Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Manjistha scientifically known as Rubia cordifolia is a renowned Ayurvedic climber valued as a powerful blood purifier and complexion enhancer. The dried root is the primary medicinal part utilized to treat obstinate skin diseases including leprosy erysipelas and pigmentation disorders,. Possessing Bitter Astringent and Sweet tastes it effectively balances Pitta and Kapha doshas. It is a critical ingredient in wound healing formulations like Jatyadi Ghrita and Jatyadi Taila helping to cure deep seated ulcers and fistulas,. Furthermore Manjistha is essential in gynecological preparations like Ashokarishta and Phala Ghrita for managing menstrual disorders and infertility,. It is also indicated for gout urinary conditions and as an antidote for poisons,.
Manjistha, scientifically known as Rubia cordifolia, is a renowned climbing herb in Ayurveda, best known for its blood-purifying and complexion-enhancing properties. It is extensively used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases, correct pigmentation disorders, and heal chronic wounds. It is classified as Varnya (improving complexion) and Viṣaghna (anti-poison/detoxifying) in classical texts.
Manjistha is a perennial prickly creeper or climber with reddish roots. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued as a Raktashodhaka (blood purifier). It is considered the best herb for improving skin glow and treating disorders related to the blood (Rakta) and Pitta dosha. It is a key ingredient in famous skin formulations like Kumkumadi Taila and wound-healing oils like Jatyadi Taila,.
Based on its therapeutic indications in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India and classification in Charaka Samhita:
Manjistha is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage depends on the form used:
Manjistha is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. It is a common ingredient in formulations used for children (e.g., Arvindasava) and women (e.g., Ashokarishta), indicating a high safety profile.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Manjistha
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Rubia cordifolia Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Rubia+cordifolia
NCBI Taxonomy Database – Rubia cordifolia
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ScienceDirect – Manjistha Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/rubia-cordifolia
Wiley Online Library – Rubia cordifolia Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Rubia cordifolia)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Rubia cordifolia
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in small doses (e.g., as a tea or mixed with honey/ghee), it can be taken as a blood purifier and skin tonic.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is typically taken after meals. For skin conditions, it is often applied externally as an oil or paste (Lepa).
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. The powder can be taken with warm water or honey. In medicated ghees (Ghrita), it is processed with milk and ghee.
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
Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Manjistha scientifically known as Rubia cordifolia is a renowned Ayurvedic climber valued as a powerful blood purifier and complexion enhancer. The dried root is the primary medicinal part utilized to treat obstinate skin diseases including leprosy erysipelas and pigmentation disorders,. Possessing Bitter Astringent and Sweet tastes it effectively balances Pitta and Kapha doshas. It is a critical ingredient in wound healing formulations like Jatyadi Ghrita and Jatyadi Taila helping to cure deep seated ulcers and fistulas,. Furthermore Manjistha is essential in gynecological preparations like Ashokarishta and Phala Ghrita for managing menstrual disorders and infertility,. It is also indicated for gout urinary conditions and as an antidote for poisons,.
Manjistha, scientifically known as Rubia cordifolia, is a renowned climbing herb in Ayurveda, best known for its blood-purifying and complexion-enhancing properties. It is extensively used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases, correct pigmentation disorders, and heal chronic wounds. It is classified as Varnya (improving complexion) and Viṣaghna (anti-poison/detoxifying) in classical texts.
Manjistha is a perennial prickly creeper or climber with reddish roots. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued as a Raktashodhaka (blood purifier). It is considered the best herb for improving skin glow and treating disorders related to the blood (Rakta) and Pitta dosha. It is a key ingredient in famous skin formulations like Kumkumadi Taila and wound-healing oils like Jatyadi Taila,.
Based on its therapeutic indications in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India and classification in Charaka Samhita:
Manjistha is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage depends on the form used:
Manjistha is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. It is a common ingredient in formulations used for children (e.g., Arvindasava) and women (e.g., Ashokarishta), indicating a high safety profile.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Manjistha
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Rubia cordifolia Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Rubia+cordifolia
NCBI Taxonomy Database – Rubia cordifolia
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ScienceDirect – Manjistha Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/rubia-cordifolia
Wiley Online Library – Rubia cordifolia Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Rubia cordifolia)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Rubia cordifolia
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in small doses (e.g., as a tea or mixed with honey/ghee), it can be taken as a blood purifier and skin tonic.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is typically taken after meals. For skin conditions, it is often applied externally as an oil or paste (Lepa).
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. The powder can be taken with warm water or honey. In medicated ghees (Ghrita), it is processed with milk and ghee.
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