Botanical Overview
Hemidesmus indicus, commonly known as Indian Sarsaparilla, Anantamool, or Sariva, belongs to the family Apocynaceae. This medicinal plant is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and is widely used for its root. The root is traditionally valued in various systems of medicine.
Energetics
The root of Hemidesmus indicus is characterized by a cooling temperature and moistening quality. Its tastes include sweet, bitter, and astringent. In energetic terms, it is considered tonifying with an affinity toward nourishing blood and fluids.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Detoxifying
- Diaphoretic
- Blood purifier
- Mild diuretic
- Demulcent
Indications
Western
- Skin eruptions
- Chronic skin diseases
- Fever
- Rheumatism
- Urinary disorders
- Inflammation
- Cough
Syndromes
- Detoxification
- Blood purification
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
TCM
- Heat patterns
- Toxic heat
- Skin disorders with toxin accumulation
Syndromes
- Clear heat and toxins
- Promote urination
- Cool blood
Ayurveda
- Skin diseases
- Jaundice
- Fever
- Vata and Pitta disorders
Syndromes
- Rakta Shodhana (blood purification)
- Tridosha balance
- Pitta pacification
Unani
- Skin eruptions
- Syphilis
- Scrofula
- Blood disorders
Syndromes
- Blood purification
- Cooling of liver
- Tonic for blood and fluids
Constituents & Mechanisms
Hemidesmus indicus root contains phytochemicals such as ananthamide, saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, essential oils, and triterpenoids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and blood-purifying effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of root: 10-15 g per day
- Powder: 3-6 g daily
- Tincture 1:5 40% ethanol: 2-5 mL, 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe in traditional doses. Avoid use in pregnancy due to insufficient data on safety. No significant drug interactions documented. Excessive use should be avoided.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified for Hemidesmus indicus.
Selected References
- Hemidesmus indicus (Indian Sarsaparilla), CRC Dictionary of Medicinal Plants, S.K. Bhattacharjee, 1998
- Hemidesmus indicus – Indian sarsaparilla, Plants For A Future Database
- Hemidesmus indicus: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, Iwu M.M., 2011
- Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. ex Schult., Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species, CSIR India, 1996