Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only

Daruhaldi scientifically known as Berberis aristata is a significant Ayurvedic herb often called Tree Turmeric. It is used in various forms including the dried stem and fruit. The fruit possesses Sweet and Sour tastes with Cold potency and Light Dry qualities making it effective in pacifying Pitta dosha. It is primarily indicated for digestive disorders like diarrhea known as Atisara vomiting and liver enlargement or Yakrdudara. The stem extract known as Rasanjana is highly valued for treating eye diseases skin disorders like Kushtha and metabolic conditions like Prameha or diabetes. It also helps in checking excessive discharges like leucorrhea. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 3 to 5 grams of the fruit powder often taken to treat blood disorders and fever.
Daruhaldi, scientifically known as Berberis aristata, is a revered herb in Ayurveda, often called "Tree Turmeric" due to its yellow wood and similar properties to Turmeric (Haridra). While the stem is widely used for treating diabetes and skin diseases, the fruit (known as Zarishk) is a potent remedy for digestive and liver disorders. It is also the source of Rasanjana, a concentrated extract highly valued for treating eye diseases.
Daruhaldi is an erect, glabrous, spinescent shrub found in the Himalayas (between 2000 to 3000 m) and Nilgiri hills. It is historically significant for its capacity to treat "blood disorders" and "metabolic issues." The plant produces berries that turn from bright red to blue-black when mature. In Ayurveda, it is considered a specific remedy for eye ailments (Netraroga) and is a key ingredient in formulations for skin health and liver support.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (specifically for the Fruit), the properties are:
Daruhaldi is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
Daruhaldi is generally considered safe when used in the recommended dosage for therapeutic purposes. It is a common ingredient in formulations for children (e.g., Kumārakalyāṇa Rasa) and general health tonics.
Store the dried fruits or stem powder in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and light to preserve the alkaloid content.
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
It is typically used for specific therapeutic conditions (like diarrhea, skin issues, or high blood sugar) rather than as a daily supplement for healthy individuals.
Q. When should it be taken?
For digestive issues, it is often taken with honey or water. For eye ailments, the extract (Rasanjana) is applied or taken as directed by a physician.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. Formulations like Tiktaka Ghrita (containing Daruhaldi) are often taken with warm water or milk. The powder can be taken with water or honey.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only

Daruhaldi scientifically known as Berberis aristata is a significant Ayurvedic herb often called Tree Turmeric. It is used in various forms including the dried stem and fruit. The fruit possesses Sweet and Sour tastes with Cold potency and Light Dry qualities making it effective in pacifying Pitta dosha. It is primarily indicated for digestive disorders like diarrhea known as Atisara vomiting and liver enlargement or Yakrdudara. The stem extract known as Rasanjana is highly valued for treating eye diseases skin disorders like Kushtha and metabolic conditions like Prameha or diabetes. It also helps in checking excessive discharges like leucorrhea. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 3 to 5 grams of the fruit powder often taken to treat blood disorders and fever.
Daruhaldi, scientifically known as Berberis aristata, is a revered herb in Ayurveda, often called "Tree Turmeric" due to its yellow wood and similar properties to Turmeric (Haridra). While the stem is widely used for treating diabetes and skin diseases, the fruit (known as Zarishk) is a potent remedy for digestive and liver disorders. It is also the source of Rasanjana, a concentrated extract highly valued for treating eye diseases.
Daruhaldi is an erect, glabrous, spinescent shrub found in the Himalayas (between 2000 to 3000 m) and Nilgiri hills. It is historically significant for its capacity to treat "blood disorders" and "metabolic issues." The plant produces berries that turn from bright red to blue-black when mature. In Ayurveda, it is considered a specific remedy for eye ailments (Netraroga) and is a key ingredient in formulations for skin health and liver support.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (specifically for the Fruit), the properties are:
Daruhaldi is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
Daruhaldi is generally considered safe when used in the recommended dosage for therapeutic purposes. It is a common ingredient in formulations for children (e.g., Kumārakalyāṇa Rasa) and general health tonics.
Store the dried fruits or stem powder in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and light to preserve the alkaloid content.
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
It is typically used for specific therapeutic conditions (like diarrhea, skin issues, or high blood sugar) rather than as a daily supplement for healthy individuals.
Q. When should it be taken?
For digestive issues, it is often taken with honey or water. For eye ailments, the extract (Rasanjana) is applied or taken as directed by a physician.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. Formulations like Tiktaka Ghrita (containing Daruhaldi) are often taken with warm water or milk. The powder can be taken with water or honey.
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