Herb · Asia
Indian sarsaparilla
Hemidesmus indicus
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, tonic, soothing, induces sweating and urination, purifies the blood; for lack of appetite, indigestion, fever, skin diseases, syphilis, leucorrhoea, urogenital diseases, chronic cough, rheumatic joints.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. 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)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Root powder 1–4 g; decoction 28–56 ml; root paste on swellings.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Sariva. In India the vanilla-scented root (anantamul, sariva) is made into a cooling syrup (nannari sharbat) and used in Ayurveda as a blood-purifying remedy for skin diseases.
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
Cleansing, tonic, soothing, induces sweating and urination, purifies the blood; for lack of appetite, indigestion, fever, skin diseases, syphilis, leucorrhoea, urogenital diseases, chronic cough, rheumatic joints.
Preparation and amount
Root powder 1–4 g; decoction 28–56 ml; root paste on swellings.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen