Madder/Manjith
Also known as
Latin : Rubia cordifolia
English : Madder root
Sanskrit : Manjistha, Yojanavalli
Hindi : Manjith
Marathi : Manjistha
Tamil : Sevvalli
Telugu : Tamravalli
Malayalam : Mancatti
Kannada : Manjistha
"That which wins the heart" is the meaning of the Sanskrit
word Manjistha
How it looks�It is a very variable, prickly climbing perennial herb with long, smooth, reddish cylindrical roots and 4-angled rough stems. The leaves are rounded or slightly heart
shaped and the flowers are white green, yellowish or reddish and sweet-scented. The fruits are purplish black when ripe with 2 seeds.
What we use�Roots
What it does�It is bitter, astringent, thermogenic, anti-inflammatory, anodyne, antiseptic, digestive, carminative, anthelmentic, antidysenteric, emmenagogue, diuretic,
galactopurifier, alterant, febrifuge and tonic.
How we use it�
As a
blood purifier�The decoction of the roots of madder is indicated in all skin disorders like fungal infections eczema, psoriasis and discolourations .Even in diabetic wounds,
the feet should be immersed in the cooled decoction of madder every day for rapid healing. This is due to the antiseptic and astringent properties of madder.
As a
cosmetic�In blackened patches over the face, long-term use of madder and milk as a face pack ensures lightening of patches and normal colouration of skin.
In
scanty menses�Drink a decoction of madder roots for an entire menstrual cycle everyday to correct anaemia if any and establish a healthy flow of menstrual blood.
In
sore throat�For reviving an over used throat, drink hot milk with a tsp of madder root powder and some sugar in it.
In
scanty urination�Being diuretic, a decoction of sandal or khaskhas roots along with madder ensures free flow of urination.
In
swellings�For the same reason, it removes excess fluid from the body through urine and aids reduction of swelling.
In
bleeding disorders�As it is a haematinic and improves both the quality and quantity of blood, it is highly indicated in excessive bleeding from any orifice and from wounds.
Modern Studies
1. The aqueous extract of madder exhibited antibacterial effect on staphylococcus aureus (gram positive) in experimental studies.
2. The methanolic extracts exhibited anticancer activity which was comparable to 5- fluoruracil.
