Manjistha, also known as Indian madder in English or Rubia cordifolia in Latin, has been a popular alterative herb in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Not to be confused with madder, Indian madder is a bitter, sweet and astringent herb with a pungent post-digestive effect on the body. It can be described as heavy and dry, while pacifying pitta and kapha, and increasing vata. The root is the main part used in herbal formulations.

Manjistha nourishes the plasma (rasa), blood (rakta) and muscle (mamsa) tissues, and supports the lymphatic, circulatory, digestive and female reproductive systems. One quick thing to note is that the tissues in ayurveda are slightly different from their Western definitions, although there are substantial overlaps between the two.

Even though manjistha is little known in the West, there are many reasons to love it. Here’s why:

1. Lymph cleanser

The plasma tissue is the first, most foundational tissue in ayurveda. It’s responsible for nourishment of each cell, each tissue. Your lymphatic system also eliminates waste from your body and regulates your immune system. In fact, your plasma tissue is the first tissue that gets compromised under stress. As such, if your plasma tissue is working properly, it will set up the rest of your tissues, hence your body, for better functioning. Since manjistha helps clear and keep the lymphatic system clean, it’s your circulatory system’s best ally.

2. Blood purifying

The blood tissue is the second tissue in ayurveda. As a main anti-pitta herb, it helps purify the blood and bodily functions related to it. For example, it helps cleanse, regulate and protect the liver and spleen, remove ama (~toxins), or stagnant blood, from the blood, address bleeding disorders, ease blood-related inflammatory conditions and dissolve obstructions in the blood and increase blood flow. Bright orange red in powder form, it’s easy to remember the relationship of manjistha to blood.

As you can see, rubia cordifolia works to optimize the functioning of the first two tissues, plasma and blood, which benefits the subsequent tissues as well.

3. Nervous system protection

Studies have found the root and rhizome extracts from manjistha to be neuroprotective, especially when combined with vitamin E.

4. Female support

Thanks to its blood flow-increasing quality, manjistha aids in female reproductive health concerns, from amenorrhea (abnormal absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and stimulating menstrual flow to menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), abnormal uterine bleeding and other inflammatory conditions of the female reproductive system. What’s more is that manjistha can even help purify breast milk.

5. Longevity promoting

Rasayana roughly means longevity promoting. In other words, the main focus of this class of herbs is to promote overall health and rejuvenation. The closest term to rasayana in Western medicine may be the concept of alterative herbs. Very, very simply put, manjistha helps restore homeostasis in the body.

6. Kidney aid

As a diuretic, it helps the kidneys function properly, and manage kidney or bladder stones, and edema. A study on mice showed manjistha’s protective effect against kidney oxidative damage.

7. Anti-X

Manjistha is anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-tumor. Its anti-tumor benefits are evident in studies on RC-18, a pure isolate from rubia cordifolia, suggesting its potential for anti-cancer treatments.

8. Skin health

Rubia cordifolia is a popular herb for skin disorders, such as psoriasis, acne and more. Through its lymph-draining and blood-purifying qualities, it helps clear skin imbalances, support collagen synthesis, restore luster in the complexion, tighten pores and reduce dark under-eye circles.

It can even be used externally as a paste with honey for skin discoloration, or inflammation, or combined with licorice into a paste to soothe burning or damaged tissue.

Manjistha contraindications

As with everything, knowing when not to use something is just as important as knowing when it is ok to use something. Contraindications for manjistha include severe chills and high vata situations. So, be aware of when you use it and how much, especially if you’re using this herb by itself. It’s always best to combine herbs with other synergistic ones to accentuate their benefits and balance their doshic effects.

Once a stranger to manjistha, now a believer, I love manjistha–so much so that we created two products with this wonderful herb. Try our coconut milk and honey powder face mask or amla c facial toner and spray for an ayurvedic herbal extravaganza.

If you tried manjistha before, what did you think? Let us know in the comments.

This post aims to give you the ayurvedic perspective on health and is not meant as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation.