Manjishta – Rubia cordifolia Benefits, usage, Dose, Side Effects, Remedies
Manjishta is a famous herb for blood detoxification. Is root is extensively used in many skin disease medicines of Ayurveda. It is known as Indian Madder in English. It is used in many oral Ayurveda medicines and in Ayurveda oils for skin conditions as well.
Botanical name – Rubia cordifolia Linn.
Family – Rubiaceae (Manjishta kula)
Table of Contents
Medicinal qualities
Guna (qualities) – Guru (Heavy to digest), Rooksha (dry)
Rasa – Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet)
Vipaka (taste conversion after digestion) – Katu (pungent)
Veerya (potency) – Ushna (hot)
Effect on Tridosha – Kaphapittashamaka – Balances Kapha and Pitta
It is mainly Pittahara.
Because it mitigates Pitta, it is useful in diseases of the tissues where Pitta is involved, such as skin (wounds, skin diseases) and eyes.
By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD
Introduction
Indian madder or Manjeeth is used in textile industry as a natural red coloring agent. It is used in processing arecanut, so as to increase the astringent taste of the supari-betel nut and to increase the shelf life.
It is an Ayurvedic medicine, used extensively in the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. Rubia cordifolia Linn is its botanical name and it belongs to Rubiaceae family. The plant is categorized under the group of Varnya- which enhances the skin complexion, as per Acharya Charaka.
This plant is known for its blood purifying nature, complexion enhancing effect, healing properties and to stimulate the liver and spleen. In Chinese medicine also it is used as an anti toxic herb.
The stem and roots are the used part. In practice whole plant is used now a days.
It balances Kapha and Pitta Dosha. It possesses bitter and astringent tastes.
It is hot in potency.
The plant contains yellow gencoside, mangistin, garancin, algerin, zenthgin, salt contents and rich amount of starch.
Read related: Manjishta – Rubia cordifolia – benefits, usage, Dose, Side Effects
Manjishthadi kashaya, Mahamanjisthadi kashaya, Manjisthadi taila, Pinda taila, Manjishthadya ghrita, Manjishthadi arka are the well known classical recipes of this herb.
Home remedies
Few important simple remedies and their health benefits are listed below:
Pimples, dark spots
1. Manjishtha fine paste for pimples and dark spots:
Manjista stem or roots fine powder is rubbed well with water and applied over the skin lesions of pimples and dark spots. It is a natural complexion enhancer. (Fresh roots can be used for this purpose)
Chronic ulcers
2. Manjistha decoction in washing the chronic ulcers:
Manistha decoction is made and used to wash the wounds in case of chronic wounds, non healing ulcers etc. In bite wounds, this is used by the folk healers.
General method of decoction preparation is –
1 tablespoon (10 grams) fo coarse powder of the herb is added with 2 cups of water. Boiled in open air till the total content is reduced to 1 cup. This is filtered and used.
Blisters, boils
3. Manjishta cold infusion in blisters and summer boils:
20-30 gram of coarse powder is soaked in 200-300 ml of water and kept over night. This is macerated well and taken early morning. In burning of the body (summer season and in menopausal period), blisters and boils this is very effective.
Skin diseases
4. Manjishtha and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) dcecoction in skin diseases:
Both these herbs are well known blood purifiers. Their combination if made into decoction and taken it cures several skin diseases very effectively.
Burns
5. Manjistha herbal ghee and oil for burns:
Manjista, Teak wood tender leaves and red sandal wood are taken in equal quantity and ghee or oil is processed as per the classical method of cooking the oil/ghee. This oil or ghee is used to apply over the burns and scalds. It pacifies burning, pain and reduces the chances of boils and there after caused skin discoloration.
Classical ayurvedic literatures refer few of the health benefits of a herb by virtue of its Rasa-Guna-Veerya-Vipaka-Prabhava etc. Advancements in the techniques and technology, various forms of therapeutic applications, modified dosage forms, synthesizing the chemical molecules from the herbal resources may yield further more usable chemical constituents.
Manjishtha is an herb which I personally believe that confident products can be derived and the chemical salts of this herb can be used in treatment of diseases of circulatory system and metabolism related disorders.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD
Svarakrut – improves voice
Varnakrut – improves skin complexion
Useful in the treatment of
Visha –toxic conditions, poisoning
Shotha – inflammatory conditions
Yoniruk – gynecological disorders
Karnaruk – ear pain
Akshiruk – eye pain
Raktatisara – diarrhea with bleeding
Kushta – skin diseases
Asra – blood vitiation
Visarpa – Herpes, spreading skin disease
Vrana – injuries
Meha – diabetes and urinary tract disorders
Netramaya – eye disorders
Part used, dose
Part used: Root
Dose
Powder – 1 – 3 grams
Kashaya – 20 – 50 ml in divided doses or as directed by Ayurveda doctor
Home remedy
Home remedy with Rubia cordifolia –
Herbal face pack
Ayurveda medicines
Ayurveda medicines with Manjishta:
Maha Manjishtadi Kashaya – used for skin diseases and for blood purification.
Kumkumadi oil– Famous oil for skin glow and quality improvement
Maharaja Prasarini Tailam – A peculiar oil used in neurological conditions, administered orally and also externally (massage).
Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita – A ghee used in abscess, sinus treatment etc
Side effects
Indian madder side effects:
There are no known side effects. It can be used in children and lactating mothers in small quantities. Seek medical guidance for its use during pregnancy.
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
of the 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.
Vernacular names, Sanskrit synonyms
Bengali name – Manjishta
Gujarati, Hindi name – Manjeeth
Tamil name – Manjitti
Telugu name – Tamravalli
Kannada name – Raktamanjishte
Malayalam name – Manjetti
Arabian name – Phuvva
Farsi name – Runas
Sanskrit synonyms:
Vikasa – manjishta spreads on the ground
Yojanavalli- Plant is a climber that spreads on the ground
Jingi – covers larger area
Samanga – Spreads extensively on the ground
Lohitalata
rasayani – Used as a rejuvinating agent
Bhandiri, Raktanga, Vastrabhushana, Kalameshi, Lata
Vastraranjini – it imparts red colour to cloth
Varieties
Ra. Ni – Cola, Yojani, Crounci, Simhali
Market sample – Nepali, Afgani, Eshani, Hindusthani
Classical categorization
Charaka Samhita –
Jvarahara – herbs that relieve fever
Varnya – herbs that are good for skin, improves complexion
Vishaghna – anti toxic, anti poisonous herbs
Sushruta – Priyangvadi and Pittasamshamana (Pitta calming) group of herbs
Vagbhata – Priyangvadi group of herbs
Distribution
It is found in hilly areas of India. It is also cultivated in many places.
Morphology
Perennial, herbaceous climber, roots are very long, cylindric with a thin red bark
Stem – Often many yard long, rough, grooved, slightly woody at the base. Bark is white, quadrangular, sometimes prickly on the angles, glabrous shining.
Leaves – 4 leaves in one whorl, usually 2 leaves in whorl are larger than other two leaves.5 nerved, petioles are triangular with prickles on the edges and exstipulate.
Fruits – Globose
Sthanika karma (Action on different system)
External application – Cures edema and burning sensation. Indicated in conjunctivitis.
Digestive system – Carminative, digestive, and improve taste. Indicated in anorexia, loss of appetite, Malabsorption syndrome, Dysentery etc.
Circulatory System – Indicated in edema, rheumatic joint diseases, Syphilis, STD’s, Elephantiasis etc.
Respiratory system – Pacifies kapha dosha. indicated in cough, breathing disorders
Reproductive system – Aphrodisiac, Indicated in Leukorrhea, Threatened abortion, Purifies breast milk
Excretory system – increases urine output. Indicated in Dysuria and Pittaja prameha
Satmikarana –Anti poisonous, Rejuvinative
Skin – Indicated in skin disorders like kushta, visarpa etc.
Tapakrama – Antipyretic. relieve the burning sensation.
29 comments on “Manjishta – Rubia cordifolia Benefits, usage, Dose, Side Effects, Remedies”
ritu
how to use Varnya – improves complexion at home what is the hindi and sanskrit name of varnya
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, there are many herbs with the synonym Varnya. Manjishta, Sandalwood, turmeric are a few . You can make a paste with powder of Manjishta and apply it to the face, leave for 5 minutes and wash off.
Vineet
Hi…its Vineet from Delhi..I have read so many safety issues about majeeth some articals says its very unsafe for health…and may cause cancer..,,would u please..tell me if these concerns are true or not..and does it also act as cardio protective herb…?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
This herb has been used since many centuries, safely. There has been no toxic effects are reported with this medicine.
Anna
I thought Manjishtha is cooling but in your artical it say its potency is heating . Is cooling or heating?.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, as per Bhavaprakasha and Dhanvantari Nighantu, it is hot in nature. But it is a very good blood and skin detoxifier.
David A
A chiropractor suggested Majith to help clear congestion in my eustachian tubes which reduced my hearing. I developed symptoms of giardiasis. When I discontinued usage the symptoms went away. The symptoms returned 2 days after I used Majith again. Is it possible I have a batch with the parasite or might it be something else.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
The powder of Majith was probably contaminated.
ranjith
Sir I have many pimples on face ,scars,and day by day my face is becoming black plz just tell me how to stop pimples and blackness of face , give advice any medicine works fastly
Aavya
Does manjishtha aid digestion
Kaylee
Does Manjishta help with breast reducing? If so, how should I take it.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
I have not read about such an effect of Manjishta.
OfferUp
Dear Dr Hebbar,
Is manjistha a gandha dravya as well? Also, what is the complete list of gandha dravyas?
Thanks
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Manjishta is commonly used as gandha dravya.
Camphor, cardamom, musk etc are used as Gandha dravya. I will shortly come up with full list.
OfferUp
Thanks Dr Hebbar. I would love to be notified when the gandha and sugandha dravya article is up. Would you mind posting that link here so that I will get a notification? Thanks a lot for sharing your wisdom and immense knowledge.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
You may please subscribe to our email newsletter.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It is not a very common to have such a side effect. I suggest to start it again and if eye pain recurs, only then stop it.
AARTI BHARADWAJ
Dr Hebbar, could you please tell me if Manjistha is useful in Ayurvedic Urticaria /Hives?
How much dosage ?
Kavitha
Hello sir I’m kavita 36 years I got wrinkles on face suddenly on face very horribly. I consulted ayurvedic doctor she prescribed manjistha rakthshodak and arogya mishran .does these medications help me to get rid of wrinkles ..plzz suggest me sir
LIJU
Hi Dr, for my dry skin Dr give me to take guluchyadi kashayam, Kaisoraguggulu vatika (before food) mahathiktha ghritam ghee and triphala choorbam, both mix and eat at bed time, jivayanthi yamakam apply before take a bath, I would like to know how long it will take to see result, is it possible to get clear skin without dryness? Kindly Advice?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It may take about 2 – 3 weeks to start showing results.
Sam Treftz
Hi Dr. Thank you so much for offering your time to help. Please can you offer advice on how to relieve eczema and psoriasis.Can Manjith be used for this?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, the dose looks fine.
It may take 2 – 3 weeks to show improvements.
BB
Should manjitha be taken with food or empty stomach and how should one take in powder form?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
1. Yes.
2. In powder form, it can be taken 2 grams with water, once or twice a day.
Lena
1) manjistha to take with food or after food – or it’s better on empty stomach?
2) better to take with hot water ?
3)does majistha thicken the blood or thin the blood?
4)Does manjistha intake causes to gain weight since it’s vata reducer ?
5) will manjistha help with tinnitus since some one above said they are taking for Eutaintubes congestion
Thank you ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
1. Before food.
2. Yes.
3. It is not a blood thinner. But it does not increase thickness of blood.
4. No.
5. Yes, to some extent.
Hemlaxmi Shinde
Namste Dr.
Does Manjitha kadha reduce pigmentation? Pl. give me name of kadha use for pigmentation. or any madecine. I am used Kumkumadi tailam but not work.
requestt u give me suggestion.
Thanks
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Manjishtadi is useful. But it also depends on the nature of pigmentation.
Please consult a doctor directly or here
https://www.easyayurveda.com/consult