College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Manjistha Herbal Powder (Rubia cordifolia)

Manjista is the quintessential blood purifier. It is cooler than turmeric, and blood thinning.

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"I found manjistha to be very fast acting in terms of cooling and decongesting. Circulation was much improved and felt..."
- Susan Buck Oxford, NJ

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How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Manjistha is a colder version of turmeric - it doesn't boil the blood like turmeric. Like turmeric, it doesn't have a strong taste. A mixture of arjuna with frankincense approximates the taste. The astringency is milder than arjuna, and it is less pungent than frankincense.

It has a mild bitterness like cilantro, mild astringency like brahmi, and mild sweetness, like cinnamon (but cool).

Manjistha is cool, clear, and dry. It is classified as hot (usna) traditionally because of its circulatory opening effect and spreading nature. In hot climates, this might actually make a person feel more hot. However, actual experiences in northern climates is usually cooling


Manjistha cleanses and cools the blood promoting healthy skin and a clear complexion.

  • Removes natural toxins and excess heat from the blood
  • Supports proper function of the liver and kidneys
  • Promotes healthy menstruation
  • Natural antioxidant
Manjistha is the quintessential blood purifier in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. It removes excess heat and natural toxins from the blood helping to support healthy skin and a clear complexion. It is one of the best Pitta pacifying herbs and is used to support the proper function of the liver and kidneys. Manjistha is also excellent for reducing excess Kapha. It helps to maintain clear channels in the body supporting the healthy flow of blood and urine.*

Manjistha is considered to be a less heating version of turmeric.

Dosage

The recommended daily dosage of Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) can vary depending on its form (powder, capsule, tincture, or extract) and the specific health condition being addressed. However, here are general guidelines:

Manjistha Powder:

  • Typically, the dosage is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (approximately 1 to 3 grams) of Manjistha powder per day.
  • It can be taken with warm water, honey, or ghee to enhance absorption, often in the morning or before meals.

Manjistha Capsules:

  • For standardized extracts in capsule form, the typical dosage is 500 mg to 1 gram of Manjistha extract, taken 1 to 2 times daily.
  • This depends on the concentration and formulation of the specific product.

Manjistha Tincture:

  • If using a tincture or liquid extract, the typical dosage is 10 to 30 drops (about 0.5 to 1 ml) taken 1 to 3 times daily, usually diluted in water.

Ayurveda Manjistha Whole Plant Large

Ayurveda Manjistha Fruit Large

Ayurveda Manjistha Flower Large

Ayurveda Manjistha Leaf Large

Ayurveda Manjistha Stem / Bark Large

Ayurveda Manjistha Root Large

Ayurveda Manjistha Harvested Large

Ayurveda Manjistha Monogram Large

Metabolic Nature of Manjistha

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

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CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

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PACIFIES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

Other

Bone Joint, Cleanse And Detox, Heart Circulation Blood, Liver Gallbladder, Reproductive Health,
Skin Care

SKIN-CARE

Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).

SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Manjistha
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Spleen Tonic

SPLEEN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.

SEE ALL 'SPLEEN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antilithic

ANTILITHIC

An herb that dissolves / breaks up stones (gallstones or kidney stones) so that it can be passed.

SEE ALL 'ANTILITHIC' FOODS / HERBS

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Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Analgesic

ANALGESIC

Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.

SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Skin Tonic

SKIN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.

SEE ALL 'SKIN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vulnerary

VULNERARY

An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).

SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Anthelminthic

ANTHELMINTHIC

Kills parasitic worms (hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, etc).

SEE ALL 'ANTHELMINTHIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Alterative

STRONG ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

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Blood Thinner

BLOOD-THINNER

Herbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-THINNER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Blood Tonic

BLOOD-TONIC

An herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Hemostatic

HEMOSTATIC

An herb that stops bleeding.

SEE ALL 'HEMOSTATIC' FOODS / HERBS

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Vasodilator

VASODILATOR

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.

SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lithagogue

LITHAGOGUE

An herb used to expel stones such as kidney stones or gallstones.

SEE ALL 'LITHAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Hypolipidemic

HYPOLIPIDEMIC

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.

SEE ALL 'HYPOLIPIDEMIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antiandrogen

ANTIANDROGEN

Reduces androgen (testosterone), which can reduce excess growth, drive, and libido. Reduces skin oiliness. Helpful for prostate enlargement.

SEE ALL 'ANTIANDROGEN' FOODS / HERBS

,
Emmenagogue

EMMENAGOGUE

Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.

SEE ALL 'EMMENAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Uterine Tonic

UTERINE-TONIC

An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system.

SEE ALL 'UTERINE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Bone Tonic

BONE-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the bones and joints.

SEE ALL 'BONE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Manjistha

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Emmenagogue, Skin-tonic, Vulnerary, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Blood-tonic, Hypolipidemic, Spleen-tonic, Analgesic, Antiandrogen, Bone-tonic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Anthelminthic

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric Root (Fresh)

    Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Vulnerary, Analgesic, Antiandrogen, Emmenagogue, Skin-tonic, Anthelminthic, Blood-tonic, Hypolipidemic, Spleen-tonic, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Bone-tonic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Stinging Nettles

    Stinging Nettles has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Spleen-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Blood-tonic, Hemostatic, Vulnerary, Antiandrogen, Bone-tonic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Antilithic

    LEARN MORE

  • Chamomile

    Chamomile has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Skin-tonic, Vulnerary, Analgesic, Diaphoretic, Spleen-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Emmenagogue, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Saffron

    Saffron has these Actions in Common

    Blood-tonic, Emmenagogue, Skin-tonic, Diaphoretic, Hemostatic, Spleen-tonic, Blood-thinner, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Fenugreek

    Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Antilithic, Emmenagogue, Spleen-tonic, Diaphoretic, Hypolipidemic, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Chickweed

    Chickweed has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Vulnerary, Blood-thinner, Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Blood-tonic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Parsley (Fresh)

    Parsley (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Emmenagogue, Spleen-tonic, Antilithic, Hypolipidemic, Uterine-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Tarragon

    Tarragon has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Diaphoretic, Spleen-tonic, Analgesic, Diuretic, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Nigella (black cumin)

    Nigella (black cumin) has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Diuretic, Spleen-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Diaphoretic, Lithagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

    Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Blood-thinner, Skin-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Vulnerary, Antilithic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Manjistha

  • Horsetail

    Horsetail has these Actions in Common

    Antilithic, Bone-tonic, Diuretic, Hemostatic, Internal-detoxicant, Lithagogue, Analgesic, Skin-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Calendula, Marigold

    Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Hemostatic, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Skin-tonic, Alterative, Vasodilator, Analgesic, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Red Clover

    Red Clover has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Skin-tonic, Analgesic, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Antiandrogen, Antilithic, Bone-tonic, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Hemostatic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Vasodilator, Analgesic, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Blood-thinner, Diaphoretic, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhringaraj

    Bhringaraj has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Blood-tonic, Bone-tonic, Diuretic, Hemostatic, Hypolipidemic, Analgesic, Skin-tonic, Anthelminthic, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Guggulu

    Guggulu has these Actions in Common

    Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Alterative, Vasodilator, Anti-inflammatory, Blood-thinner, Blood-tonic, Emmenagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Yogaraj Guggulu

    Yogaraj Guggulu has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Blood-thinner, Bone-tonic, Emmenagogue, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Dong Quai

    Dong Quai has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Blood-thinner, Blood-tonic, Emmenagogue, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Uterine-tonic, Analgesic, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhumyamalaki

    Bhumyamalaki has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antiandrogen, Diuretic, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lithagogue, Skin-tonic, Alterative

    LEARN MORE

  • Cornsilk

    Cornsilk has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antilithic, Diuretic, Hemostatic, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

Guidelines - Preparation & Dose

1/2 to 1 teaspoon (approximately 1 to 3 grams) or as directed by your practitioner.
See guidelines for herbs?
Follow these guidelines
See contraindications below.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Manjistha may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any herb supplement for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Manjistha may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), also known as Indian madder, is an herb commonly used for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and blood-purifying properties. While it is generally considered safe for many people, there are some contraindications and precautions to be aware of:

Pregnancy - Manjista should be avoided during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage.

Low Blood Pressure - Manjista can have a hypotensive effect (lower blood pressure), which may be problematic for individuals with low blood pressure or those on medication to manage hypertension. If you have hypotension, it's advisable to use this herb cautiously.

Liver Disease - In some cases, Manjista may exert mild liver toxicity. Those with liver conditions or diseases should avoid it or use it under strict medical supervision.

Allergies - Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Manjista, including skin rashes, itching, or other symptoms. If you have a known allergy to plants in the Rubiaceae family, avoid this herb.

Blood Thinners - Manjista may have mild blood-thinning properties, which could increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with anticoagulant medications like warfarin or aspirin.

Gastrointestinal Issues - Manjistha can sometimes cause digestive discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, particularly in larger doses. If you have a sensitive stomach or digestive issues, use it with caution.

Interference with Other Medications - Manjistha may interact with other medications, including those for diabetes, hypertension, and blood-thinning medications, altering their effectiveness or causing side effects. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Manjistha, especially if you're on prescription medications.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Manjistha. Please see your health care provider for more information.

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Reviews for Manjistha

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating
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Susan Buck Oxford, NJ
2015-03-09
“I found manjistha to be very fast acting in terms of cooling and decongesting. Circulation was much improved and felt much lighter. I will keep it in mind for a springtime balancing of my pitta/kapha constitution. "
Heather Vaughan, CAy, RYT Albuquerque, NM
2015-03-09
“Wonderful, thanks for sharing!"
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.