We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Medical Uses of Hemidesmus Indicus?

By Britt Archer
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,368
Share

Ayurvedic medicine makes use of the herb hemidesmus indicus in several different ways, most notably as a diuretic and a blood purifier. The herb, also known as false sarsaparilla, is also made into a tonic that is used to improve mental function, and it is employed in treatments to help ease skin infections, rheumatism and urinary problems. Hemidesmus indicus also is used in treatments for piles, insect bites, dysentery, gonorrhea and jaundice.

Hemidesmus indicus is given as an emetic, and sometimes it is given in place of ipecacuanha, from which syrup of ipecac, a common emetic, is made. At other times the herb’s leaves are used medicinally for the treatment of whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma. The leaves have a preventive effect in asthmatic patients, with a dose of three to six leaves proving effective in studies, with one leaf given per day. The studies noted some side effects, including vomiting and a loss of the sense of taste.

The herb is a perennial that is native to India and is found in all parts of the country, although it grows more heavily in the south and east. It has several names in India, including country ipecacuanha and emetic swallow-wort. In Hindi hemidesmus indicus is called anantmool or antamul. Ayurvedic practitioners call it sugandi and have used the herb for about 1,000 years. Ayurvedics use it to facilitate a meditative state, treat rashes and ready the mind for dreams.

Problems with the libido and impotence also have been treated with this herb. Healers believe the compounds in the plant’s roots can have a positive effect on the level of testosterone in a man’s body. The resulting increase in testosterone leads to enhanced desire, better performance and a higher sperm count. For women, the root of hemidesmus indicus is used to prevent miscarriage. Traditional Hindi healers also have used this herb to reduce the discomfort of urinary tract infections, treat acne and fight fevers.

In most preparations, the part of the plant that is used for medicinal treatments is the root. Other treatments for the skin and for improved digestion use the entire plant. A tea concocted from the root is purported to lead to a state of lucid dreaming.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-medical-uses-of-hemidesmus-indicus.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.