Daruharidra
Common Name:
Indian Barberry (Eng.)
Sanskrit Name:
Daruharidra- As it is yellow in texture as the Haridra is
Darvi
Kantakateri- Because of the presence of Kantkas (Thorns) on it
Panchapacha- As "Rasanjana" is prepared from it after heating it
Lt. Name:
Berberis aristata- Berberidaceae
Bio energetics:
Rasa (Taste)- Tikta (Bitter); Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (Characteristics)- Laghu (Light); Ruksha (Rough)
Veerya (Potency)- Ushna (Warm)
Vipaka (After digestion effect)- Katu (Pungent)
Effect on Tridosha (Three bio humors):
Pacifies Kapha and Pitta i.e. It is useful in the management of the diseases resulting from the aggravation of Kapha/ Pitta or both
Actions according to Ayurveda:
Arshoghna- Useful in management of all types of hemorrhoids
Kandughna- Valued highly in management of all conditions where there is itching over the skin
Lekhaniya- Scrapes out the toxins including unnecessary fat from the body
Vrananut- A good healer for all types of ulcers
Mehanut- Useful in management of all types of urinary disorders including Diabetes mellitus
Karna- netra- mukhodbhuta rujam nashayet- Useful in all conditions which cause pain in ears, eyes and/or mouth
Netryo paramam hitam- Tonic for eyes
Vish vikaranut- Useful in all toxic conditions
Chhedana- Having cutting action so useful in conditions where cutting of extra material is necessary like opacities in lens of eyes
Medicinal value:
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In Berberis aristata the most active ingredient is Berberine. It supports a healthy liver as well as a healthy immune system.
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Berberine has marked antibacterial effects. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery.
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It is almost equal to quinine and Warburg's tincture. It does not produce any bad effects on the stomach, the bowels, the brain and the organs of hearing (Watt, 1889).
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The stem is said to be diaphoretic and laxative and useful in rheumatism.
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The dried extract of the roots is used as an application in eyes. It is also an excellent medication in the case of sun-blindness.
Useful part:
Root; Stem; Fruits
Doses:
Powder- 3-6gm; Decoction- 5-10gm; Rasanjana- 1-3 gm
Some useful combinations with Daruharidra:
Darvyadi kwatha; Darvyadi Leha; Darvyadi Tail; Rasanjana
Some special notes about Daruharidra :
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A very valuable preparation called Rasaut is prepared from this plant. For preparing Rasaut, the bark of the root and of the lower part of the stem is boiled in water, strained and evaporated till a semi-solid mass (Rasaut) is obtained. Rasaut is fairly soluble in water. It is mixed with butter and alum, or with opium and lime-juice and is applied externally to the eyelids to cure ophthalmic diseases and other eye diseases. It is also reported to be a mild laxative, a tonic and is useful in curing ulcers and fevers.
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Rasaut is used as a purgative for children and as a blood-purifier, a tonic and a febrifuge. It is also given in diarrhoea, jaundice and skin diseases. A watery solution of this preparation is also used for washing piles, Oriental sores and glandular swellings.
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