Rubia Cordifolia

Description

Manjistha consists of dried roots of Rubia cordifolia L. (family Rubiaceae). It is also known as Manjitha or Manjit in Hindi and Indian Madder in English. Manjistha is found throughout the country.1 The plant has a long and cylindrical root with red coloured bark. Its flowers are small, white, or greenish, whereas fruits are globose, dark purple or, black. Stems have a long, woody, and rough base.

Rubia cordifolia has been traditionally used for its medicinal benefits. Apart from therapeutic benefits, it is also used as a natural hair dye and food colourant.

How to Use Herb?

There are many ayurvedic formulations containing Manjistha available to be used in cases of skin diseases, blood purification, bacterial infections, pain, and wounds.6 Some examples are given below,

1.  Laghu Manjisthaadi kwatha is used in the treatment of skin diseases.
2. Mukhakrantimkar lepa can be used to improve the glow of the face.
3. Raktasodhana can be used as a blood purifier.
4. Vranaropaka can be used for wound healing.
5. Vedanasthapana can be used as an analgesic.

Manjistha is commonly used as a blood purifier. It has many other therapeutic properties like calcium channel blocking, anti-diabetic, anti-platelet, and anti-stress. It is used in the treatment of skin problems and has anticancer properties.