What is Daruharidra
Daruharidra, also known as Indian Barberry, is a powerful herb deeply rooted in Ayurvedic medicine. Known for its bitter taste and golden-yellow root, it’s been used for centuries to treat a wide range of health issues—from skin problems to liver disorders. Let’s explore this wonder herb in detail!
Latin Name: Berberis Aristata
Vernacular Names:
Hindi: Daruhaldi
Tamil: Maramanjal
Telugu: Kasturi Pasupu
Malayalam: Maramanjal
Kannada: Daruhaldi
Punjabi: Rasaut
Marathi: Daruhalad
Bengali: Daruhaldi
Sanskrit Names:
Darunisha, Peeta, Darvi, Peetadru, Hemakarti, Kashta Rajani, Peetaka, Peerahva, Hemakarta, Hemavarna vati- All these synonyms tells about the yellow colour stem of this plant.
Parjanya – Fruits occur in rainy season
Panchanpacha- Improves liver function
Kusumshaka- Imparts yellow colour like that of kusum
Katankati, Katankateri.
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Devdaru
Habitat: Found in the Himalayan region (from Nepal to Bhutan) and parts of northern India. It is a thorny shrub around 3-6 feet tall. The stem and roots are yellow in colour. Flowers are also bright yellow in colour with small red berries.
Ras
- Tikta (Bitter)
- Kashay ( Astringent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Sheet (Cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Dosha Effect
Balances: Pitta and Kapha dosha
Classical Categorization
In Charak Samhita – It is categorized as
- Arshogna : Group of herb that helps in treating piles
- Kandughna: It is included in group of herb useful in treatment of itching.
- Lekhaniya : Group of herbs that has scraping cholesterol reducing quality
Sushrut samhita – It is categorized as Haritkyadi, Mustadi, and Lakshadi group of herbs.
In Vagbhhat : Haritkyadi, Mustadi, Lakshadi group.
Bhavprakash Nighantu : Haritayadi Varga
Chemical composition
Daruharidra is rich in bioactive compounds, including:
Berberine – The star compound known for its antibacterial, antidiabetic, and liver-protecting properties
Palmatine
Jatrorrhizine
Columbamine
Berbamine
These alkaloids give the plant its yellow color and healing properties.
Daruharidra extract
Daruharidra extract is known as Rasanjan or Rasaut. It is prepared by following the below process
Take 40 gms of root and cut them into thin slices, boil this roots in 320 ml of water till it is reduced to 1/4 th quantity, then add 100 ml of goat milk and boil again till it becomes a solid mass. This mass is Rasanjana. It is yellowish-brown in color.
Health Benefits of Daruharidra
Supports Blood sugar control
The Kapha balancing nature of daruharidra helps in reducing the high sugar level in the blood. Because of this it is useful in
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Prediabetes condition
- Metabolic syndrome
- Studies show Berberis extract can reduce fasting blood sugar significantly (Phytotherapy Research, 2021).
What are the benefits of Daruharidra for liver disease
Daruharidra is Pitta- Kapha balancing in nature. The kaphahar nature and scrapping quality ( lekhaniya) help clear out excess fat deposited in liver,also it regulates the pitta production in liver making it helpful in
- Fatty liver
- Jaundice
- Protecting liver cells from damage
- Clears toxins and support bile production
Is daruharidra helps in wound healing ?
Yes, it speeds up healing of cuts, burns, and ulcers.
Promotes tissue repair and reduces scarring.
Often applied topically as a decoction or paste.
Useful in Skin problems
Daruharidra is said to kusthhar and kanduhar and also posses anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this it is very effective in managing skin problems especially the one having kapha- pitta imbalance. This includes problems like
- Eczema
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Non healing wound
What are the benefits of daruharidra in heavy menstrual bleeding ?
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. Daruharidra helps to control heavy menstrual bleeding. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Improves eye health
Used in traditional Ayurvedic eye medicines like Anjana (eye application).
Treats conjunctivitis, eye itching, redness, and watering eyes.
Daruharidra is chakshushya (good for the eyes).
Actions (Karma) of Daruharidra in Ayurveda
Vranajit – Helps in faster wound helaing
Mehajit– Useful in diabetes and urinary tract diseases.
Shophahar – It is having anti- inflammatory properties
Kanduhar – Helps to relieve itching
Kushthar– Useful in treatment of Skin diseases
Vishahar – Good for skin diseases
Abhishyandihar: has dry quality relieves moisture.
It is used in mennorrhagia and leucorrhea. It helps to relieve spasmodic pain of abdomen.
Daru haridra is used in treating diarrhea.
How to use Daruharidra
Daruharidra can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Herbal Decoction: To make the decoction you need is 2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of powder of daruharidra. Now add this powder in 2 cup of water and boil till one glass is left. Then filter it, your decoction is ready.
- Dosage : 20 to 30 ml two times a day.
- Daruharidra powder: 1-2 teaspoon two times daily . It is also used externally for local application.
- Rasaut ( Extract) : For eye skin and oral health
- Part Used : Stem , Root and Bark
What are the side effects of Daruharidra
Like any other Ayurvedic herb daruharidra is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to daruharidra they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming Daruharidra
Avoid consuming Daruharidra during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use Daruharidra in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using daruharidra. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use daruharidra continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store daruharidra in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Daruharidra
Devdaru Decoction for leucorrhea
To make decoction you will following ingredients:
Daruharidra powder – 1 tsp
Water – 2 cups
Shilagit – 1 gms
How to make the decoction:
Boil daruharidra and water together until reduced to 1 cup. Strain it. Add shilagit in the decoction and drink it. Do this for 7 days
It helps to clear the white discharge near vaginal region providing relief from itching and discomfort.
In Conjuctivitis ( Eye infection)
To make this remedy you need following ingredients:
Rasanjan ( daruharidra extract) – 2 gms
Milk– 1 tsp
How to use:
Make a smooth paste by mixing rasanjan( extract of daruharidra) in milk. Apply this paste on eyes externally. Keep the eyes close for 15 to 20 min, then clean the paste with normal water
This paste is having natural antibacterial property that helps to clear discharge and soothes burning and itching in eyes.
Is daruharidra helpful in jaundice ?
For this home remedy you need following ingredients:
Daruharidra stem & root– 5 gms
Honey– 2 tablespoon
How to use:
First take out juice by crushing the stem and root of daruharidra, then filter this and keep aside. Now add 2 teaspoon of honey to it . Consume this 2 to3 times in one day.
This helps in regulating the bile secretion and improves liver health providing relief in jaundice.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does daruharidra take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly daruharidra powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains daru haridra
Daruharidra is one of the ingredient in following medicines
Mahamanghistadi Kashyam : It is one of the ayurvedic medicine which is used in treatment of skin diseases.
Daryadi kwath: It is used in treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding with pain , white discharge problem ( leucorrhea)
Khadiradi Vati : This is very famous ayurvedic medicine used in treatment of mouth ulcers, diseases of gums and teeth and in cough.
Conclusion
Daruharidra is more than just an herb—it’s a powerful Ayurvedic healer with deep-rooted wisdom and growing scientific support. Whether you’re managing skin issues, balancing blood sugar, or cleansing your liver, this golden herb may be the natural boost your body needs.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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