Manjishtha/Rubia cordifolia
Name in other language of Manjishtha/Rubia cordifolia. (Hindi Gujarathi – Majith , Kannada. Sirgatti, Manjustha Sanskrit – Kalameshika English – Indian madder , Latin – Rubia cordifolia cul-Rubiaceae). A perennial (living for many years) vine common in dense forests (up to ca. 3,750 m) of the flora [Votana, Subdivision Auritbia] is a useful plant in the tropics. Moreover, it is also spread in Sri Lanka, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and tropical parts of Africa. The total sum of her Rubia race. Among the 60 castes in India, 15 castes (according to H. Santapav 10 castes) are found. Rs. Cordifolia and its related subspecies, types and varieties etc. are considered as a complex group and they are found spread in the regions of Africa, Asia and Australia.( Read More – Mustard )
Manjishtha/Rubia cordifolia vine or spreading and supporting shrub. 10 m. Tall, the stem is somewhat spiny, quadrangular, grooved and whitish-peeled with four or sometimes 2-8, ovate-cordate or lanceolate, anapaparna (without sub-leaves), long-stalked, prominently veined (3.8-9 × 1.6). -3.5 cm.) and has coarse leaves. The thick part of the trunk that supports the roots in the soil is the rhizome. At the tip of the branches is a branched flora [paramanjari puspabandha] with small, white or greenish, sometimes red and yellow tinged, sachdha and sometimes few flowers [flowers]. The soft fruits are purple or dark purple, sometimes black, globose or somewhat bilobed (4-6 mm.), fleshy and bilobed, bearing October to November. Other general physical symptoms are as described in Rubiaceae (Kadamba clan).( Also Read – Raktchandan/Red Sandalwood/Pterocarpus santalinus )
Manjishtha/Rubia cordifolia Roots
Roots and reddish brown bark of the plant are available in the market under the name Manjishtha. Although these roots seem sweet, they later taste pungent and bitter. The dye obtained from the stems and roots of these plants has long been used to dye cotton, warm and thick fabrics, carpets and blankets. Due to this, clothes get red, brown, crimson colors. In the process of dyeing, the cloth is first dipped in dye (juice extracted by immersing roots in cold water) and then hardened by applying alum. In Tanzania, fruits are added to this dye and the dye is used to paint wooden floors. This interesting substance is a mixture of ‘purpurine’ and ‘manjistin’. Recently, the importance of manjishtha color has decreased due to the convenience of using synthetic (artificial) colors.
The roots are carminative (astringent), nutritive, anti-septic (prevents poisons caused by germs), dysentery and laxative and are used in rheumatism and many other physical complaints. Its poultice is applied on chronic wounds and used on skin diseases. After ingestion of root extract, milk, urine and bones are reddened. Decoction of leaves and roots is anthelmintic. In Java, ‘lablab’ of this plant is administered orally along with rice and is also used as fodder for animals. The Zulu people give root juice to increase sperm count and start menstruation. If the medicine made from the roots goes into the stomach in excess, it causes hallucinations.
Khasiana found in Assam and Manipur has higher pigment content. Alizary (European madder) is a pigment worth Rs. Tinctorum is extracted from this species. In the Eastern Himalayas the Manjista variety and Rs. Wallichiana is a species found. Rs. sikkimensis is found in regions from Nepal eastwards to Assam, Nagaland and Manipur (up to 1,500 m altitude). Used for dyeing. Rs. Tinctorum is a species of manjistha found from Kashmir to Spain. It has been cultivated since ancient times in Egypt, Iran, India and later it was cultivated in Europe. Excellent dyes were also produced from it. It was especially cultivated in Kashmir. Different dyes were used to make colored cloth of different shades. It is still used as a pigment (alizori) for calico printing and dyeing, and is still used for some types of food, cosmetics, toothpaste, etc. As they are stone penetrating, they use it on ashmari (stone) in the body. It has an authoritative place in homeopathy. (Must Read – Amaranth ( Quinoa ) )
Roots and reddish brown bark of the plant are available in the market under the name Manjishtha. Although these roots seem sweet, they later taste pungent and bitter. The dye obtained from the stems and roots of these plants has long been used to dye cotton, warm and thick fabrics, carpets and blankets. Due to this, clothes get red, brown, crimson colors. In the process of dyeing, the cloth is first dipped in dye (juice extracted by immersing roots in cold water) and then hardened by applying alum. In Tanzania, fruits are added to this dye and the dye is used to paint wooden floors. This interesting substance is a mixture of ‘purpurine’ and ‘manjistin’. Recently, the importance of manjishtha color has decreased due to the convenience of using synthetic (artificial) colors.
Roots are columnar (astringent), nutritive, antispasmodic (prevents poisons caused by germs), dysentery and laxative; They are used for rheumatism and many physical complaints. Its poultice is applied on chronic wounds and used on skin diseases. After ingestion of root extract, milk, urine and bones are reddened. Decoction of leaves and roots is anthelmintic. In Java, ‘lablab’ of this plant is taken orally with rice; They also feed the animals. The Zulu people give root juice to increase sperm count and start menstruation. If the medicine made from the roots goes into the stomach in excess, it causes hallucinations.
Manjishtha/Rubia cordifolia Availability
Manjishtha/Rubia cordifolia found in Assam and Manipur has higher pigment content. Alisary (European madder) is a pigment. Tinctorum is extracted from this species. In the Eastern Himalayas the Manjista variety and Rs. Wallichiana is a species found. Rs. sikkimensis occurs in regions from Nepal eastwards to Assam, Nagaland and Manipur (up to 1,500 m altitude); The dye from this plant (Naga Madder) is used in East India for hot clothes, hair, spears, jewellery, wicker and bamboo items etc. Used for dyeing Rs. Tinctorum is a species of manjistha found from Kashmir to Spain. It has been cultivated since ancient times in Egypt, Iran, India and later it was cultivated in Europe. Excellent dyes were also produced from it. It was especially cultivated in Kashmir. Different dyes were used to make colored cloth of different shades. For calico printing and dyeing they still use pigment (alizi) elsewhere; It is used in some types of food, cosmetics, toothpaste etc. As they are stone penetrating, they use it on ashmari (stone) in the body. It has an authoritative place in homeopathy.
Source : Vikaspediya
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White Musli/Chlorophytum Borivilianum
Faq –
1 What is Manjishtha called in Latin ?
2 How does Manjishta taste ?
3 Manjishta is found in which part of India ?
