- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia, Africa
- Sanskrit
- Manjista
- Other names
- Manjishtha
Asia · Herb · № 548
Rubia cordifolia
Herb · Asia
Indian madder
Rubia cordifolia
Traditionally attributed effects: promotes menstruation, astringent, diuretic, cleansing, decongestant, tonic; for paralysis, jaundice, urinary tract obstruction, menstrual disorders, mastitis, too little lochia.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: Not with cold in stomach and spleen. Colours urine red.
Preparation
Decoction 56–112 ml; powder 1–3 g; root paste with honey externally.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Manjista. The root (manjishtha) stains red and was used in India and China to dye textiles. In Ayurveda it is the most important 'blood-purifying' herb for skin diseases, in Chinese medicine (qian cao) a remedy that stops bleeding.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Promotes menstruation, astringent, diuretic, cleansing, decongestant, tonic; for paralysis, jaundice, urinary tract obstruction, menstrual disorders, mastitis, too little lochia; paste for swellings, ulcers, leucoderma, freckles and skin discoloration.
Preparation and amount
Decoction 56–112 ml; powder 1–3 g; root paste with honey externally.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- bitter, cool, astringent
- Meridians
- heart, liver, lung
Attributed effects
In Chinese medicine the root (qian cao gen) cools the blood and stops bleeding with blood stagnation, such as coughing up blood, and lets stagnant blood flow again in bruises.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 6–12 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With biota and cogon grass for bleeding from heat
- With notoginseng, dang gui and safflower for bruising
Caution: Not with cold in stomach and spleen. Colours urine red.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionCompress, poultice and pasteSyrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen