Anantamul, the ‘eternal root’ in Sanskrit, is a thin plant with long, red spreading roots and has a sweet aromatic smell. The Hindi name for this plant is Sugandhi, which means fragrant. The Anantamul plant's color and spreading quality help us understand its effectiveness for the circulatory system and the blood. It spreads throughout the body, cooling and removing excess pitta in the digestive tract, joints, nerves, and reproductive system. As a pitta reducer, it is used to support the proper function of the genitourinary system. Also called Indian Sarsaparilla, it cools the urinary tract, which helps to alleviate burning sensation during urination. It promotes healthy skin and a clear complexion.
Anantamul is said to promote breast milk production in women and support the healthy production of sperm and testosterone in men. Its pitta-reducing qualities extend beyond the body as it is traditionally used to cleanse the mind of negative emotions such as anger and irritability.
Anantamul is said to contain Ropan, the healing property, and Raktashodhak, the property that helps purify the blood. These properties make the plant an important ingredient to be used in ayurvedic medicine; it can be used internally as well as externally for all types of skin problems like ringworm, thrush, psoriasis, and other bacterial- related diseases. According to specialists, applying a paste of Anantamul root on the skin helps to a great extent to fight ringworm and other bacterial infection. This is mainly because of the antimicrobial activity which exists in it. Anantamulkwath, which is a decoction and its powder, has blood purifying property is advised to be taken twice a day to manage various skin problems.
Anantamul also helps manage blood sugar levels and prevents any damage caused to the liver by protecting the cells that produce insulin and the liver cells against any damage caused by radicals because of its antioxidant property. Anantamul also helps in boosting the metabolism of the body and greatly helps in digestion and maintain weight. All this can be achieved by drinking the juice, which is made from the Anantamul plant. It will contribute to a healthier lifestyle, relieve the individual of digestive problems, and help lose unwanted weight.
Anantamul is a great herb with many versatile benefits. Besides helping with the management of skin and digestive ailments, it is also quite effective in treating gastritis and managing disorders in the female reproductive system. It also acts as a natural detoxification herb and helps in managing the overall health of an individual. It is one of the most useful and important plants in the Indian system of medicine.
The plant consists of two types, and the color of their flowers differentiates them. One of them is called shvetasariva. This bears white flowers, and the other is called Krishna sariva, which bears the black variety. However, both of them have similar medicinal values. The roots of this plant are woody and aromatic, while the stems are green and cylindrical.
Some of the other names for Anantamul is Nannari, Tylophora, False sarsaparilla, Pseudosarsa, Nunnariasclepias, Periploca indica, Magarbu, Sariva, Karpoori, Sugandhi.
Benefits of Anantamul
- Arthritis
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
Anantamul is said to be quite effective for treating arthritis. Researches conducted states that anantamul acts as an anti-arthritic and can reduce inflammation and relieve any pain in the joint. Although the research conducted does not guarantee that the plant will be fully effective, as far as medical professionals have observed it, it is safe to say that it helps arthritis. |
According to Ayurveda, anantamul helps with arthritic because it reduces the ama, which is the toxins in the body that remain because of improper digestion. This happens because of the deepan (appetizer) and pachan (digestive) property. The plant also helps in balancing vatadosha. It is recommended to use anantamul in the form of Asava 15-20 ml and add the same quantity of warm water with it. Consume it twice a day after your meals. Continue this till you can see the desired results. |
Weight Loss
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
Most people make anantamul a part of their daily lives by consistently adding it to their diets, as it is believed that it can promote weight loss. However, there is not enough scientific evidence for it at the same time. People use anantamul for losing weight because of observation and age-old beliefs and traditions that follow, which talks about how effective the plant is for getting rid of unwanted weight and fats. So, it is highly recommended that the individual consults with his/her healthcare professional before deciding to use this plant. Also, it is important to follow a healthy diet and exercise well to lose extra pounds. |
According to Ayurveda, an individual will increase in weight because of the accumulation of ama in the body. Ama is the toxins that remain in the body because of improper digestion. Ama is also responsible for storing unwanted fat in the body. Anantamul works to reduce these fats and can do so because of its deepan (appetizer) and pachan (digestive) properties, therefore maintaining the body's weight. It is recommended to take 150ml of water and add three tablespoons of anantamul syrup and lemon juice. You can add ice cubes if you feel like it. Mix all the ingredients properly and drink it at least once a day. |
Diarrhea and Dysentery
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
Dysentery is an intestinal infection that causes severe diarrhea with blood. In some cases, mucus is found in the stool, and this problem usually lasts for three to seven days. Some of this problem's symptoms include abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Anantamul plays an important role in getting rid of toxins and radicals in the body as the plant is rich in antioxidants. The plants increase the absorption of water and electrolytes in the body, which helps lower the pressure on the intestine. Due to the antimicrobial activity of anantamul, the bacterial load is cleared from the stomach, which is responsible for diarrhea and dysentery and provides the individual with relief.
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According to Ayurveda, anantamul has shown promising results in treating stomach problems like diarrhea and dysentery. This is mainly because of its deepen, appetizer property, and pachan, the digestive property. They work together and can provide relief to the suffering individual. The plant is also known to work as a Grahi; this component helps in fluid absorption. It is advised to take 1-3 grams of anantamul powder and mix it with normal water after consuming light meals. It is recommended to consume this twice a day, daily. |
Kidneys
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
When the body's kidneys are damaged, there are high chances of the build-up of waste products and fluids in the body. This causes swelling in the ankles, nausea, weakness, poor sleep quality, and shortness of breath. If left untreated, the damage done worsens, and the kidneys may stop working, which becomes life-threatening. Anantamul has a renoprotective effect, which helps in protecting the kidneys. Because of the plant's antioxidants, the amount of toxic compounds in the liver is lowered. The plant also lowers creatinine levels in the blood, which will indicate how healthy the kidneys are. High levels of creatinine are a sign that the kidneys of the body are in danger.
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According to Ayurveda, Anantamul is extremely useful in treating any problems related to the kidney. The plant has a shodan property that acts as a purifier, removes toxins, and provides the body with a cooling effect because of its sitavirya quality (cold in potency). It is recommended to take 15-20ml of sarivadyasava and add the same amount of water to it. Consume this twice a day after your meals. Individuals with diabetes should avoid this as sarivadyasava is made of jaggery. |
Diabetes
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect how the body uses its blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is important to our health because it acts as an important energy source for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It's also the brain's main source of fuel. The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But, no matter what type of diabetes you have, it is undoubtedly that it leads to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems. The root extract of anantamul help in managing the symptoms of diabetes. This is mainly because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to prevent any damage caused in the pancreatic cells and promotes the secretion of insulin. Therefore, anantamul helps in managing the blood glucose level of the body. |
Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes. This is when the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes can vary. This depends mainly on how much the blood sugar level has elevated. Some of the symptoms include increased thirst, extreme hunger, fatigue, irritability, etc. According to Ayurveda, anantamul is good for diabetes as it helps in boosting the metabolism and reduce toxins in the body. Ama, which is the remaining toxins in the body due to improper digestion, is the main reason for the rise in blood sugar levels. |
Quick healing of wounds
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
One of the most common reasons why wounds take an unusual time to heal is because of wound infection. When the wound is infected or contaminated, the immune system tries its best to fight the bacteria, contributing to the delay in healing and causing cell deaths. Anantamul accelerates the healing process of the wound, improves cellular growth, and promotes tissues' formation. Because of the plant's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, it frees the body of free radicals and reduces the inflammation rate in the affected area of injury.
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The blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to the healing area and removes bacteria, toxins, and debris from the wound. Conditions that reduce blood flow and oxygenation are common causes of poor wound healing. According to Ayurveda, anantamul has a ropan, a healing property, and a sitavirya, cold in potency. Together these components work as healing agents. The past, which is made from the plant's root, can be applied to the wound twice a day for quick healing. |
Skin problems
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
One of the most common skin conditions is rashes. Rashes are widespread eruptions of skin lesions. They come in many forms, and its common causes include dermatitis, bodily infections, or allergic reactions while taking any medication. The rashes can either be dry, moist, smooth, cracked, or blistered. They can also be quite painful and itchy. Anantamul is used as a traditional medicine for treating various skin problems. It is commonly used for treating ringworms and oral thrush, and other bacterial infections on the skin. Because of the plant's antioxidants, it can clear toxins from the body, and antimicrobial activity helps kill the microbes. |
According to Ayurveda, skin conditions are usually caused due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha associated with the fire agni, which is responsible for the transformation and absorption of substances. When the digestive fire Agni is not operating at its best, food residues remain in the digestive tract and causes rotting and releases toxins. These toxins spread throughout the body through the bloodstream, causing inflammation, including skin inflammation. In fact, skin problems are an indicator of the intoxication of the organism. Anantamul is one of the useful and main ingredients used for Ayurvedic skin medicines. It is said to show effective results in all types of skin conditions because of its ropan (healing) and raktashodhak (blood purifying) properties. Anantamul can be used internally and externally in almost all types of skin problems like ringworms, thrush, psoriasis, eczema, and other bacterial-related skin problems. It is advised to apply the paste made from anantamul root on the affected area twice a day. Use it for two to three months for desired results. |
Precautions while using Anantamul
- Digoxin
Digoxin and Anantamul do not go well together as digoxin tends to increase the heartbeat, and taking anantamul might increase the intake of the drug even more by the body. So, takin anantamul, together with digoxin, should be avoided at all times. Taking them together can lead to complications of health and might risk the individual's life.
- Lithium
Anantamul is said to act as a diuretic, but if you take this plant along with lithium, there is a chance that the concentration of the lithium may increase in the body. If this is the case, it is highly recommended that the individual takes suggestions from his/her healthcare professional as the dose of lithium supplements may need to be changed so that the individual suffers no side-effect.
Although according to Ayurveda, it is said that Anantamul can be taken along with other prescribed or non-prescribed drugs by keeping a gap of one to two hours between your pre-existing medicines and anantamul. It is advised to keep a strict watch over your blood pressure and blood sugar level regularly if you are already on antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications and consuming anantamul daily.
- Breastfeeding
There is not enough scientific evidence regarding the intake of anantamul by women who are breastfeeding. Therefore, it is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid this plant.
- Diabetes
When an individual is suffering from diabetes, it is recommended to avoid anantamul in the form of sarivadyasava as it is made of jaggery.
- Kidney Disease
People with kidney diseases are recommended to avoid anantamul, as it may worsen the condition.
- Pregnancy
Due to a lack of scientific evidence, it is highly recommended that pregnant women avoid anatamul.
Some other side-effects of Anantamul:
- Irritation in the stomach
- Runny nose
- Symptoms of asthma
How to Use Anantamul
- Anantamul Powder
a. Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon of anantamul Powder.
b. Mix it with honey or water.
c. Consume it 45 minutes before your meals- Do this twice a day for desired results
- AnantamulKwath (decoction)
a. Take 3-4 teaspoon of anantamulkwath.b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Drink it after two hours of meal- Drink this twice a day for desired results
- Anantamul (Nannari) syrup/ sharbat
a. Take 3 teaspoon of Anantamul (Nannari) syrup /sharbat.
b. Add it to one glass of cold water.
c. Squeeze ½ lemon to it.
d. you can add 3-4 ice cubes.
e. Mix all the ingredients and drink it before your meals, once a day.
FAQs
Q. What is Nannari juice/syrup?
A. Nannari is another name for Anantamul, and its syrup or juice is prepared from the roots of the plant. The one available in the commercial market is concentrated, which needs to be diluted with either water or milk to enjoy the drink.
Q. What are the side effects of Anantamul?
A. Anantamul is preferably safe for most people when carefully taken as a medicine, advised by your healthcare professional. However, in some cases, it might lead to the stomach's irritation, especially when taken in large doses. This is why it is important to observe your intake as it might lead to additional complications.
Q. Can Anantamul be used for piles?
A. Yes, Anantamul root is helpful and can be used in Piles because of its anti-inflammatory and effective wound healing properties. It also helps to reduce the inflammation in the affected area and manages piles.
According to Ayurveda, Anantamul can be used for piles due to its Ropan, which is the healingproperty. Anantamul root powder paste can be applied to the affected area to reduce inflammation, help in quick healing of piles, and relieve the suffering individual.
Q. Can Anantamul cure eye problems?
A. Although there is not enough scientific evidence to actually know whether the plant supportsfixing eye problems, it might help in eye inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory property.
Q. Is anantamul helpful in indigestion?
A. There is not enough scientific evidence available to support the role of Anantamul in case of indigestion.But according to Ayurveda, Anantamul is extremely helpful in reducing the symptoms of indigestion because it can improve the digestive fire and digest the food easily despite its Sita(cold) property.