Nagkesar (Latin Name - Mesua ferrea), is a slow growing tree which grows up to 1500 meters which is known for its heaviness and hardness of its timber. It is also cultivated as an ornamental tree as it takes a graceful shape, lush green foliage, pink or red flush of leaves and beautiful white flowers with lovely fragrance. It is a native tree to wet and tropical parts of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Indo-China, Thailand, Philippines and Sumatra. It usually grows wild in evergreen forests along river sides. The herb is pungent, bitter, astringent, dry, piercing, light to digest and has hot potency.

The timber of Nagkesar is used in railroad ties and structural timber due to it heaviness, hardness and deep dark red color. The leaves, flowers and seeds of Nagkesar is used in herbal medicines.

It is a famous herb used to treat fever, vomiting, urinary tract disorders, migraine headache etc. Many herbal jams constitute this herb.