Benefits of Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata), Medicinal Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata) is also called Indian barberry and dry turmeric which has been used in the Ayurveda system of medicine for a long time. Its stem and fruits are used to prepare medicines because of their numerous medicinal values.
As per Ayurveda, the powder in form of paste helps in healing wounds along with rosewater or honey. It is also used in treating skin, eye-related disorders, and urinary tract diseases. Its bark shows antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. In our day-to-day life, its whole plant is also used for dyeing clothes, Leather, and cotton. The roots are used in preparing alcoholic drinks.
Botanical name- Berberis aristata
Family- Berberidaceae
—-Shloka Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)—-
Meaning of the shloka
The synonyms of Daruharidra are Darvi, Daruharidra, Parjnya, Parjani, Katkanteri, Peeta, Pachmpacha, Kaliyak, Kaleyaka, Peetadru, Haridru, Peetadaru, and Pitaka. Its qualities are similar to turmeric and are mainly used in eyes, ears, and mouth-related disorders.
(Reference- Bhavaprakasha nighatu- Haritkyadi varga- pg. 115 and shloka no- 201-202)
Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata) Names in different languages
- Hindi name- Daru haldi
- English name- Indian Beriberi
- Punjabi name- Daru haldi
- Marathi name – Daruhalad
- Urdu name- Darhald
- Tamil name- Mara manjal
- Bengali name- Daruharidra
- Oriya name- Daruhaldi, Daruharidra
- Kannada name- Bagisutra
- Gujarati name- Daru haldar
- Telugu name- Kasturipushpa
- Farsi name- Darchoba
- Malayalam name- Maramanjal, Maramannal
Synonyms in the Sanskrit language
Hemakanti, Hemavarnavati, Darunisha, Peeta, Darvi, Daruharidra, Peetachandana, Peetadru, Kashta Rajani, Peetaka, Peetahva, Hemakanta- These synonyms also explain turmeric as it has a yellow-colored stem.
Other synonyms are Katankateri, Kusumbhaka, Katankati, Pachampacha and, Parjanya
Categorization according to classical books-
According to-
Acharya Charaka-
- Arshoghna- Herbs that are useful in treating hemorrhoids
- Lekhaniya- Herbs that help scrap and reduce cholesterol levels
- Kandughna- Hubs that treat various skin disorders
Acharya Sushruta-
- Haridara, Mustadi, and Lakshadi gana
Acharya Vagbhatta-
- Haridra, Mustadi, and Lakshadi gana
Morphological characteristics of Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)
Daruharidra is an Evergreen shrub, erect which grows up to the height of 3.5 m. This plant is Moody which has yellow to brown bark from the outside and from the inside the bark is dark yellow. This branch is fully covered with branched thorns that have modified leaves that are simple and about 5 to 8 in number.
The leaves are dark green on the upper surface and light green on the lower surface. These are sessile, simple, toothed, and leathery in texture. The flowers of this plant are yellow, and hermaphrodite, and appears in April and May. It is self-fertile and pollinated by small insects. The fruits are aconite violet, ovoid, and rich in nutrients. Seeds are 2 to 5 in number and are yellow to pink in color.
Habitat of Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)
Daruharidra is found in the Himalayas and is also widely distributed in the wet zone of Sri Lanka. This herb is also native to temperate and subtropical regions of America, Asia, and Europe. It is also found in Bhutan and the hilly areas of Nepal. In Himachal Pradesh, it is found in Chamba and Kumaon regions. In southern parts of India, it is widely distributed in the Nilgiri hills also.
Chemical Constituents
Berberine and Quaternary ammonium salt of isoquinoline are found in the root bark of plants.
Medicinal properties of Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)
- Rasa (Taste)- Tikta (Bitter) and Kashaya (Astringent)
- Guna (Quality)- Rooksha (Dry) and Laghu (Light)
- Veerya (Potency)- Ushna (Hot)
- Vipaka (Undergoes taste conversion after digestion)- Katu (Pungent)
- Effect on Tridosha- Balances Pitta and Kapha dosha
Medicinal uses as per Ayurveda
The qualities and use of Daruharidra are similar to turmeric benefits.
- Vranajit- Works as a wound healer that heals wounds quickly.
- Karnanetramukharogas- Helps in treating pain and itching-related disorders related to ears, eyes, and oral cavity.
- Kandu kushtahara– Treats skin disorders with itching.
- Shophahara- Works as an anti-inflammatory.
- Mehajit- Treats diabetes mellitus and works in urinary tract diseases.
- Vishahara- Acts as anti-toxic.
- Visarpahara- Helpful in herpes.
It is useful in leucorrhoea (white discharge) and menorrhagia.
It also relieves spasmodic abdominal pain.
External application of Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)
The paste of this herb is made with water and is applied externally to relieve pain as well as inflammation. Its decoction (Kashaya) is used to wash eyes for relieving pain, swelling as well as inflammation.
Therapeutic uses of Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)
Diabetes mellitus
In diabetes mellitus, daruharida works as an antidiabetic that improves insulin action and acts on incretions by promoting GLP-1 Secretion and modulating its release. Its root extract has anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant properties that manage glucose homeostasis by reducing glucose formation and oxidative stress.
Diarrhea
Daruharidra contains the active ingredient berberine which inhibits enterotoxins in the intestine and treats acute diarrhea. Being an antidiarrhoeal, it also provides strength to the muscles and reduces the incidence and severity of diarrhea.
Liver disorders
Daruharidra Works as a strong liver-protective or hepatoprotective herb that treats several liver disorders. This herb protects the liver cells from wrong damage and keeps them healthy.
Part used- Fruit, Stem, Root, and Water extract
Dosage- 15 to 60 ml (Decoction)
Side effects of Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)
As it is used in blood sugar levels so it should be used in with care in patients who are suffering from diabetes. It can be used in lactating mothers and small children but seek medical advice before using it during pregnancy.
Conclusion
From this article, it is concluded that Daruharidra Works as a good healer, is antitoxic, and helps to maintain blood sugar levels in patients who are suffering from diabetes. This herb shows good results in case of skin disorders like itching and works in herpes also. But it should be used with care in patients who are suffering from diabetes and during pregnancy. It can be used during lactation and in small children.
Some FAQs Related to Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)
Ques: What are the side effects of Daruharidra?
In diabetes mellitus, it should be used with caution as it can lower the blood sugar level to an extreme level. It should be used during pregnancy after the doctor’s advice.
Ques: What is the dose of Daruharidra?
Daruharidra can be used in the form of decoction in the doors of 15 to 60 ml.
Ques: Does Daruharidra contain vitamin C?
Yes, Daruharidra contain vitamin C.
Ques: Which part of Daruharidra is used for preparing medicines?
Its stem, root, fruit, and water extract are used for preparing medicines.
Note: Our purpose is to serve useful information related to Daruharidra‘s benefits, dosage, and other properties. It is advised to the patients not to consume it on the basis of this information. Before taking this as a medicine it is better to have an expert opinion because dosage and treatment vary from patient to patient depending on their symptoms and medical history.
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