Manjistha brings clarity to body and mind and helps restore strength. Thanks to its blood-purifying properties, Indian Madder is particularly beneficial for Kapha and Pitta imbalances and restores a beautiful radiance to stressed and diseased skin. In this guide, you will learn about the positive benefits of this root and everything you need to know about how to best use it.
Interesting Facts About the Manjistha Plant
Manjistha, also known as Rubia cordifolia or Indian Madder, is an evergreen climbing plant found mainly in the hilly regions of China and Southeast Asia. There, it can grow up to 1.5 meters high and develops elongated, kidney-shaped leaves.
In English, the plant is known as Indian Madder because a red dye was formerly extracted from the brownish bark of the roots and used for dyeing fabrics.
The name “Manjistha” is Sanskrit and means something like “bright red.” This is a subtle hint at the root’s blood-purifying properties, as it is considered a significant remedy in Ayurveda for this reason. The dried Indian Madder is used as a powder (Churna) and offers many positive properties.
“In Ayurveda, Manjistha stands for purification and balance on a deeper level. This is precisely where its special value for a holistic understanding of health lies.”
Gaurav Sharma, Ayurveda Specialist at the European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof in Tyrol
Manjistha Churna: Benefits of Indian Madder
In India, Indian Madder is known as a traditional medicinal plant, as special healing powers are attributed to the Manjistha plant in Ayurveda. It can help us regain balance by reducing excess Pitta and Kapha.
In this way, it contributes to detoxifying the body. It can provide us with clarity and purity both physically and mentally. Let’s take a closer look at what it can achieve in detail.
Blood Purification
Manjistha is considered one of the most powerful blood-purifying plants in Ayurveda. When toxins enter the blood, they can often cause severe physical reactions.
However, the root has a gentle detoxifying and antibacterial effect. As a natural blood purifier, it is said not only to improve blood quality but also to facilitate circulation in the venous system. Thus, it can help prevent blood clots.
After childbirth (if not breastfeeding), the plant helps in the healing of the uterus and can have a soothing effect on menstrual discomfort. Furthermore, it cleanses the liver, supports its function, and thus counteracts various skin diseases or jaundice.
Lymphatic System: Detoxifying the Body with Indian Madder
Indian Madder is particularly well-known for supporting the lymphatic system. It is important that this system functions well, as it is responsible for fighting toxins and pathogens. Even if you eat a healthy diet, you are constantly exposed to various environmental toxins. To get rid of these toxins, the lymphatic system has to work quite hard.
If it becomes sluggish, we notice this primarily through Kapha imbalances. We become tired, lethargic, and exhausted, or develop skin problems, sore throats, and swollen hands and feet.
Manjistha acts as an important aid for the lymphatic system, as it supports the system’s natural detoxifying and nourishing functions. This helps to break down toxins and cleanse the body. In this way, you feel freer and healthier again!
Healthy Skin and a Radiant Complexion
In the case of skin irritation, an application of Manjistha can make the skin glow again and sustainably improve the complexion.
When Pitta is elevated, the skin becomes easily reddened and irritated by the heat. With its bitter properties, however, Manjistha has a soothing effect and calms the Pitta Dosha.
This makes the root particularly beneficial for skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis in Ayurvedic skincare. Discoloration and blemishes are reduced, and the skin radiates once again in all its natural power!
Stress Reduction
Manjistha also has a restorative effect during times of stress, anxiety, or depression.
Ultimately, all these problems can be not only mentally burdensome but also lead to physical ailments such as headaches, tension, or heart problems.
By taking the root, however, body and mind become freer again and muscle tension is gently released.
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Does Manjistha Have Side Effects?
In principle, the consumption of Indian Madder is generally considered safe. Nevertheless, you should not exceed the recommended amount and always adhere to the prescribed dose.
However, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, should avoid it entirely. If you have serious liver or kidney disease, it is essential that you consult your doctor before taking it.
Note: Do not be alarmed, as taking Manjistha can turn urine red!
Caution:
You should only take dietary supplements after consulting your doctor. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a substitute for medical advice! The consumption of recommended dietary supplements is at your own discretion.
Using Manjistha: Dosage and Tips
This versatile root can be used both internally and externally. As a powder, it can easily be taken between meals.
To do this, add 1-2 tsp of the powder to a cup of hot water. Drink this mixture twice daily at least 30 minutes after eating – the first dose is best taken right after your Ayurvedic breakfast.
Alternatively, there are also Manjistha capsules that you can take. But the health-promoting root can do so much more!
Face Mask and Paste for the Skin
For skin conditions such as itching or acne, Manjistha can provide pleasant healing when applied externally. Simply mix the Churna with a little honey to form a paste and spread it on the skin.
Leave it on for about 10–15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. This calms the skin and makes it glow again!
If you want to give your skin a particularly radiant complexion, you can also try this mask.
For this, you will need the following:
- 100 g dried and crushed orange peel
- 50 g sandalwood
- 50 g turmeric
- 50 g Manjistha
The mask restores a fresh glow to your face and also helps to eliminate traces of elevated Pitta. As a precaution, however, you should first try both face masks on a small patch of skin to see how your skin reacts.
Pastes for Wound Healing
In addition to its purifying effect, Manjistha is also used in Ayurveda to support wound healing.
Here are our two favorites for application:
For burns: For burn wounds, there is a specific preparation made from Manjistha, Ghee, red sandalwood, and Sansevieria zeylanica. When carefully applied to the affected area, it reduces Pitta and can thus also support wound healing.
For bone fractures: To support the tissue formation of a broken bone, you can mix and apply a paste of Manjistha powder, whey, and licorice. The mixture promotes healing naturally.
Manjistha for Hair
Do you suffer from hair loss or struggle with dandruff? In that case, people with sensitive and stressed scalps can particularly benefit from Indian Madder.
Simply mix a paste of water and the root Churna and distribute it through your hair. After leaving it on for about 10-20 minutes, you can rinse the mixture out with warm water; you won’t need any shampoo.
Our secret tip: This paste also works well as a preparation for hair dyeing to gently care for the scalp and hair. Depending on the hair structure, simply leave it on for about 60 minutes before rinsing it out. Then apply a plant-based hair dye, and the hair will remain healthy and strong despite the coloring.
Manjistha helps you achieve holistic purification and allows you to go through everyday life feeling clear and alert again. It frees you from harmful toxins and makes your skin glow healthily again. Simply try one of our pastes and see the healing effect for yourself!
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Cover image: © mirzamlk – istockphoto.com (File No.: 1182815026)
