Manjistha
Manjistha or Indian Madder is considered to be one of the best blood-purifying herbs. It is mainly used to break down blockages in the blood flow and remove stagnant blood.
It’s botanical name is Rubia cordifolia, which belongs to Rubiaceae family.
It can grow to 1.5 m in height. The evergreen leaves are 5–10 cm long and 2–3 cm broad, produced in whorls of 4-7 star like around the central stem. It climbs with tiny hooks at the leaves and stems. The flowers are small (3–5 mm across), with five pale yellow petals.The roots can be over 1 m long, up to 12 mm thick.
Properties –
• Astringent
• Appetizer
• Digestive
• Antioxidant
• Kidney protective
• Hepatoprotective
• Cardioprotective
Parts Used –
Usable part of manjistha is its root for various medicinal purposes.
Dosage –
• Churna/ Powder – Take ¼ – ½ tsp of Manjistha Churna by mixing it in warm water and adding honey twice a day, after meals or as directed by the ayurvedic doctor or practitioner.
• Gutika/ Tablet/ Capsule – Take 1-2 tab/ cap of Manjistha alongside water twice a day after meals.
Benefits –
• Skin Diseases
An imbalanced Pitta dosha vitiates the blood and impairs its normal functioning. Manjistha helps to purify the blood and treats all type of skin disorders. Manjistha or its oil helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected area.
• Diarrhea
The aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. In such condition, taking Manjistha helps to control diarrhea. This is because it improves digestive fire.
• Acne and Pimples
A Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne and pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Manjistha helps in balancing Kapha and Pitta which helps to remove clogs and inflammation as well.
• Heart Health
By acting as a calcium channel blocker, it manages irregular cardiac rhythm. It prevents lipid peroxidation and accumulation in the blood vessels which in turn reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart blocks, heart attacks, blood clots, etc. It also reduces platelet aggregation, and thus facilitates smooth flowing of blood throughout the body. The potent vasodilatory action of the herb manages high blood pressure as well.
• Respiratory Diseases
Manjistha is considered to be a well-known traditional remedy for all sorts of respiratory troubles. It is beneficial in treating the common cold, sore throat, cough and flu symptoms. It also actively thins and loosens rheum particles within the chest and nasal cavities and hence eases breathing and helps the body to get rid of mucus. It is also beneficial for treating Asthma and other respiratory conditions.
• Female Reproductive Health
Manjistha is a magical remedy for all types of hormonal problems. It plays an important role in regulating periods, treating postnatal ailments, and even helps to treat excessive abdominal pain/bleeding. Additionally, it also relieves the pain during dysmenorrhea and encourages easy flow during the menstrual cycle. For women suffering from PCOD, intake of manjistha formulations actively helps in purifying the blood and restores uterus health leading to regular, healthy periods.
• Liver Disorders
Manjistha makes for a magical remedy for most liver anomalies especially jaundice, in which the liver gets mostly effected. The herb not only provides support to the liver functioning by secreting bile but also helps the liver enzymes to tune down to normal levels. It also cleanses and detoxifies the liver and improves liver functioning.
• Kidney Stones
Manjistha is extremely beneficial in treating kidney stones and other kidney disorders as well. This bio-active component in it reduces accumulation and deposition of calcium and magnesium which ultimately leads to stones in the kidneys and ureter. Additionally, being a potent antispasmodic agent, it also allows the already formed kidney stones to easily pass through the urinary system with less pain.
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