Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Manjistha मञ्जिष्ठा
Rubia cordifolia · Rubiaceae
Also known as: Indian Madder, Manjishtha, Majith, Manjith
Part used: Root
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is Indian madder, a climbing plant whose red root is Ayurveda's foremost blood-purifying drug. It is used for acne, pigmentation, chronic skin disease, lymphatic congestion and menstrual disorders, and is the principal herb in most classical skin formulations.
| 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: Rubia cordifolia
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Powder 1–3 g with water or honey; also used as decoction and in skin pastes.
Manjistha in other languages
Introduction
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is Ayurveda's foremost blood-purifying herb, its red root prized for clear, glowing skin and healthy lymph. It cleanses the blood and supports the body's natural detox and complexion.
Classification
Of the Rubiaceae family, Manjistha heads the Raktashodhaka (blood-purifying) and Varnya (complexion) dravyas. Its bitter-astringent-sweet taste and heating potency clear heat and toxins from the Rakta dhatu and lymph.
Uses & benefits
Manjistha is the principal Raktashodhaka — blood-purifying — drug of Ayurveda, used in acne, pigmentation, urticaria and chronic skin disease, and in lymphatic congestion. It is the lead herb of Mahamanjishthadi Kwath and is taken over long courses rather than briefly.
Manjistha for acne
The classical Raktashodhaka drug, taken internally over months for inflammatory acne rather than applied to it.
Manjistha for pigmentation
Used for uneven skin tone and dark patches, taken internally and present in Kumkumadi Taila for external use.
Manjistha for chronic skin disease
The principal internal drug in eczema, psoriasis and chronic itching, given over long courses.
Manjistha for lymphatic congestion
Used in Gandamala and swollen glands, one of its clearer classical indications.
Manjistha for menstrual disorders
Used in irregular and painful periods on its blood-moving action, often with Ashoka.
Manjistha for bleeding disorders
Named in Raktapitta — it both moves and settles blood depending on the compound it sits in.
Manjistha for the liver
Used in Kamala within compound formulations, supporting the blood-cleansing action.
Manjistha as a dye
The root yields a lasting red dye used across India for centuries — the same pigments account for its medicinal reputation.
Manjistha for wounds
Applied externally as a powder to slow-healing wounds and ulcers.
Manjistha in Maha Manjisthadi Kwath
The lead drug of the classical skin decoction, one of the most-prescribed Ayurvedic preparations for chronic skin disease.
Dosage — how much to take
Powder 1–3 g with water or honey; also used as decoction and in skin pastes. 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 Manjistha?
The citations held for Manjistha in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Rakta & Varnya context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Manjistha?
Cited for blood purification and complexion. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Rakta & Varnya context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Manjistha?
Described as Varnya and Raktashodhaka. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga.
What is Manjistha traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Manjistha is the principal Raktashodhaka — blood-purifying — drug of Ayurveda, used in acne, pigmentation, urticaria and chronic skin disease, and in lymphatic congestion. It is the lead herb of Mahamanjishthadi Kwath and is taken over long courses rather than briefly.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Manjistha?
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 Manjistha classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Manjistha carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Manjistha is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Manjistha is taken, and how?
Powder 1–3 g with water or honey; also used as decoction and in skin pastes. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Manjistha be avoided?
Generally safe; may impart a harmless reddish tint to urine. Use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where does Manjistha grow?
Manjistha is a perennial climbing herb of hilly and forested regions across India and the Himalayas, its root harvested for medicine.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga
Described as Varnya and Raktashodhaka. - Sushruta Samhita — Rakta & Varnya context
Cited for blood purification and complexion.
Modern research
-
A comprehensive review of Rubia cordifolia L.: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and clinical applications
(see source). Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022)
A comprehensive review of Rubia cordifolia (Manjistha) documenting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and blood-purifying activities.
View study doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.965390
Safety & precautions
Generally safe; may impart a harmless reddish tint to urine. Use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Manjistha is a perennial climbing herb of hilly and forested regions across India and the Himalayas, its root harvested for medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Manjistha used for?
Manjistha is Ayurveda's foremost blood-purifying drug, used for acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, chronic itching, swollen glands and menstrual disorders. It is the lead herb of Maha Manjisthadi Kwath.
How long does Manjistha take to clear skin?
Skin turns over in about 28 days, and chronic conditions are worked over three months in classical practice. Expect eight to twelve weeks of consistent use before judging, taken alongside dietary change rather than instead of it.
What is the dose of Manjistha?
Root powder 3–6 g per day, or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. As Maha Manjisthadi Kwath, typically 15–30 ml with an equal quantity of water, twice daily.
Does Manjistha help pigmentation?
It is the classical drug for uneven tone and dark patches, taken internally and used externally within Kumkumadi Taila. Results are gradual and partial — melasma in particular is stubborn and usually needs dermatological treatment alongside.
Are there side effects of Manjistha?
Well tolerated at classical doses. It may colour the urine reddish, which is harmless and expected given the root is a dye. Consult a physician in pregnancy. Rubia cordifolia is under some collection pressure — check sourcing.
What is Manjistha called in Hindi?
Manjith or Majith. In English it is Indian madder or common madder. The root has been used as a textile dye for as long as it has been used as a medicine.
Can Manjistha be applied to the skin?
It is used externally in pastes and in Kumkumadi Taila, but its principal action is internal. Classical practice treats skin as an output of blood quality, so the internal route is the primary one.
