಲದೆಂಗು), Nela haadari (ನೆಲಹಾದರಿ), neladaale, nelathaale gadde, thaala moonlike, Karkyūligo (ಕರ್ಕ್ಯೂಲಿಗೊ), Neltal, Neltathigodde, Nelatale, Nelatelegadde
Konkani: Masalkamdo (मसळकांदो), Bhuyimaddi
Malayalam: Nelpana, Nilappana, നിലപ്പന Nilappana, Nellapanakilonace, Nilappenea, Nilapanai Kilangu
Marathi: Kali Musali (काळी मुसळी), Tal-muli (तालमूली), Musalakanda (मुसळकंद), Bhuyimaddi, kalimurali, kaalimusalee, Bhuimaddi
Nepali: Kalo musali (कालो मुसली), Musali kanda (मुसली कांदा)
Oriya: Talamuli, Musali, Talamulika
Other: Common Curculigo, Golden Eye-grass, Orchid Palm Grass, Nelamunda (ನೆಲಮುಂಡ)
Persian: Musali, کرکلیگو ارچیویدس
Punjabi: Syahoomusali, Syah Musali, Musali Safed
Sanskrit: Talamuli (तालमूली), Musali (मुसली), Musikaparni, Talpatrika, Bhumitila, Krishna Mushali, Taalpatri
Santali: Turom (ᱛᱩᱨᱚᱢ)
Sinhalese: Heen binthal (හීන් බින්තල්)
Tamil: Nilappanai Kizhangu, Nilappanaikkilanku (நிலப்பனைக்கிழங்கு) Nilappanaikilangu, Kuṟatti nilappaṉai (குறத்தி நிலப்பனை)
Tangkhul: Phai
Telugu: Nelamuli (తాలమూలి), Talamuli (తాలమూలి), Nela-tadi (నేలతాడి), Nelatadai, nallathaadigadda, nela-tati-gaddalu, nelaathadi, nelatadi, nelathaatigaddalu, nilapthaaligaddalu
Tulu: Nelamunda (ನೆಲಮುಂಡ)
Unani: Moosli Siyah, Musali Siyah
Urdu: Musali, Kali Musli, musli siyah
Vietnamese: Sâm cau
Plant Growth HabitTropical, herbaceous tuberous flowering perennial plant
Growing ClimatesForests, open grassy slopes, moist deciduous forests, grasslands, in plains, scrub forests, hilly areas, roadsides
Plant SizeUp to 10-35 cm tall
RootRootstock is straight, cylindrical, tuberous, 5-22 cm long, 0.5-0.8 cm thick, brownish surfaces marked with closely spaced prominent transverse wrinkles in the upper or basal half
Leaf Leaves are sessile or petiolate, linear or narrowly lanceolate, 15 to 20 centimeters long, 1 to 2.5 centimeters wide and with pointed tip. Scape is very short, clavate.
Flowering seasonJuly-August
FlowerThe flowers are usually grow to a diameter between half an inch and 0.75 inch. Perianth is gamophyllous, rotate, and six lobed, locate at the top of a slender sterile long extension of the ovary by means of which the perianth is exposed above the ground. Perianth lobes are similar, elliptic oblong 1.2-1.6 cm long, 0.2-0.3 cm broad, outer lobes hairy on the back, inner ones sparsely hairy along nerves.
Fruit Shape & SizeCapsule about 1.5-2 cm long, 8 mm broad, oblong, glabrescent with a slender beak, and spongy septa
Fruit ColorPale green in color
SeedSeeds 1 to many, subglobose to oblong, about 4 mm long, black, shiny with crustaceous testa grooved deeply in wavy lines
TasteSweet, Bitter, Acrid
Plant Parts UsedRoot stock, bulbs, leaves, Underground rhizomes, Whole plant
PropagationGrown through seed sowing, division of rootstock, and offsets
Health benefits
  • Promotes Male Reproductive Health
  • Male Sexual Dysfunction
  • Women’s Health
  • Oligospermia (Low Sperm Count)
  • Cure Urinary Tract Infection
  • Strengthens Immunity
  • Augments Liver Health
  • Boosts Skin Complexion
  • Enhances general systematic Health
  • Treating Digestive disorders
  • Treat respiratory disorders
Culinary Uses
  • The tubers are eaten when cooked.

Plant Description

Black Musli is a tropical, herbaceous tuberous flowering perennial plant with a short or elongate root stock bearing several fleshy lateral roots. The plant can grow up to 10-35 cm tall. The plant is found growing in forests, open grassy slopes, moist deciduous forests, grasslands, in plains, scrub forests, hilly areas and roadsides. Roots of the plant are tuberous about 4 inches long with bitter and mucilaginous taste. Rootstock is straight, cylindrical, tuberous, 5-22 cm long, 0.5-0.8 cm thick, brownish surfaces marked with closely spaced prominent transverse wrinkles in the upper or basal half. It bears a few stout lateral roots of 5 or more cm long. Lateral roots are dull white in color, and spongy externally. The fresh cut surfaces of the rootstock has a starch white color, and mucilaginous. A few fibrous roots also occur.

Leaves

Black Musli plants have leaves that are described to be sessile or others use the word petiolate; meaning, the leaves of this plant are attached directly to the base of the plant. Just like Black Musli’s roots, its leaves are also observed to have some resemblances to that of Tala or Palm Trees.

Black Musli’s leaves are eight inches to 18 inches in length and one inch to two inches wide. Its leaves are said to be lance-shaped with ridges on it. It is also observed that Black Musli can either grow in both conditions when exposed to sunlight or when in a shady place. In fact, it is said that its leaves tend to grow a little bigger when in shade compared to those that are planted in places that are exposed to direct and full sunlight. The leaf tips when contacts the soil, develops roots, and produce adventitious buds. The leaves will just get a bit longer in the shade than in full sun shine.

Flowers

Inflorescence is axillary, scapose racemose, the scape very short, and hidden among the bases of leaves underground, clavte, flattened with the pedicels, bracts, and the ovary concealed in the leaf sheaths.

The lower big flowers on the scape are mostly bisexual, and the upper small ones staminate. Flowers are star-shaped, bright golden-yellowish in color, bisexual or unisexual with lanceolate, membranous bract. The flowers of this plant usually grow to a diameter between half an inch and 0.75 inch. Perianth is gamophyllous, rotate, and six lobed, locate at the top of a slender sterile long extension of the ovary by means of which the perianth is exposed above the ground. Perianth lobes are similar, elliptic oblong 1.2-1.6 cm long, 0.2-0.3 cm broad, outer lobes hairy on the back, inner ones sparsely hairy along nerves.

Stamens are 6 in number, filamentous filiform, short 2 mm long, adnate to the base of the perianthlobes, Anthers are linear or linear lanceolate, basifixed, and sagittate. Ovary is inferior, hidden among the leaves usually below the ground, tricarpellary syncarpous, lanceolate, and trilocular with a fairly long slender beak or extension -the stipe. Ovules many in each cell attached by a distinct long funicle. Style short columnar, 2mm with a 3 lobed stigma. Lobes are elongate, erect, and appressed. During flowering period it opens a golden yellow flower at the leaf base every day. This can form a cute miniature plant pot in your room. Some say that flowers appear during the months of June to August while some say that flowering season is also between January and September and shed leaves in the winter, leaving behind the root in the ground.

Fruit

Fertile flowers are followed by a capsule about 1.5-2 cm long, 8 mm broad, oblong, glabrescent with a slender beak, and spongy septa. Seeds 1 to many, sub globose to oblong, about 4 mm long, black, shiny with crustaceous testa grooved deeply in wavy lines.

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Dried-roots-of-Black-Musli

Flowers-of-Black-Musli

Closer-view-of-flower-of-Black-Musli

Leaves-of-Black-Musli

Black-Musli-Plant

Pieces-of-Black-Musli

Sketch-of-Black-Musli

Plant-illustration-of-Black-Musli

Black Musli Image Gallery

Health Benefits of Black Musli

Black Musli is an extremely beneficial herbal product which can be used for the treatment of various health problems. The churna offers the wide-ranging medicinal advantages if it is prepared from pure and high-quality Kali Musli herb. Popular health benefits of the Black Musli are mentioned below

1. Promotes Male Reproductive Health

The formulation is indicated for optimizing men’s reproductive health. It is given with a potent spermatogenic action that is beneficial for treating asthenozoospermia (sperm motility), oligospermia (low sperm count), hypo-spermia (low volume of semen), teratospermia (abnormal sperm shape) and enhances spermatogenesis (sperm production). Aside from these, taking this supplement on a regular basis helps to correct premature ejaculation and improves vitality owing to its aphrodisiac and strength provider characteristics.

2. Male Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido (i.e., having no or very little inclination towards a sexual act). There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Taking Kali Musli helps to correct male sexual dysfunction and also improves stamina. This is due to its aphrodisiac and strength provider properties.

3. Women’s Health

Black Musli is an amazing herbal medicine recommended for women who are going through menopause. The goodness of bioactive compounds helps to prevent osteoporosis and strengthens the muscle mass. Additionally, it also helps women to overcome leucorrhoea and menorrhagia.

4. Oligospermia (Low Sperm Count)

Black Musli is beneficial in cases of oligospermia (i.e., low sperm count) which generally occurs due to imbalanced Vata dosha. It helps to manage this condition due to its Vata balancing and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties. This helps to improve sexual drive and thus increases the sperm count.

5. Cure Urinary Tract Infection

Black Musli is an effective herbal formulation for treating urinary tract infections. According to Ayurveda UTI is referred to as Mutrakcchra, where Mutra denotes ooze, and krichra denotes pain. An imbalance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) often causes painful micturition. Taking Black Musli offers relief from the burning sensation and increases urine output due to its diuretic property and diminishes the symptoms of UTI.

6. Strengthens Immunity

Black Musli is highly effective in improving general debility. This herb supports building a robust immune system and strengthens the body. Moreover, the strong antioxidant property of this herbal medicine slows down the process of ageing and supports the regeneration of new skin cells. It is also used as a key ingredient in many immune-boosting Ayurvedic formulations.

7. Augments Liver Health

Jaundice or any other conditions affecting the liver occur due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha, Black Musli is a potential medicinal supplement for regulating liver problems like swelling in the liver, jaundice, and poor liver function. Rejuvenating action supports liver detoxification and sustenance of liver health.

9. Boosts Skin Complexion

The rhizome of Black Musli is grounded into a fine paste and applied externally to the skin, which works incredibly well in curing eczema and other skin diseases. It uplifts the skin’s glow and complexion. Additionally, antibacterial characters accelerate wound healing and speed up the healing process.

10. Enhances general systematic Health

Besides treating specific medical conditions, Black Musli Churna can also act as a Rasayana, to enhance the body’s general systemic health. It has proven properties to improve the functioning of the various systems of the body, make the body strong, rejuvenate the liver, and increase the body’s immunity levels. It can also prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis and other conditions affecting women.

11. Treating Digestive disorders

Regular use of Black Musli Churna, on the recommendation of a medical practitioner, can effectively cure a number of digestive disorders. It has the ability to stabilize digestion, stimulate appetite, enhance the functioning of the liver, and treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), vomiting, indigestion, and diarrhea. Moreover, it is also considered an effective treatment for piles.

12. Treat respiratory disorders

The use of Black Musli Churna is very effective in treating disorders related to the respiratory system of the body. These disorders commonly include asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. The respiratory disorders which become severe due to weather changes can also be managed with the help of the Kali Musli herb, together with some other herbs.

Traditional uses and benefits of Black Musli

  • The plant is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of peptic ulcers, piles, gonorrhea, leucorrhea, asthma, jaundice, diarrhea, lumbago, and headache.
  • It is valued in Chinese traditional medicine as a general tonic and restorative in the treatment of decline (especially of physical strength).
  • It is said to be adaptogenic, analeptic, androgenic, anticonvulsive, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue, sedative, tonic and uterine tonic.
  • Externally, the rhizome is used to treat skin diseases.
  • It is used for treatment of eye infection, opthalmia which is familiar as Conjunctivitis.
  • It is the best herb for treating Skin Ailments. Roots are crushed and the paste prepared from this powder is helpful in curbing Itching, Pimples, Acne and Rashes.
  • To have a glowing skin, apply a face pack made from Black Musli.
  • It treats lung ailment and bronchitis.
  • To get rid of digestive problems, have black musli powder and milk mixture. This mixture helps in curbing heartburn and flatulence.
  • It is an effective herb for treating stomach ailments like vomiting.
  • Have some Black Musli in your diet, it helps in both to gain weight and also lose weight.
  • It is effectual for treating lumbago (back pain), joint pain, etc.
  • It is a good herbal treatment for piles.
  • Back Musli is a good herbal treatment for gonorrhea.
  • Rhizome mixed with curd and taken orally for 3 days is believed to increase sperm count.
  • Root powder is taken in a dose of 3-5 g and added with milk in conditions of lack of sperm count, lack of libido, general weakness.
  • Powdered root is burnt and the smoke coming out is inhaled as part of treatment in respiratory diseases like cough, asthma, difficulty in breathing due to congestion of phlegm.
  • Fresh root is made into paste and applied over the affected place with skin diseases.
  • Cold infusion of the root is given in a dose of 30-40 ml to treat burning micturition and difficulty in micturition.
  • To improve the complexion of the skin, powder of the root is mixed with goat milk and honey and applied over the skin.
  • According to Unani system of medicine, root is carminative, tonic, aphrodisiac, antipyretic and useful in bronchitis, ophthalmia, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, lumbago, gonorrhea, gleet, hydrophobia, joint pains etc.
  • It is present in several herbal formulations for gynecological problems, and sexual weakness of males.
  • It is useful in pruritus, skin diseases, asthma, bronchitis, jaundice, diarrhea, cuts and wounds, colic, vomiting, erectile impotence, spermatorrhoea, general weakness, burning, fatigue, piles and menorrhagia.
  • Rhizome juice extract has been used as tonic to overcome impotence.
  • Plant paste applied to skin for itchy afflictions; also applied to hemorrhoids to relieve pain and itching. Also used for gonorrhea, jaundice, vomiting.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, used for the treatment of impotence, limb weakness, osteoarthritis of the knees and lumbar spine, and watery diarrhea.
  • It is given with milk and sugar for gonorrhea, leucorrhea, and menstrual derangements.
  • In the Philippines, Nepal and India, the rhizome is used to cure skin diseases (externally), peptic ulcers, piles, gonorrhea, leucorrhoea, asthma, jaundice, diarrhea and headache.
  • In Papua New Guinea, the rhizome and leaves are softened by being heated over a fire, before being rubbed on the body to serve as a contraceptive.
  • It is reported that the rhizomes are also used to produce flour in India.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Black Musli

  • Respiratory problems: Make a decoction using the leaves of Black Musli; drink it every day with a dosage of 30 milliliters. OR Burn Black Musli’s roots and inhale it for curing ailments such as cough and asthma.
  • Digestive problems: Prepare 3 grams of Black Musli and mix it with milk and take once every day.
  • Urinary problems: Cold infusion prepared from the roots of Black Musli and should be taken every day with an advisable dosage of 30 milliliters to 40 milliliters.
  • Skin problems: Roots are crushed and powdered in order to form the paste; and the paste created will be the treatment to be applied to the skin issues.
  • Skin Complexion: Mixing it with goat’s milk and honey. This mixture is usually done for people who like to have better skin complexion.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Prepare a mixture of Black Musli’s paste and goat’s milk and apply it on the part of skin that needs to be treated.
  • Premature Ejaculation and Impotence: Mix equal amounts of powdered herbs including Ashwagandha, Shatavari and, of course, Black Musli, then take a dosage of five grams to 10 grams of this mixed powder together with cow’s milk two times in one day for not less than one month.
  • Impotence: Take five grams to 10 grams of powdered Black Musli once in a day.
  • Sexual debility: Drink one teaspoon to two teaspoons of fresh juice from the roots of Black Musli. OR Take five grams together with milk daily for not less than a month.
  • Leucorrhoea: Mix five grams of powdered roots with jaggery, then taking it two times in one day. This way must be done in a minimum of three to four consecutive days.
  • Impotence: Grind three herbs to powder: Indian Spider Plant root, Black Musli root, Land Caltrops. Take 4 tablespoons each. Mix well. Add 8 tsp Honey. Prepare a paste. Take 1/2 tsp every day for 20 days. (Caution: Do not take in summers.)
  • Sexual dysfunction: Take 2-3gm of Kali Musli powder. Mix with milk or honey. Have it once or twice a day, preferably after meals.
  • Spermatorrhea: Finely grind Black Musli, Withania Somnifera and Indian Spider Plant. Put one serving spoon of each of the above herbs in a bottle. Add adequate honey to make it a gooey paste. Take one teaspoon a day with warm milk. Take for at least one month.
  • Sexual Health: Take 10 gram Velvet Bean, 10 gram Indian Spider Plant and 3 gram Black Musli, 10 gram Indian Gooseberry, 10 gram Land Caltrops and 10 gram dried Nutmeg. Grind them together. Store in a glass jar. Take quarter teaspoon with milk at night. It will cure your deficiency and boost your energy.
  • Male Libido Loss: Crush root of black musli and make it into powder form. Take 250gms of this powder and mix 50ml of honey to it. Take 1/4tsp of this solution 2 times a day for 1-2 weeks to see the benefits
  • Jaundice: Mix 5grms of root powder in warm milk properly and take is once every day. You could continue your regular medication and take this solution for faster relief. This could aid in fast recovery from the ailment
  • Dysuria: In case you are suffering from this ailment where the urination is painful and difficult then consume a mixture of 3grms of dried root powder of black musli with warm milk 1 time of your choice in a day
  • Heartburn: Take 3gms of black musli powder and mix it in milk. Take is once a day. It would help in getting rid of heartburn and stomach gas and other digestion related problems

Recommended Dosage of Kali Musli

  • Kali Musli Powder – 2-3gm twice a day or as directed by the physician
  • Kali Musli Tablet – 1-2 tablets once or twice a day or as directed by the physician
  • Kali Musli Capsule – 1-2 capsules once or twice a day or as directed by the physician

Precautions

  • Since there is no reliable information on the effects of Black Musli during pregnancy or lactation period, it is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using this herbal extract without medical supervision.
  • People taking allopathic medication for heart disease and hypertension should consult their doctor, before taking this supplement.
  • Swelling of the tongue has been reported as a side-effect after drinking a decoction from the rhizome.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=810209#null

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Curculigo+orchioides

https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/229364

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-303703

http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Golden%20Eye%20Grass.html

http://www.stuartxchange.com/Taloangi.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curculigo_orchioides

https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CUOR3

http://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Curculigo_orchioides_(PROSEA)

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