Vidanga, known as ‘false black pepper’ commonly, belongs to the family Primulaceae. It can be found all over India quite easily and has several useful medicinal properties. It is a herb with great Ayurvedic importance.
Historical Uses of Vidanga
Vidanga has been popularly used through the centuries due to the many benefits, primarily being good for the stomach. Its anthelmintic properties help kill unwanted parasites in the gut, and its laxative properties help in clear motion, thus treating constipation and related issues. Regular consumption of its churna is believed to help in weight loss and improve body metabolism.
Vidanga is also known to show cardioprotective, antioxidant, and antidepressant activities. It is considered helpful for the skin and helps improve complexion and remove persistent acne and pimples.
Other Names for Vidanga
Scientifically known as ‘Embelia ribes’, Vidanga is also known by other common names in different regions such as Jantughna, Krmighna, Krmihara, Krmiripu, Vidang, Vavding, Vavading, Vayavadang, Vayavidanga, Bhabhiranga, Baberang, Vayuvilanga, Babading, Vizhalari, Bidanga, Babrung, Vavaring, Vayuvilangam, Vayuvidangam, Vayuvidangalu, Baobarang and Babrang.
Vidanga Health Benefits: Treating Diseases/Health Issues Using Vidanga
Vidanga can be used to treat several medical problems. It can also be used in several forms. Regular consumption of Vidanga provides several long-term health benefits. Some of them are listed below.
• Intestinal Worms
The Krimighna nature of Vidanga helps to control and eradicate many different types of intestinal worms, such as roundworms and tapeworms.
• Indigestion
Vidanga has a hot nature and displays laxative properties. This makes it effective in treating and managing different digestion-related problems like constipation, gas, and vomiting.
• Depression
The antidepressant nature of Vidanga restores the imbalance in Vata and provides relief from depression and anxiety-related issues.
• Throat Infection
The innate properties of Vidanga help it to balance the aggravated Kapha dosha. This reduces throat problems like infections and persistent coughing spells.
• Obesity
The positive effect that the consumption of Vidanga has on digestion, combined with its hot nature, helps in expelling toxins from the body and ensures proper digestion. This reduces fat and combats obesity effectively.
• Skin Disease (2)
The Shodhan property of Vidanga, which means the purification property, helps reduce toxins from the bloodstream, which has a positive effect on the skin by managing and controlling skin diseases.
Vidanga also helps with skin problems like ringworm and eczema when applied externally in powder. In this case, it is advisable to apply some oil to the affected area beforehand.
• Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition in which the skin ceases to be evenly colored. Some patches of skin are dark while others are lighter as compared. Vidanga paste helps control and reduce this condition due to its Rasayana or rejuvenating and Kashaya or astringent properties.
Advised Dosage of Vidanga
1. Vidanga Churna
1/4th to half a teaspoon twice a day is the advised dosage of Vidanga Churna.
2. Vidanga Capsule
1 to 2 capsules twice a day is the advised dosage of Vidanga Capsules.
3. Vidanga Paste
Half to 1 teaspoon is the advised dosage of Vidanga Paste.
4. Vidanga Powder
Half to 1 teaspoon is the advised dosage of Vidanga Powder.
How to Consume Vidanga?
Vidanga proves to be most effective when eaten regularly in controlled amounts. As the old proverb goes, excess of anything is bad. Some of the most common and easiest ways to prepare Vidanga for consumption are as follows:
1. Vidanga Churna
- Take ¼ to half a teaspoon of Vidanga Churna.
- Have it with either lukewarm water or honey.
- Preferably consume it after meals.
2. Vidanga Capsule
- Have 1 or 2 capsules of Vidanga with warm water twice a day.
- Preferably consume it after meals.
How to Use Vidanga for External Application?
Vidanga is beneficial to the skin and can be used for the same in a variety of ways. Some easy methods are listed below, which can be made at home without much difficulty.
1. Vidanga Seed Paste
- Take half to 1 teaspoon of Vidanga seed paste.
- Add a few drops of Rosewater and mix properly.
- Apply this mixture evenly on the skin.
- Leave it to dry for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Wash properly with tap water and pat dry.
- Use this technique 1 to 2 times a week for maximum results.
2. Vidanga Seeds Powder
- Take half to 1 teaspoon of Vidanga seed powder.
- Add some honey and mix properly.
- Apply this mixture evenly on the skin.
- Leave it to dry for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Wash properly with tap water and pat dry.
- Use this technique 2 to 3 times a week for maximum results.
Precautionary Expert Advice
Even though consumption and external application of Vidanga produces a lot of health benefits in people, irrespective of age, it is essential to keep a few points in mind concerning its safe use, which can become problematic if not adhered to.
1. It is advisable to avoid Vidanga if you have a low sperm count, as its consumption can hinder the gametogenesis process.
2. It is advisable to avoid Vidanga if you have acidity and related issues, as its hot nature may aggravate your problems.
3. It is advisable to avoid Vidanga during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
4. It is advisable to add coconut oil or rosewater to Vidanga powder or paste before external application if you have hypersensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questions are answered below to help with better understanding and to clarify common doubts.
Q. What are the chemical constituents of Vidanga?
Ans. Vidanga has many useful medicinal properties, which are conferred upon it due to the presence of various constituents like embelin, embelinol, embeliaribyl ester, embeliol, and vilangin.
Q. What are the forms of Vidanga available in the market?
Ans. Vidanga is available in the market in several forms such as :
1. Vidanga Powder
2. Vidanga Capsule
Q. What is the price of Vidanga?
Ans. 1. Vidanga Powder
The price ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 600 for a 300 gms pack.
2. Vidanga Capsules
The price ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 for a pack of 60 capsules.
Q. Can Vidanga cause loose motions?
Ans. According to Ayurveda, Vidanga possesses laxative properties and can cause loose motions when consumed in high doses.
Q. Does Vidanga help with constipation?
Ans. According to Ayurveda, Vidanga possesses laxative properties and can hence help control and manage constipation efficiently. It has a constituent known as anthraquinone glycosides, which confers this property on it.
Q. Does Vidanga help in weight loss?
Ans. Ethanolic extracts derived from Vidanga exhibit lipid-reducing activities, which help in expelling body toxins and fat and aiding in weight loss.
Q. Does Vidanga help to manage depression?
Ans. Vidanga constitutes a compound known as embelin, which gives rise to antidepressant activities. Researches and studies show that this compound instigates the intake of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which positively affects the mood. Therefore, Vidanga proves to help manage depression.
Q. Does Vidanga help to cure a sore throat?
Ans. Vidanga shows certain properties which help in relieving pain and inflammation. It protects the mucous membrane and hence helps in curing throat problems.
Q. What are the uses of Vidanga Churna?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
According to modern science, Vidanga has a lot of health benefits. It shows antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, laxative, and healing properties. It also helps in weight loss and acts as an effective antifertility agent.
According to Ayurveda, Vidanga shows Deepan or appetizing, Pachan or digestive, and Krimighna or anti-worm properties. This makes it effective in countering digestive issues and curing them efficiently. Its Balya or strength providing, and Rasayan or rejuvenation properties help conserve overall health and improve internal strength to a great extent.
Tips for Usage of Vidanga Churna –
Take ¼ to half a teaspoon of Vidanga Churna.
Have it with either lukewarm water or honey.
Preferably consume it after meals.
10. Is Vidanga beneficial for heart diseases?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
According to modern science, Vidanga shows antioxidant properties that inhibit free radicals' activity and prevent cell damage to the heart. Hence, Vidanga exhibits cardioprotective activities.
According to Ayurveda, heart problems occur due to the imbalance of Vata. The Vata restoring properties of Vidanga combined with its Balya or strength providing and Rasayana or rejuvenating properties help maintain the heart's overall health by providing strength and preventing cell damage.
Q. Is Vidanga beneficial for worms in the stomach?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
According to modern science, Vidanga shows anthelmintic properties, making it beneficial in removing the various parasitic worms in the stomach, such as tapeworms, hookworm, and tapeworm.
According to Ayurveda, Vidanga shows Deepan or appetizing, Pachan or digestive, and Krimighna or anti-worm properties. This makes it effective in countering digestive issues and curing them efficiently to ensure proper digestion.
Q. Can Vidanga be used for teeth grinding in children?
Modern Science View
Modern Science View
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Vidanga in being used for teeth grinding in children.
According to Ayurveda, teeth grinding in children is a symptom of weak and poor digestion, which occurs due to the imbalance in Vata and Pitta doshas. This can lead to severe pain and bleeding from the anus, along with burning sensations. Vidanga shows properties like Deepan or appetizing and Pachan or digestion, which help restore balance to the Vata and Pitta doshas. This prevents the painful symptoms and helps in curing piles. Its Kashaya or astringent, and Rasayana or rejuvenation properties are useful to treat this ailment.
Q. Can Vidanga be used for piles?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Vidanga in controlling and managing piles.
According to Ayurveda, piles occur due to weak and poor digestion, which in turn occurs due to the imbalance in Vata and Pitta doshas. This can lead to severe pain and bleeding from the anus, along with burning sensations. Vidanga shows properties like Deepan or appetizing and Pachan or digestion, which help restore balance to the Vata and Pitta doshas. This prevents the painful symptoms and helps in curing piles. Its Kashaya or astringent, and Rasayana or rejuvenation properties are useful to treat this ailment.
Q. Can Vidanga cause skin rashes?
Ans. According to Ayurveda, Vidanga may cause skin rashes if you have hypersensitive skin due to its hot nature. Therefore, it is advisable to add coconut oil or rosewater to Vidanga powder or paste before external application in this case.
Q. Does Vidanga help to cure acne?
Ans. According to Ayurveda, the Shodhan property of Vidanga, which means the purification property, helps reduce toxins from the bloodstream, which has a positive effect on the skin by managing and controlling skin diseases.
Vidanga also helps with skin problems like ringworm and eczema when applied externally in powder. This is because it inhibits the activity of acne and pimple-causing bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes. This reduces the redness, roughness, and swelling associated with recurring acne problems. In this case, it is advisable to apply some oil on the affected area beforehand if you have hypersensitive skin.
Q. Does Vidanga help in hair fall?
Ans. Vidanga consists of a compound known as embelin, which effectively helps to manage and control hair fall. Its anti-androgenic properties also help in countering masculine sexual disorders like androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.