Botanical Overview
Latin name: Rubia cordifolia
Family: Rubiaceae
Parts used: Root, Rhizome
Common names: Indian madder, Manjistha, Red root
Energetics
This herb has a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality. Its taste profile includes bitter, astringent, and sweet. It is tonifying in nature and primarily affects the blood aspect of the body.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Blood purifier
- Diuretic
- Hepatoprotective
- Styptic (stops bleeding)
Indications
Western
- Inflammation
- Skin disorders
- Urinary infections
- Menstrual disorders
- Bleeding disorders
Syndromes
TCM
- Blood heat
- Skin eruptions
- Eczema
- Urinary difficulties
Syndromes
- Blood stagnation
- Heat in blood
Ayurveda
- Skin diseases
- Excess heat
- Blood disorders
- Urinary problems
- Menstrual irregularities
Syndromes
- Rakta dushti (blood impurity)
- Pitta imbalance
- Kapha disorders
Unani
- Skin eruptions
- Internal bleeding
- Jaundice
- Edema
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Rubia cordifolia contains anthraquinones, iridoids, glycosides, triterpenoids, and quinones which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood-purifying effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 3-6 g daily
- Powder: 1-3 g 1-2 times daily
- Tincture (1:5, 40% alcohol): 3-5 mL 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used appropriately. Avoid during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects. Use caution in bleeding disorders and with anticoagulant medications. May cause photosensitivity in some individuals.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary ruler: Mars
Elemental rulers: Fire, Earth
Selected References
- Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species
- Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies on Rubia cordifolia Linn.: A Review
- PFAF – Rubia cordifolia Monograph
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- The Complete Herbal: A Practical Guide to the Healing Properties of Herbs by Nicholas Culpeper