Manjistha has been an important source of red pigment and has been cultivated since ancient times. The roots contain an anthraquinone called purpurin which also gives it its red colour. Manjistha is considered a rejuvenating herb that has powerful detoxifying effects. The bright red root is used to treat skin disorders, purify the blood, prevent liver infections, improve complexion and prevent premature ageing.
- Scientific Name: Rubia cordifolia
- Sanskrit: Manjistha
- Hindi: Manjit
- Tamil: Manditti
- Common Name: Indian Madder
Manjistha Health Benefits
Manjistha has hepatoprotective, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and antimicrobial properties. All these properties help to treat various conditions ranging from jaundice and liver infections to skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis and vitiligo. Manjistha also treats indigestion, constipation, fever, asthma, blood infections, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Also, Read: Arthritis Natural Cures and Home Remedies
1. Manjistha powder health benefits for the skin
Manjistha is a one-stop solution for most skin problems, due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also very good for the skin as it purifies the blood and removes toxins from it. useful for the skin. Manjistha helps in the management of various skin diseases like acne, infections, eczema, psoriasis, scabies and wounds.
The glycosides present in Manjistha help improve the complexion and lighten dark spots. It acts as a natural blood purifier which makes your skin glow. It also helps to improve the complexion and reduce dark spots. Manjistha inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reduces the inflammation caused by acne.
How to use Manjistha for the skin
- You can apply a few drops of Manjistha oil mixed with a little coconut oil on your face.
- Mix Manjistha powder with ghee and apply to the affected area
- You can mix Manjistha powder with honey and apply it to the skin.
2. Manjistha powder health benefits for the hair
Manjistha root powder is used for hair colouring and is also used to make medicinal oil. This oil acts as a tonic for hair roots. It helps improve hair health and can be used to manage greying of hair. It is said that when applied to the hair, it enhances the natural colour of the hair. Manjistha helps to control hair fall, and reduce dryness which helps control dandruff and thus helps in preventing hair fall.
How to use Manjistha oil for your hair
Mix Manjistha oil and coconut oil in equal quantities. Apply this oil to your hair and scalp twice a week. This will help prevent dandruff and will also control hair fall.
3. Benefits for Respiratory Issues
Manjistha has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, which makes it an effective remedy for all respiratory troubles. It helps to treat ailments like colds, sore throat, cough and flu symptoms. It also helps treat asthma and other bronchial conditions. It helps the body get rid of mucus and eases breathing.
4. Benefits for the liver
Manjistha has hepatoprotective properties. This makes it a very effective remedy for the liver diseases like jaundice. Manjistha supports liver function by secreting bile and helping to reduce the enzymes in the liver to normal levels. It cleanses and detoxifies the liver.
Also Read: The Best Herbs For Liver Health
5. Prevents Ulcers
Manjistha has anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties. The red Manjistha root helps to treat different types of ulcers like ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, canker sores and mouth ulcers. The compounds in Manjistha help to heal mouth and gastric ulcers. It speeds up the healing process by improving wound contracting ability, tissue regeneration, and wound closure.
6. Promotes Digestion
Manjistha has very good carminative and digestive properties. Manjistha also has an anti-flatulent property, which helps to reduce the formation of gas in the alimentary canal. This in turn reduces flatulence, bloating, constipation, and abdominal distension. Manjistha has antacid properties which help prevent the formation of excessive acids in the stomach, thus helping to treat indigestion, ulcer, and gastritis. It also helps in better absorption of nutrients by the body.
7. Remedies PCOS symptoms
Manjistha is a very effective remedy for many hormonal problems. It helps to regulate periods and treat postnatal ailments. Manjistha also helps in treating excessive abdominal pain and bleeding. Manjistha is said to restore the health of the uterus leading to a normal healthy period.
Also Read PCOS natural cures and home remedies
8. Promotes Cardiac Functioning
Manjistha has cardio-tonic properties, which help to treat various heart conditions. Manjistha helps to manage irregular cardiac rhythm, and prevent lipid peroxidation and accumulation in the blood vessels. This helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and blood clots. Manjistha also reduces platelet aggregation. Manjistha helps the smooth flow of blood through the body and manages high blood pressure as well because of its powerful vasodilatory properties.
How to make Manjistha oil at home
Manjistha oil can be made very easily at home.
- 2 tsps Manjistha powder
- 4 tablespoons oil
Take a glass jar and add the Manjistha powder to it. Now add the oil and mix well. You can add the oil of your choice.
I add safflower or grape seed oil if used for the face as they are very non-comedogenic oils and do not block the pores. Sunflower oil is another good option. Coconut oil is good if making oil for your hair and also if you do not have oily skin.
To continue, place the jar in a shaded spot with partial sunlight for a month. After a month you can strain the oil to remove the powder. Store in a glass bottle.
How to use Manjistha oil
- You can use this oil directly on the face. Take a few drops and apply them on your face at night.
- You can also use this oil in face and body creams, face wash, serums and toners.
How to make Manjistha cream (2 ways)
Homemade Manjistha Face Cream with Manjistha Oil
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp Manjistha oil
- 2-3 drops of vegetable glycerin or orange glycerite
- 2-3 drops of vitamin E oil
- 3-4 drops of neem oil
- 5 drops of Essential oil of your choice
Take the aloe gel in a bowl. Add the Manjistha oil to it and mix well. Now add the glycerin, vitamin E oil and neem oil and mix well. Finally, add the essential oil, mix well and it is done. Store in a glass jar and apply on your face twice a day. You will start seeing the glow on your face in a week.
The Manjistha cream is very good for acne and pigmentation. It also brightens your skin and brings a glow to it.
Watch: How to make aloe vera gel at home
Homemade Manjistha Face Cream with Manjistha Powder
- 2 tablespoon aloe Vera gel
- 1/2 tsp Manjistha powder
- 1 tsp grape seed oil/safflower oil
- 5 drops of vegetable glycerin or orange glycerite
- 4-5 drops of neem oil
- 4-5 drops of vitamin E oil
First, mix the aloe vera gel and Manjistha powder well. Add the grape seed oil, vegetable glycerin, neem oil and vitamin E oil to it. Mix well. Finally, add the essential oil of your choice. Blend well and store in a glass jar. Even though this cream is made with Manjistha powder, it is really good and the powder is not visible when applied. You can always apply it at night if you so wish. Apply this every day and see the difference in your face.
If you use store-bought aloe vera gel, this cream can be kept at room temperature for a month. If using fresh aloe gel, then keep it in the refrigerator as we have not added any preservatives to this cream.
This Manjistha cream brightens the skin and evens skin tone. It also heals dry skin, acne and inflammation.
How to make Manjistha Kadha
You can make Manjistha Kadha or Kwath at home very easily. The kadha is made by boiling Manjistha powder with four times the amount of water. When the quantity becomes 1/4th, switch off the stove and cool it.
Manjistha Side Effects
You should avoid taking this herb if taking anti-coagulant medication.
Always take the herb in the right amounts. An overdose could result in the colour of the urine and stools becoming orange or brown colour.
Pregnant and lactating women should take Manjistha only under medical supervision