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)
Table of Contents
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
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
It will be nice and useful if photographs can be given along with the post to identify the plant.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, I am in the process of buying pics of herbs. I will surely include them in future.
ponnambalam
Very informative
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Thanks.
Pandit
One query : I have 4 yr daughter. ho much dose of vidanga to be given to her ? please help
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It is better to consult an Ayurveda doctor in person for a 4 year kid.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
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.
disanayaka
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
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, all these topics will surely be covered in coming days. Thanks for suggestion. Work hard. Wish you all the success.
ravi
Vidanga where is available in assam.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Please inquire in local Ayurveda store.
jmfaville
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?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
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.
munish
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.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, you should have figured that out while taking the thesis topic itself. Consult Dr Ravi Rao – ravisorake@gmail.com
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
I suggest to be a little careful with the little one.
Parikshit
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.
sknagur
i have got urine tract (urethra) infection. a ulcer form in my urethra. please tell me the medicine to cure
Dr Malini Bhat
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.
Daksha
Is it safe if we drink boiled water with this herb daily and does it balance the ph of the water
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It is not known to balance Ph of water. It is safe to take it for 6 – 8 weeks only.
Chinnu
Can You tell synonyms of vidanga
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
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.
Chinnu
Very informative
Amit
How to use vavding for infants? What should be quantity? How many days / weeks it can be consumed by infant?
Mel
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?
Michelle Gerson
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?
Dilip Patel
Never ever heat HONEY or, dilute it in Hot or Warm water. Please Check it out !
Shal
I m having frequent dysentery .. pl help
ramesh
Dr can you reccomend a good treatment for keloids.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Keloids are hard to treat. I never had any success thus far.
Sivakumar Hari
sir can you write about how botanical names are developed for ayurvedic herbs?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It is done by the modern day botanists.