Manjishta is found in upper altitudes of Himalayas. Manjishta is a highly beneficial herb in ayurveda. The herb is a cure for various diseases such as regulating and cleaning the intestine. It also helps in regulation and purification of blood. Manjistha is also beneficial in cancer cure.
The botanical name of Manjishta is Rubia cordifolia and it belongs to Rubiaceae family. Roots and fruits are some useful parts of the herb. The roots of the plant contains lime salts, resinous matter like sugar, gum and coloring matter. Other common names of Manjishta are Madder, Gandhari, Manjati and Manchatti etc.
Ayurvedic Properties of Manjishta
- Guna — Guru
- Rasa — Tikta, kasaya, madhura
- Virya — Usna
- Vipaka — Katu
- Karma — Swarya, sothaghna, visa, varnya, kaphapittashamaka, pramehaghna, kusthagahna, krimighna, vrsya, artavjannan, stambhna, sonitsthapna, rasayan.
Manjishta Benefits
Manjishta is widely used for both external and internal use. The benefits of Manjishta herb are as follows –
- Blood purifier — It is a potent blood purifier.
- Digestion — The herb helps in digestion and is an appetizer. It is a vermicide and also destroys ama.
- Skin diseases — It is used externally for treatment of various skin diseases such as edema, scabies and allergic manifestations. The herb is also used for ulcers and wounds dressing.
- The decoction of the herb is used to wash chronic wounds and also dressed up with the external application of herb’s extract.
- Acne — Root’s powder is mixed with clarified butter and applied over acne.
- Root’s paste is beneficial in removing freckles and skin discoloration.
- When the herb is mixed with honey, it acts as anti-inflammatory and gives smoothness to the skin and even tones it.
- Gastrointestinal ailments — It is used in treatment of dyspepsia, loss of appetite and worm infestations.
- Dysmenorrhea — The cold infusion of the herb helps in relieving painful menstruation and also improves menstrual bleeding.
- The herb is also an effective medication for voice hoarseness.
- Diabetes — The herb is an anti-diabetic and hence used for treatment of urinary calculi.
- Manjishta is also used for proper functioning of spleen, liver, kidneys and pancreas.
These are some of the health benefits of Manjishta herb and their uses in ayurvedic medicine.
