Emblia Ribes

Description

Embelia ribes, commonly known as false black pepper, white-flowered embelia, vidanga, vaividang, vai vidang, or vavding,[1] is a species in the family Primulaceae. It was originally described by Nicolaas Laurens Burman in his 1768 publication, Flora Indica.[2] It is widely distributed throughout India. In Ayurveda and Siddha, it is considered widely beneficial in variety of diseases[3] In particular embelin isolated from dried berries of Embelia ribes has a wide spectrum of biological activities. Vidanga, commonly known as false black pepper, has various medicinal properties and is used in various ayurvedic formulations.

Vidanga is generally used to expel worms and parasites from the stomach due to its anthelmintic properties. It is beneficial for indigestion and also helps to manage constipation due to its laxative property. Taking Vidanga churna regularly might help manage weight by lowering lipid levels and improving the metabolism of the body. It might also protect the heart against free cell damage by free radicals due to its cardioprotective and antioxidant activities. Vidanga might also be useful in managing depression by improving mood as well as brain functions due to its antidepressant activity.
Vidanga seed paste can be applied on the skin to help get rid of acne due to its antibacterial property. You can also apply Vidanga seed paste along with rose water on the skin to improve your complexion.

Intestinal Worms

Vidanga is a useful herb to manage worm infestation that includes threadworms, roundworm and types of worms due to its Krimighna property.

Indigestion

Vidanga controls vomiting, nausea, indigestion, and flatulence due to its hot potency. It also helps manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property.

Depression

Vidanga has an antidepressant effect which helps in managing depression due to its Vata balancing property.

Throat infection

Vidanga has Kapha pacifying property as a result of which it reduces cough and throat infection.

Obesity

Vidanga also works on reducing fat and clearing all toxins present in the body because of its hot potency that improves digestion and helps in the elimination of undigested foods.

Skin disease

Vidanga helps to control skin diseases by reducing toxins from the blood due to its Shodhan (purification) property.