Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Vidanga scientifically known as Embelia ribes is a large scandent shrub highly esteemed in Ayurveda as the premier Krimighna or anti-worm herb. It bears brownish-black globular fruits often called False Black Pepper. According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India the dried mature fruit possesses Pungent and Bitter tastes with Light Dry and Sharp qualities. It has a Hot potency and Pungent post-digestive effect enabling it to effectively pacify Vata and Kapha doshas. Therapeutically it is the drug of choice for intestinal worm infestations and parasitic infections. It also acts as a powerful digestive stimulant and carminative treating abdominal colic flatulence and skin disorders like leprosy. Key formulations include Vidangarishta and Vidangadi Lauha with a recommended powder dosage of 5 to 10 grams.
Vidanga, scientifically known as Embelia ribes, is a highly valued medicinal plant in Ayurveda, best known as the premier herb for destroying intestinal worms and parasites. In Sanskrit, it is often called Krimighna, literally translating to "The killer of worms." Beyond its anthelmintic (anti-worm) properties, Vidanga is a pungent, heating herb used to stimulate digestion, clear congestion, and treat skin diseases.
Vidanga is a large scandent shrub with long, slender, flexible branches found throughout the hilly parts of India up to an altitude of 1600 meters. The medicinal part used is the dried mature fruit, which is brownish-black, globular, and about 2–4 mm in diameter with a warty surface. It looks somewhat like black pepper but is distinguished by a small beak at the apex. In Ayurveda, it is the primary drug of choice for treating Kṛmi (worm infestations) and is also considered a Rasayana (rejuvenator) that improves appetite and complexion.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Vidanga is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India):
Vidanga is widely used in Ayurveda and is considered safe when taken in the prescribed therapeutic dosage. It is a key ingredient in many pediatric formulations for worms, indicating its relative safety.
Charaka Samhita – Sutra Sthana & Chikitsa Sthana (Krimi Roga, Kushtha, Medoroga references)
https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/charaka-samhita
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India – Vidanga Monograph
https://pcimh.gov.in
World Health Organization – WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
PubMed – Embelia ribes research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Embelia+ribes
Wiley Online Library – Vidanga research articles
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Q. Can it be taken daily?
It is typically taken for a specific period to treat worm infestations or digestive sluggishness, rather than as a daily nutritional supplement indefinitely.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken to relieve colic (Shula) or abdominal distension, or as part of a de-worming regimen.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, the powder is commonly taken with water or honey. In some formulations like Vidangarishta, it is prepared as a fermented liquid.
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
Vidanga scientifically known as Embelia ribes is a large scandent shrub highly esteemed in Ayurveda as the premier Krimighna or anti-worm herb. It bears brownish-black globular fruits often called False Black Pepper. According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India the dried mature fruit possesses Pungent and Bitter tastes with Light Dry and Sharp qualities. It has a Hot potency and Pungent post-digestive effect enabling it to effectively pacify Vata and Kapha doshas. Therapeutically it is the drug of choice for intestinal worm infestations and parasitic infections. It also acts as a powerful digestive stimulant and carminative treating abdominal colic flatulence and skin disorders like leprosy. Key formulations include Vidangarishta and Vidangadi Lauha with a recommended powder dosage of 5 to 10 grams.
Vidanga, scientifically known as Embelia ribes, is a highly valued medicinal plant in Ayurveda, best known as the premier herb for destroying intestinal worms and parasites. In Sanskrit, it is often called Krimighna, literally translating to "The killer of worms." Beyond its anthelmintic (anti-worm) properties, Vidanga is a pungent, heating herb used to stimulate digestion, clear congestion, and treat skin diseases.
Vidanga is a large scandent shrub with long, slender, flexible branches found throughout the hilly parts of India up to an altitude of 1600 meters. The medicinal part used is the dried mature fruit, which is brownish-black, globular, and about 2–4 mm in diameter with a warty surface. It looks somewhat like black pepper but is distinguished by a small beak at the apex. In Ayurveda, it is the primary drug of choice for treating Kṛmi (worm infestations) and is also considered a Rasayana (rejuvenator) that improves appetite and complexion.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Vidanga is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India):
Vidanga is widely used in Ayurveda and is considered safe when taken in the prescribed therapeutic dosage. It is a key ingredient in many pediatric formulations for worms, indicating its relative safety.
Charaka Samhita – Sutra Sthana & Chikitsa Sthana (Krimi Roga, Kushtha, Medoroga references)
https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/charaka-samhita
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India – Vidanga Monograph
https://pcimh.gov.in
World Health Organization – WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
PubMed – Embelia ribes research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Embelia+ribes
Wiley Online Library – Vidanga research articles
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Q. Can it be taken daily?
It is typically taken for a specific period to treat worm infestations or digestive sluggishness, rather than as a daily nutritional supplement indefinitely.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken to relieve colic (Shula) or abdominal distension, or as part of a de-worming regimen.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, the powder is commonly taken with water or honey. In some formulations like Vidangarishta, it is prepared as a fermented liquid.
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