What is Hadjod?
Do you know what people used to heal fractures in ancient times before modern medicine?
In Ayurveda, one plant became famous as the natural “bone setter” — Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis). Known for its remarkable ability to speed up bone healing, this climbing herb is still valued today for its many health benefits. Let’s explore the Hadjod benefits, its traditional uses, and what modern science says about it.
Latin Name: Cissus quadrangularis
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Hadjod, Hadjora
- Bengali: Hodjoda
- Tamil: Pindai, Perandai, Pirandai
- Telugu: Nalleru, Nallerutige
- Kannada: Mogaroli
- Malayalam: Changalam, Paranda, Pirandai
- Marathi: Kandvel
- Gujarati: Hadsankal
- Punjabi:
- English : Edible stemmed vine, veldt grape, devil’s backbone, adamant creeper
Sanskrit Names:
- Vajra valli, Vajrangi – Makes the body as strong as diamond
- Asthi Shrunkala, Asthiyuk – stems resemble bones
- Granthimana – knotted stem
- Bhutopadrava
- Chaturdhara, Chatusira – stem having four edges.
Asthisamhari – One of the best drugs for the fracture of bones and promote union of bones.
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of hadjod
Ras
- Madhur ( Sweet)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Dosha Effect
Balances: Vata and Kapha dosha
May increase: Pitta (if overused)
Classical Categorization
1. Bhavaprakasha – It is categorized as Guduchyadi Varga
2. In Kaiyadeva Nighantu – It is categorized in Lakshmanadi Varga
Health Benefits of Hadjod powder
Joint pain and Arthritis
The Vata balancing nature of hadjod helps reduce swelling and pain in conditions such as
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Back and neck pain
Helps in osteoporosis
Osteoporosis in a condition in which the bone density starts decreasing, this makes the bone weak and britle. Because of this bones becomes weak and prone to fractures.
Osteoporosis, known as Asthi-Majjakshaya in Ayurveda, occurs because of degeneration or deterioration of bone tissue due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. Hadjod helps prevent the degeneration of bones and provides sufficient amount of oiliness or greasiness to the bones due to its Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties, thereby managing Osteoporosis.
Acts as natural aphrodisiac
An aphrodisiac is any substance or supplement that increases libido and helps build sexual desire. Vrishya (aphrodisiac) property of Hadjod can prove to be beneficial in improving stamina and promoting sexual wellness.
Useful in bone healing
Calcium is important for healing bones. But, only calcium intake does not improve the rate of new bone formation. The ability for absorption and utilization of calcium needs to be increased as well for a better healing process. Certain amino acids present in Hadjod or Cissus such as lysine help in the absorption of calcium. Hadjod acts by stimulating the metabolism and increasing uptake of minerals, calcium, and sulfur, which help in healing.
Hadjod is a well known Ayurvedic remedy to heal bone fractures or injuries in Ayurveda has a unique sandhaniya ( promoting the union of fractured parts ) property that helps to heal bones quickly.
What are the benefits of Hadjod for muscle building
Calcium is important for healing bones. But, only calcium intake does not improve the rate of new bone formation. The ability for absorption and utilization of calcium needs to be increased as well for a better healing process. Certain amino acids present in Hadjod or Cissus such as lysine help in the absorption of calcium. Hadjod acts by stimulating the metabolism and increasing uptake of minerals, calcium, and sulfur, which help in healing.
Hadjod is a well known Ayurvedic remedy to heal bone fractures or injuries in Ayurveda has a unique sandhaniya ( promoting the union of fractured parts ) property that helps to heal bones quickly.
Actions (Karma) of Hadjod in Ayurveda
Asthiyuk – strengthens bones.
Sara – induces mobility, causes diarrhea, purgative, relieves constipation
Krumighna – Relieves worm infestation, useful in infected wounds
Amaghna – Relieves ama – a product of indigestion and altered metabolism.
Vrushya – aphrodisiac, improves vigor
Pachana – Digestive, relieves Ama Dosha
Pittala – Increases Pitta Dosha
How to use Hadgod
Hadjod can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Hadjod powder: 1-2 grams two times daily . Swallow it with milk and water after meals .It is also used externally for local application.
- Hadjod Tablet : 1 to 2 tablet two times daily with water.
- Hadjod Juice : Take 10-20 ml twice daily.
- Part Used : Stem
What are the side effects of Hadjod
Like any other Ayurvedic herb hadjod is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to hadjod they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
It may increase acidity if used in excess.
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming Hadjod.
Avoid consuming hadjod during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use hadjod 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 hadjod. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use hadjod 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 hadjod 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 Hadjod
In strengthening bones
Ingredients:
Hadjod powder – 1 tsp
Water – 2 cups
How to Take:
Take 1 teaspoon of hadjod powder with water two times a day
It helps to keep bones strong and healthy.
For fracture healing
To make this you need following ingredients:
Hadjod stem
Ghee – 1 tsp
How to make :
First fry the stem of hadjod in ghee and then make powder from it. Take this powder with milk two times a day.
This remedy helps in faster healing of fractured bone.
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 hadjod 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 devdaru 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 hadjod
Hadjod is the main ingredients in following medicines
Lakshadi guggulu : It is one of the ayurvedic medicine which is used to treat osteo arthritis of knee joint, back pain and osteoporosis.
Panchjeerak Gudam: This An effective ayurvedic medicine for post natal care, useful in digestive and respiratory diseases.
Conclusion
From ancient bone-setters to modern clinical trials, Hadjod remains a trusted natural healer. Its power to strengthen bones, reduce inflammation, and support overall health makes it one of Ayurveda’s most valuable herbs.
Always consult an Ayurvedic doctor or healthcare provider before starting Hadjod supplements, especially if you’re on medication or pregnant.
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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