Daruharidra
Daruharidra is also called as Indian barberry or Tree Turmeric. It’s botanical name is Berberis aristata and belongs to Berberidace family.
Berberis aristata is a large, erect, deciduous spiny shrub. It grows to height 2-3 meters. Twigs are whitish or pale yellowish brown in color. Bark pale brown from outside and deep yellow from inside, deeply furrowed, rough. Fruits are edible berries, succulent, acidic, bright red in color.
Chemical Constituents –
Daruharidra has been used in Ayurvedic medicine system for a long time. Fruit of this plant is edible and is a rich source of vitamin C. The root and bark of this herb are rich in berberine and isoquinoline alkaloids.
Properties –
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Hepatoprotective
• Antiplasmodial
• Antimicrobial
• Astringent
• Healer
Parts Used –
The root, stem, fruit, water extract of Daruharidra are widely used for its medicinal purposes.
Its water extract is called as Rasanjana, used in eye disorders with infection and inflammation. Rasanjana (aqueous extract of Daruharidra) with Gomutra is administered for the treatment of Kushta – skin diseases.
Dosage –
• Daruharidra Churna – ¼ – ½ teaspoon twice a day.
• Daruharidra Capsule – 1-2 capsules twice a day.
• Daruharidra Tablet – 1-2 tablets twice a day.
• Decoction – 15 – 60 ml in divided dose.
Benefits –
• Liver Disorders
Daruharidra might be beneficial in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Berberine in Daruharidra helps to lower the level of triglycerides in the body.
It also reduces the level of liver enzymes like ALT and AST in the blood. It helps to reduce insulin resistance and fatty liver condition associated with NAFLD.
Also it might be beneficial in the management of jaundice.
• Malaria
It might be beneficial in the management of malaria. The bark of Daruharidra has good antiplasmodial (acts against the parasites called Plasmodium) and antimalarial activity. It disrupts the growth cycle of the malarial parasite.
• Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. Daruharidra helps to control heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Burns
It helps to manage burns when applied directly to the skin because of its Ropan (healing) property. It also helps to reduce inflammation due to its Pitta balancing nature.
• Diabetes
Berberine in Daruharidra has blood sugar lowering effect. It reduces the increase in glucose levels in the blood. It improves insulin sensitivity and promotes the uptake of glucose by the cells and tissues. It also inhibits the formation of glucose by the process of gluconeogenesis.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
It helps to manage the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is caused by an imbalance of Panchak Agni (digestive fire). Daruharidra helps to improve Pachak Agni and correct the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• ENT Disorders
It is useful in the treatment of pain and itching related disorders related to eyes, ears and oral cavity. Its filtered decoction (Kashaya) is used to wash eyes to relieve pain, swelling and inflammation.
Ayurvedic Formulations of Daruharidra –
• Maha Manjishtadi Kashayam
• Maha Yogaraja Guggul
• Darvyadi Kwath
• Khadiradi Vati
Side effects –
As it can lower sugar levels, people with diabetes should use this under medical supervision.
It can be used in children and during lactation.
Seek medical advice for use during pregnancy.
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