Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Daruharidra दारुहरिद्रा
Berberis aristata · Berberidaceae
Also known as: Daruhaldi, Indian Barberry, Daru Haldi
Part used: Stem, root
Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) is a Himalayan shrub whose yellow stem and root are used in Ayurveda for eye infections, skin disease, diabetes and liver complaints. It contains berberine, the compound behind most of its action, and is the source of Rasaut, the classical eye preparation.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Berberis aristata
- Part used: Stem, root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Powder 1–3 g or decoction; Rasanjana (aqueous extract) is used for the eyes externally.
Daruharidra in other languages
Introduction
Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) is the "tree turmeric," its yellow stem and root prized for the eyes, skin and blood. Bitter and drying, it clears heat and infection and is the source of the classical eye-remedy Rasanjana.
Classification
Of the Berberidaceae family, Daruharidra is grouped among the Raktashodhaka and Lekhana dravyas. Its bitter-astringent taste and heating potency clear Kapha-Pitta, purify the blood and dry excess secretions.
Uses & benefits
Daruharidra is used for the eyes, the skin and the blood. Its extract, Rasaut, is a traditional eye application in conjunctivitis and eyelid disorders, while internally it is given in Prameha, jaundice and chronic skin complaints for its bitter, blood-cleansing action.
Daruharidra for eye infections
The classical Netraroga drug, used in conjunctivitis and inflamed lids, most often as the prepared extract Rasaut.
Daruharidra for skin disease
A Kushtaghna drug used in chronic inflammatory and infected skin conditions, taken internally and applied externally.
Daruharidra for diabetes
Named among the Pramehahara drugs. Its berberine content is the basis of considerable modern interest in blood-sugar control.
Daruharidra for the liver
Used in Kamala and sluggish liver function, its bitterness supporting bile flow.
Daruharidra for wounds
Applied to infected wounds and ulcers, where its antimicrobial reputation is long established.
Daruharidra for diarrhoea
Used in infective diarrhoea and dysentery, again on the berberine action.
Daruharidra for ear discharge
Rasaut is traditionally applied in chronic ear discharge alongside its use in the eye.
Daruharidra for mouth ulcers
Used as a gargle and local application in stomatitis and inflamed gums.
Daruharidra as a substitute for Haridra
Where turmeric is indicated but a stronger bitter is wanted, Daruharidra takes its place — the name means 'wood turmeric'.
Daruharidra in Rasaut
The source of the classical prepared extract, made by boiling down the root and stem to a dark brittle mass.
Dosage — how much to take
Powder 1–3 g or decoction; Rasanjana (aqueous extract) is used for the eyes externally. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Daruharidra?
The citations held for Daruharidra in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Netra & Kushtha context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Haritakyadi Varga).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Daruharidra?
Cited for eyes and skin. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Netra & Kushtha context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Daruharidra?
Described as Raktashodhaka and eye-beneficial. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga.
What is Daruharidra traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Daruharidra is used for the eyes, the skin and the blood. Its extract, Rasaut, is a traditional eye application in conjunctivitis and eyelid disorders, while internally it is given in Prameha, jaundice and chronic skin complaints for its bitter, blood-cleansing action.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Daruharidra?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Daruharidra classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Daruharidra carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Daruharidra is used medicinally?
The part used is Stem, root.
How much Daruharidra is taken, and how?
Powder 1–3 g or decoction; Rasanjana (aqueous extract) is used for the eyes externally. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Daruharidra be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where does Daruharidra grow?
Daruharidra is a spiny shrub of the temperate Himalayas, its yellow wood and root collected across the northern hill regions.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga
Described as Raktashodhaka and eye-beneficial. - Sushruta Samhita — Netra & Kushtha context
Cited for eyes and skin.
Modern research
-
Berberis aristata and its secondary metabolites: Insights into nutraceutical and therapeutical applications
(see source). Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology (2022)
A review of Berberis aristata (Daruharidra) and its alkaloid berberine documenting antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective activities.
View study
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Daruharidra is a spiny shrub of the temperate Himalayas, its yellow wood and root collected across the northern hill regions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Daruharidra used for?
Daruharidra is used for eye infections, chronic skin disease, diabetes, liver complaints, diarrhoea and wound infection. Its active compound is berberine, and it is the source of Rasaut, the classical preparation applied to inflamed eyes.
What is Rasaut?
Rasaut, or Rasanjana, is an aqueous extract of Daruharidra root and stem boiled down to a dark solid. It is the classical eye application, made into a paste and applied to the lids in conjunctivitis and styes.
Is Daruharidra the same as turmeric?
No. The name means "wood turmeric" because of the yellow colour, but Daruharidra is Berberis aristata, a Himalayan shrub, while turmeric is Curcuma longa, a rhizome. They share a colour and some uses, not a family.
What is the dose of Daruharidra?
Stem or root powder 1–3 g per day, or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. As Rasaut, 250 mg – 1 g internally within a compound, or applied externally as directed.
Who should avoid Daruharidra?
Avoid in pregnancy and in newborns — berberine is specifically contraindicated in both. Take medical advice if you are on diabetes medication, since effects may compound, or on any drug metabolised by the liver.
Can I use Daruharidra in my eyes at home?
Not without direction. Anything applied to the eye must be pharmaceutically prepared and sterile, and eye infections need proper diagnosis. Use only a licensed preparation as a practitioner instructs.
Is Berberis aristata endangered?
It is under real collection pressure in the Himalaya and is listed as threatened in parts of its range. Check that products name a cultivated or sustainably harvested source.
