Botanical Name: Hemidesmus indicus

Common Name:

English: Indian sarsaparilla
Ayurvedic: Shveta sariva, Gopasuta, Ananta
Unani: Ushbaa hindi
aka: Shveta saarivaa, Sariva, Vaga, Anantamul, Upalsari, Namada veru, Anant mool, Nannari, Dralashvan lai anantmamool, Ushbah, Ven nannar, Sugandhi pala, Gopi, Kapuuri, Nannaari, Suganthipala, Gopaa, Gopasutaa, Sphotaa, Kabri, Naruneendi, Anantamula, Utipalsaarivaa, Dugdhgarbhaa, Gopavalli, Sphotaa, Nannar, Vaga sariva,

Habitat: Throughout India, Common in Bengal.

Origin: India

Harvested: Wild / Cultivated

Parts Used: Root

General Information:

Root of a Hemidesmus indicus aprostrate or semi erect shrub found throughout India from upper Gangetic plains east wards to Assam and southern India up to an elevation of 600 meters. Roots occur in pieces, about 30 cm long and 3-8 mm in diameter, cylindrical, thick, hard, somewhat tortuous, sparely branched, provided with few thick rootlets and secondary roots.

Hemidesmus indicus does not contain the same saponins or other principal constituents which are found in Sarsaparilla. External appearance dark brown, sometimes with violet grey ting, central yellow, woody, surrounded by a mealy white cortical layer.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also, for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sarsaparilla Root Powder (Anantmool) - Indian