Botanical Overview
Embelia ribes, commonly known as False black pepper or Vidanga, is a member of the Myrsinaceae family. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. The medicinal parts utilized predominantly include the fruit and seeds, which have a rich history of use in traditional medicine systems for their antiparasitic and digestive properties.
Energetics
Embelia ribes is characterized by a warming temperature and drying moisture. Its taste profile is bitter and pungent, with an ascending directionality. It is considered tonifying in nature and primarily supports the qi energy.
Primary Actions
- Anthelmintic
- Antimicrobial
- Carminative
- Digestive stimulant
Indications
Western
- Intestinal parasites
- Indigestion
- Gas and flatulence
- Diarrhea
Syndromes
TCM
- Intestinal parasites
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Syndromes
Ayurveda
- Intestinal worms
- Indigestion
- Anorexia
- Excess mucus
- Respiratory congestion
Syndromes
- Kaphaja disorders
- Krimi (worm infestation)
Unani
- Intestinal worms
- Digestive weakness
- Flatulence
- Respiratory ailments
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Embelia ribes contains key phytochemicals such as embelin (the principal active alkaloid), flavonoids, tannins, and phenols contributing to its anthelmintic and antimicrobial activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered seeds: 1-3 grams daily
- Decoction of fruits: 10-15 milliliters 1-2 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Embelia ribes is generally safe at therapeutic doses. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. High doses may irritate gastric mucosa. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and active gastric ulcer conditions.
Astrological Correspondences
No specific planetary or elemental rulers are documented for Embelia ribes in authoritative esoteric sources.
Selected References
- Embelia ribes: Description and Uses – Indian Medicinal Plants – An Illustrated Dictionary
- Embelia ribes – WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
- Embelia ribes (False pepper) – Plants For A Future Database
- Pharmacological properties of Embelia ribes – Journal of Ethnopharmacology