What is Manjistha? Here are 5 Health Benefits of It

Dr. Mohammad Azam

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Mohammad Azam

Ayurveda

4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • The Manjistha plant has long cylindrical roots with a red bark and small flowers
  • Manjistha powder can help you manage diabetes and improve heart health
  • There are several uses of Manjistha powder for skin hydration and nourishment too

What is Manjistha? it is a popular herb consisting of the dried roots of the Rubia cordifolia plant [1]. The plant has long cylindrical roots with a brownish red bark and small flowers. The herb is called Indian madder in English and manjith in Hindi. 

Manjistha has several therapeutic applications in Ayurveda due to its medicinal properties. It is also used as a natural food coloring agent and dye. This herb is available for use in several forms, and the common varieties are Manjistha oil and Manjistha powder. 

Read on to understand the therapeutic uses and benefits of Manjistha.

Additional Read: From Immunity to Cough, here are 8 Health Benefits of Turmeric

Uses of Manjistha for therapeutic purposes

  • Manjistha has been used in the treatment of maggots, wounds, dysentery, liver fluke, and intestinal worms in the case of animals [2] 
  • Manjistha helps to purify the blood and has many other curative properties, taking on a role as an anti-stress, anti-diabetic, and antiplatelet agent. 
  • This herb has also been used in the treatment of skin disorders.
  • Manjistha also has anti-microbial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties used in various kinds of therapeutic treatments.

Benefits of Manjistha for treating acne

Manjistha helps fight bacteria that cause acne. It is also helpful in preventing disorders such as skin conditions and ulcers. You can apply Manjistha paste or oil on your skin and leave it for some time to see the difference.

Ways to have Manjistha in diet

Benefits of Manjistha to prevent cancer

Quinones and hexapeptides present in Manjistha show significant anti-cancer activities against the proliferating cells in the body. The anti-tumor activity of Manjistha also may help in the treatment of conditions like leukemia.

Benefits of Manjistha for treating cardiovascular disorders

When it comes to your heart's health, the benefits of Manjistha are limitless due to the cohesive impact of all the bioactive components in it. The substance made from Manjistha root extract, which acts as a calcium channel blocker, helps against the blockage of cardiac arteries.

Uses of Manjistha for skin health 

Manjistha helps with the management of various skin problems like infections and wounds due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties. You can apply Manjistha paste with honey to reduce dark spots and dark circles under the eye and improve the complexion of your skin. You can also use it as an ayurvedic solution for varicose veins as it is a blood purifier herb.

What is Manjistha

Benefits of Manjistha for managing diabetes

It is wise to take Manjistha powder after dinner or lunch, as it helps manage sugar levels due to its digestive (panchan) or appetizer (deepan) properties. Consuming Manjistha on a regular basis can help lower your blood glucose too. Thus it plays an effective role in controlling diabetes. 

The time it takes for Manjistha to work. 

The time that it takes for Manjistha to start showing its effect depends on your condition and its severity. It may take a few days up to a few weeks to see the changes on your skin. Manjistha has widespread uses in Ayurveda for migraine, skin issues, or improvement in overall health. For exact treatment options, consult a doctor. 

Additional Read: 6 Jatamansi Benefits for Your Mind and Body

With a better understanding of the health benefits of Manjistha, consider including this herb in your daily routine. Create a paste by grinding select parts of the Manjistha plant or use the ready-made Manjistha powder available in the market. As this is a natural herb, the chances of side effects are minimal, but it is important to first check if you are allergic to Manjistha. So, before you use it on your skin or consume it in any form, speak with your doctor. Book an online doctor appointment on Bajaj Finserv Health for any doubts regarding ayurvedic herbs. You can also avail yourself of guidance from top experts on how to include Ayurveda in your daily routine. Book your appointment and go all-natural today!

Published on 6 May 2022Last updated on 12 Apr 2023
  1. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.851.1862&rep=rep1&type=pdf
  2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/244943682_Rubia_cordifolia_a_review

Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.

Dr. Mohammad Azam

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Mohammad Azam

, BAMS 1 , MD - Ayurveda Medicine 3

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