Vidanga – Embelia ribes Benefits, Usage, Dose, Side Effects

Vidanga is one of the powerful anti-parasitic herbs of Ayurveda. It is widely used against intestinal worm infestation. Its botanical name is Embelia ribes. It is called False black pepper because it mimics pepper in appearance. 
Botanical Name– Embelia ribes Burm. F
Family– MYRSINACEAE – Vidanga Kula ( Vidanga kula)

Medicinal Properties

Rasa (taste) – Katu (pungent), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (qualities)– Laghu (lightness), Ruksha (dryness),Teekshna (piercing, strong)
Virya– Ushna – hot potency
Vipaka– Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion.
Prabhava – Special effect – Krumighna – relieves worm infestation. 

Effect on Tridosha

Because of its hot potency, it balances Kapha and Vata Doshas.

Pharmacological activities

Usually when medicine is given for de-worming the intestines, it is associated with another laxative ingredient so as to ease the dead worms out of the intestines. But while administering Embelia ribes for the purpose of de-worming, an extra laxative is not required because Vidanga itself is a mild laxative.
The word Krumighna does not suggest only towards intestinal worms. The word’s meaning also encompasses microbial infection as well., Anti fungal, Anti oxidant, Stimulant

Part used, dosage

Part used– Fruits, root
Dosage– Powder 3-5 g per day, in divided dose is the usual prescribed dose.
To relieve worm infestation it is given in a dose of 5 – 10 grams

Sanskrit verse

Embelia ribes uses

Therapeutic benefits

Of all the herbs used in treating worm infestation, Vidanga is the best.
Sara – eases the movement of contents in the intestinal track.
Krumihara – useful in worm infestation
Krumikushta – useful in infective skin diseases
Pramehahara – useful in diabetes
Shirorogahara – useful in headache
Vahnikara – improves appetite
Shulahara – useful in abdominal colic pain
Adhmanahara – relieves bloating
Udarahara – useful in abdominal distension, ascites
Shleshma Krumihara – useful in worm infestation of Kapha origin
Vatahara – Balances Vata
Vibandhanut – relieves constipation
Artinut – relieves pain
Agnimandyahara – relieves indigestion, weak digestion
Aruchihara – relieves anorexia
Vibhrantihara –relieves dizziness
It does Shirovirechana – expelling Doshas out of the body from head. Hence used as ingredient in many nasal drops and Nasya oils like Anu tail and Shadbindu Tail.
Usually when medicine is given for de-worming the intestines, it is associated with another laxative ingredient so as to ease the dead worms out of the intestines. But while administering Embelia ribes for the purpose of de-worming, an extra laxative is not required because Vidanga itself is a mild laxative.
The word Krumighna does not suggest only towards intestinal worms. The word’s meaning also encompasses microbial infection as well. Hence Vidanga is an essential ingredient in many antimicrobial medicines like Sanjivani Vati and Panchanimbadi Vati.
It detoxifies blood, hence useful in a wide range of skin diseases.
It has contraceptive effect, along with Pippali (long pepper)
It improves skin complexion and is also used for rejuvenation purposes.
Its water decoction is used for oil pulling to relieve dental caries and bad breath
In skin diseases, it is used both orally and externally in the form of paste. Hence it is used in skin pastes like Pathyadi Lepa
It has mild diuretic action. Hence used in dysuria.
It is useful against vomiting, bloating, indigestion, gastritis and constipation.
It is widely used in weight loss treatment. Hence ingredient of many medicines like Amrutadi Guggulu

Research

Wound healing activity of Embelin, a chemical constituent of Vidanga.
Experimental evaluation in efficacy against dyslipidemia
Antihistaminic and bronchodilatory activity

Side effects

Because of its contraceptive effect, its long term usage should be done with care in cases of infertility.
There are no known side effects with this herb.
It is used in children and lactating mothers. But pregnant ladies should seek medical advice.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Use as dusting powder

Vidang as a dusting powder:
Charaka explained Vidang as one among Avachurnana dravya, along with herbs like Kushta, Musta, Lodhra, Sarjarasa etc. The body of the patient is smeared with sesame oil. Then the body is dusted with the above powder mix. Dusting process is called Avachurnana.
It relieves Kitibha –  ringworm, Kandu – pruritus, Pama – keloids, Vicharchika – Eczema. Reference: (Charaka Sutrasthana 5th chapter)

For plants to flower in all seasons:
Mixture of Sesame oil cakes, Vidanga (Embelia ribes), sugar cane juice and cow dung is sprinkled to the root of a plant. This practice enables flowering of the plant in all the seasons. (Reference: Vriksha Ayurveda)

Use in gastritis

Is Vidanga Useful in Amlapitta (gastritis)?
Vidang is one of the prime herbs used in gastritis or amlapitta treatment. It is also very useful in H Pylori infection.
Many Ayurvedic products that are used for the treatment of gastric conditions contain Vidanga as the main ingredient. For example –
Mahadraksha, Vidangasava, Avipattikar Churna etc.

Distribution

It is distributed throughout India. It is also cultivated.

Major chemical constituents

Embelin, Christembine, Homoembelin, Vilangine, Quercitol etc.
(Reference: Illustrated Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. II, by Dr JLN Shastry)

Vernacular Names

Hindi Name-Vaividang, Vay Vidang, Baibidang, Bhabhirang
Telugu Name– Vayu Vidangalu
Bengali Name– Vidang, Bidang
Marathi Name– Bavidang
Punjabi Name– Bavidang
Gujarati Name– Bavadang
Tamil & Kannada Name– Vilanga, vayu vilanga, vayu vidanga
Malayalam Name– Vijhala,

Sanskrit Synonyms

Jantuhantri, Krimighna – useful in worm infestation
Chitra Tandula – The seeds contain white streaks
Amogha – effective herb in worm infestation
Vella – Plant looks like creeper as it has delicate branches
Kairali – Commonly used in Kerala
Mrigagamini – Used as veterinary medicine
Kirita – Commonly found in hilly region
Sweta Tandula – Seed is white spotted
Gahvara

Classical Categorization

Charaka
Krimigna – group of herbs used in treating worm infestation
Kushtaghna – A group of herbs used in skin diseases.
Truptighna – A group of herbs used in relieving satiation.
Sushruta– Surasadi, Pippalyadi
Vagbhata– Surasadi, Pippalyadi
Bh. Pr. ni – Haritakyadi varga

Different varieties

At the present Embelia Tsjeriam- Cottam-R.et.S
A.Dc- E. Robusta C.B Clarke is supplied as Vidanga at most of the places in India. P.V Sharmaji reported that Myrsine Africana Linn. is adulterated for Vidanga.

Adulterants

Myrsine africana

Morphology

Habit-Large scandent shrub.
Branches-Long, slender, flexible, terete with long internodes.
Bark-Studded with lenticules
Leaves – elliptic or elliptic lanceolate, obtusely acuminate, entire, glabrous on both the sides, shining above, paler and silvery beneath, whole surface covered with scattered minute reddish sunken glands. Base is rounded or acute, and the main nerves are numerous.

Inflorescence-Laxed terminal or axillary panicle raceme.

Flowers- Numerous, small, greenish yellow colored flowers. petals are 5 in number, free, 4 mm long, stamens are 5, shorter than the petals.

Fruit-Globose, smooth, succulent, black when ripe, like a peppercorn when dried, tipped with the persistent style.

Useful part-Fruit

Market sample contains globular fruits dull red or brown colour more often with a five partite persistent calyx and a short stalk. The surface of the fruit is warty. The thin pericarp encloses a single seed of red color which is enveloped in a delicate membrane. It has a faint spicy odor, and tastes pungent.

Systemic Action (Sthanika Karma)

External – Anti microbial, Helps to expel vitiated doshas from the upper part of the neck region. Its powder Nasya (Pradhamana nasya) is indicated in Siro rogas (Diseases of Head and neck), Rhinitis, Jaundice etc. External application of its paste is beneficial in skin disorders. Decoction of Vidanga seed can be used for mouth gargling in tooth ache and Dental caries.

Digestive System – Best among Krimighna dravya. Carminative, Digestant, Facilitate movement vata dosha in proper direction. Vidanga along with hot water is indicated in Vomiting, colic pain, Low digestive strength, Loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and in constipation. Especially indicated for Krimi chikitsa (Gandupada krimi )

Circulatory System – Indicated in lymphadenopathy (Rakta sodhaka)
Excretory System – Indicated in Dysuria. Stimulates urine production, Increases the acidic nature of urine.
Reproductive system – Reduces sperm count, Reduces breast milk production, Uterine stimulant. Indicated in post delivery care.
Tvak – Varnya, and kushtaghna (Imparts normal skin color and indicated in various skin diseases)
Satmikarana – Rejuvinative. Especially indicated for kids with low body strength and immunity

33 comments on “Vidanga – Embelia ribes Benefits, Usage, Dose, Side Effects

  • suchi

    23/09/2013 - 11:03 am

    It will be nice and useful if photographs can be given along with the post to identify the plant.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      24/09/2013 - 6:01 pm

      Hi, I am in the process of buying pics of herbs. I will surely include them in future.

      Reply to comment
  • ponnambalam

    23/09/2013 - 8:10 pm

    Very informative

    Reply to comment
  • Pandit

    08/10/2013 - 10:39 pm

    One query : I have 4 yr daughter. ho much dose of vidanga to be given to her ? please help

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      10/10/2013 - 2:45 pm

      It is better to consult an Ayurveda doctor in person for a 4 year kid.

      Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    13/01/2014 - 8:01 pm

    Its single herb or multiple herb combinations are used for de-worming.
    For the single herb dose, 5 – 10 grams in divided dose for 1 – 2 weeks is used.
    For the right combination and dose, please consult an Ayurveda doctor.

    Reply to comment
  • disanayaka

    02/03/2014 - 12:49 pm

    It is very useful to us as BAMS undergraduates..if u can, please post some articles on jwaraghna treatment, grahi, sthambhana and krimighna treatments in future…it is very hard to find good articles on those topics when we want to do our projects

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      04/06/2014 - 10:11 pm

      Hi, all these topics will surely be covered in coming days. Thanks for suggestion. Work hard. Wish you all the success.

      Reply to comment
  • ravi

    25/11/2014 - 1:03 pm

    Vidanga where is available in assam.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      18/12/2014 - 11:06 am

      Please inquire in local Ayurveda store.

      Reply to comment
  • jmfaville

    02/01/2015 - 12:40 am

    Dr Hebbar, I am understanding that the traditional Ayurveda use of this herb is powder, but I have read some sources that indicate that a tincture may be more effective for parasitic infections. In the USA, I can find some sources for the powder but not the tincture. What is your take on this?

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      04/02/2015 - 10:38 pm

      As per my experience, the Vidanga powder or in capsule form works very fine for parasitic infection. You may please go ahead with powder itself.

      Reply to comment
  • munish

    06/05/2015 - 11:26 pm

    i am a student of M.D. rajasthan Aayurved vishwavidyalaya. i have to submit my thesis on vidanga ribes. so i need some leafs and fruits of vidanga. please guide me where i can found it.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      07/07/2015 - 10:07 pm

      Hi, you should have figured that out while taking the thesis topic itself. Consult Dr Ravi Rao – ravisorake@gmail.com

      Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    08/07/2015 - 9:51 pm

    I suggest to be a little careful with the little one.

    Reply to comment
  • Parikshit

    23/10/2015 - 2:46 pm

    Hi i have started taking 25 gm mixture of bach, vidang,giloy,shankpushpi,bramhi,soath,satavari. To improve my concentration . Please let me know is it suitable to take or 3 month.

    Reply to comment
  • sknagur

    16/11/2015 - 1:33 pm

    i have got urine tract (urethra) infection. a ulcer form in my urethra. please tell me the medicine to cure

    Reply to comment
    • Dr Malini Bhat

      17/11/2015 - 9:30 am

      Dear Sir, These are the remedies you could follow:

      > Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, preferably hot to dilute the urine and flush bacteria out of the bladder.
      > Barley water and coconut water can be used to dilute the urine.
      > Eat a cup of curd made with active, live cultures daily.
      > Taking Vitamin C in the form of fruit juices regularly may make urine more acidic and less hospitable to bacteria. Take six grams of equal parts of amla and jaggery everyday.
      > Internally, take half a cup of decoction of equal parts of fruits of Gokshura (gokhru) and coriander (dhania), thrice a day.

      The drugs which are helpful in this condition are :
      > Chandraprabha vati — 2 times a day with warm water after food
      > Chandanaasva — 2 tsp with equal amount of water before food
      However, Consult your ayurvedic physician before using these medicines.

      Some of the guidelines:
      > Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, chillies, and coffee.
      > Restrict intake of beans, pulses, spinach, tomatoes, and ladyfingers.
      > Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. Empty your bladder completely when you pass urine. Do not give bacteria a chance to grow.
      > Get plenty of rest.

      Note: As we all are genetically different with different constitutions and patterns, we respond to treatments in many different ways.Hence Standard Ayurvedic Treatments are always individually formulated. For specific treatment, always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

      Reply to comment
  • Daksha

    18/05/2017 - 4:27 pm

    Is it safe if we drink boiled water with this herb daily and does it balance the ph of the water

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      04/06/2017 - 10:39 pm

      It is not known to balance Ph of water. It is safe to take it for 6 – 8 weeks only.

      Reply to comment
  • Chinnu

    04/06/2017 - 10:26 am

    Can You tell synonyms of vidanga

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      04/06/2017 - 12:07 pm

      Written in the article just below vernacular names.
      Jantuhantri, Krimighna – useful in worm infestation
      Chitra Tandula – The seeds contain white streaks
      Amogha, Vella, Kairali, Tandula, Gahvara.

      Reply to comment
  • Chinnu

    04/06/2017 - 10:41 am

    Very informative

    Reply to comment
  • Amit

    16/07/2017 - 11:12 pm

    How to use vavding for infants? What should be quantity? How many days / weeks it can be consumed by infant?

    Reply to comment
  • Mel

    25/08/2017 - 7:33 am

    Hi Dr. Hebbar, I am dealing with parasites…I was prescribed to take vidanga about 6 weeks ago when I first was diagnosed with parasites. Two weeks ago I was dealing with similar symptoms from the parasites. Is it ok and safe to take another dose? Just to ensure they are all eliminated?

    Reply to comment
  • Michelle Gerson

    15/11/2017 - 2:42 am

    I have just ordered Vidanga embelia ribes. They are little black fruit or seeds. How do I prepar them for parasites elimination. Do I eat them as they are or do they have to be prepared in a special manner to be efficient?

    Reply to comment
  • Dilip Patel

    08/02/2018 - 11:37 am

    Never ever heat HONEY or, dilute it in Hot or Warm water. Please Check it out !

    Reply to comment
  • Shal

    09/04/2018 - 12:40 am

    I m having frequent dysentery .. pl help

    Reply to comment
  • ramesh

    18/07/2018 - 6:03 am

    Dr can you reccomend a good treatment for keloids.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      18/07/2018 - 10:41 am

      Keloids are hard to treat. I never had any success thus far.

      Reply to comment
  • Sivakumar Hari

    18/06/2020 - 2:07 pm

    sir can you write about how botanical names are developed for ayurvedic herbs?

    Reply to comment

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