Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Anantamul scientifically known as Hemidesmus indicus and called Sariva in Ayurveda is a renowned cooling and blood purifying herb. Its aromatic root possesses Sweet taste with Heavy and Unctuous qualities. Having a Cold potency and Sweet post digestive effect it effectively pacifies all three doshas especially balancing Pitta. It is highly valued as a Raktashodhaka or blood purifier and Dahaprashamana agent treating burning sensations skin diseases like leprosy and itching and blood disorders. Therapeutically it is used for fever diarrhea and reproductive conditions like menorrhagia. As a key ingredient in formulations like Pushyanuga Churna it supports skin complexion and general vitality acting as a rejuvenating tonic.
Anantamul, scientifically known as Hemidesmus indicus, is a renowned herb in Ayurveda, celebrated for its cooling and blood-purifying properties. In Sanskrit, it is most commonly known as Sārivā or Anantā (meaning "endless," referring to its long, spreading roots). It is a key ingredient in many cooling beverages (like Nannari syrup in South India) and medicinal formulations used to treat skin diseases, burning sensations, and blood disorders. It is classified as Raktaśodhaka (blood purifier) and Tridoṣanāśana (pacifier of all three doshas).
Anantamul is a prostrate or semi-erect shrub found throughout India. The medicinal part is its woody, aromatic root, which emits a pleasant scent resembling vanilla or camphor. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for its ability to cool the body, purify the blood, and improve complexion. It is considered a general tonic and rejuvenator, specifically for the skin and reproductive system.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Anantamul is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India):
Anantamul is generally considered safe and is widely used in food (as a cooling drink) and medicine. It is non-toxic when used in traditional dosages.
World Health Organization – WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Hemidesmus indicus – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16814465/
Anti-inflammatory activity of Hemidesmus indicus root extract – Indian Journal of Pharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20336218/
Antioxidant properties of Hemidesmus indicus – Food Chemistry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17611057/
Immunomodulatory effects of Hemidesmus indicus – International Immunopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14687975/
Cytotoxic and anticancer activity of Hemidesmus indicus – BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-13-145
Pharmacognostic evaluation of Hemidesmus indicus root – Pharmacognosy Research
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210031/
Chemical constituents of Hemidesmus indicus roots – Natural Product Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17373450/
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, it is often taken as a cooling syrup (Sherbet) during summer to maintain body temperature and purify blood. Medicinal doses should follow a physician's advice.
Q. When should it be taken?
It can be taken before or after meals depending on the formulation (e.g., Asavas are usually taken after meals).
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, the powder is often taken with water or milk. It is also boiled in water to make a cooling drink.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Anantamul scientifically known as Hemidesmus indicus and called Sariva in Ayurveda is a renowned cooling and blood purifying herb. Its aromatic root possesses Sweet taste with Heavy and Unctuous qualities. Having a Cold potency and Sweet post digestive effect it effectively pacifies all three doshas especially balancing Pitta. It is highly valued as a Raktashodhaka or blood purifier and Dahaprashamana agent treating burning sensations skin diseases like leprosy and itching and blood disorders. Therapeutically it is used for fever diarrhea and reproductive conditions like menorrhagia. As a key ingredient in formulations like Pushyanuga Churna it supports skin complexion and general vitality acting as a rejuvenating tonic.
Anantamul, scientifically known as Hemidesmus indicus, is a renowned herb in Ayurveda, celebrated for its cooling and blood-purifying properties. In Sanskrit, it is most commonly known as Sārivā or Anantā (meaning "endless," referring to its long, spreading roots). It is a key ingredient in many cooling beverages (like Nannari syrup in South India) and medicinal formulations used to treat skin diseases, burning sensations, and blood disorders. It is classified as Raktaśodhaka (blood purifier) and Tridoṣanāśana (pacifier of all three doshas).
Anantamul is a prostrate or semi-erect shrub found throughout India. The medicinal part is its woody, aromatic root, which emits a pleasant scent resembling vanilla or camphor. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for its ability to cool the body, purify the blood, and improve complexion. It is considered a general tonic and rejuvenator, specifically for the skin and reproductive system.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Anantamul is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India):
Anantamul is generally considered safe and is widely used in food (as a cooling drink) and medicine. It is non-toxic when used in traditional dosages.
World Health Organization – WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Hemidesmus indicus – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16814465/
Anti-inflammatory activity of Hemidesmus indicus root extract – Indian Journal of Pharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20336218/
Antioxidant properties of Hemidesmus indicus – Food Chemistry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17611057/
Immunomodulatory effects of Hemidesmus indicus – International Immunopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14687975/
Cytotoxic and anticancer activity of Hemidesmus indicus – BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-13-145
Pharmacognostic evaluation of Hemidesmus indicus root – Pharmacognosy Research
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210031/
Chemical constituents of Hemidesmus indicus roots – Natural Product Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17373450/
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, it is often taken as a cooling syrup (Sherbet) during summer to maintain body temperature and purify blood. Medicinal doses should follow a physician's advice.
Q. When should it be taken?
It can be taken before or after meals depending on the formulation (e.g., Asavas are usually taken after meals).
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, the powder is often taken with water or milk. It is also boiled in water to make a cooling drink.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem