Daruharidra

Daruharidra


Treasures of Nature (Prakriti Ka Khazana) – Daruharidra

Daruharidra belongs to a species of deciduous evergreen shrubs which is found in sub-tropical and temperate regions of Asia, America and Europe. It is a native shrub found commonly in Himalayas in India and Nepal regions and also in wet zones of Sri Lanka. It is also being cultivated in India in Assam and Bihar.


The fruits of Daruharidra are juicy and has plenty of sugars and nutrients. Native people often eat the fruits of Daruharidra as a dessert. The water extract, roots, fruits and stem have proven medicinal values. The plant is a very good source of dye and tannin and is used in tanning leather or dyeing clothes. The roots of Daruharidra are also used in making alcoholic beverages, locally.


The herb is bitter and astringent in taste, dry, light to digest, pungent and has hot potency. It balances the kapha and pitta dosha in human body. The qualities and medicinal uses of Daruharidra are very similar to turmeric.


Medicinal uses of Daruharidra:

  • It can quickly heal wounds and has excellent drying quality which relieves moisture. Its paste applied externally can instantly relieve pain and inflammation.

  • Very useful herb in treating diabetes and urinary tract infections.

  • The paste of Daruharidra applied externally can relieve skin diseases and itching, which is used in herpes.

  • Used in treating pain and itching disorders related to eyes, ears and oral cavity.

  • Used to treat menorrhoea, leucorrhea and relieves spasmodic pain in abdomen.

  • Used to treat diarrhea.

  • The decoction made from this herb is used to wash eyes to relieve the pain, swelling and inflammation caused due to eye infections.

  • Gargling using the decoction improves the voice quality and clears throat infections.

  • The paste is used to treat syphilis ulcers and fistula.


Side effects of Daruharidra:

Diabetic people should use this herb under medical supervision as it might lower blood sugar levels.