Hadjod
Hadjod
Hadjod or Bonesetter is an ancient plant commonly used in India. It is famous for its fracture healing properties due to various antioxidants such as phenols, tannins, carotenoids, and Vitamin C present in it. As per Ayurveda, consuming Hadjod juice along with cow’s ghee or a cup of milk helps in healing bone fractures due to its Sandhaniya (promoting the union of fractured parts) property.
It helps in managing weight by improving the metabolism of the body. It also prevents fats and lipid accumulation in the body and lowers the level of triglycerides which further helps in managing obesity.
Hadjod helps in wound healing due to its astringent and wound healing properties. Applying Hadjod paste on the wound helps in reducing pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Excessive consumption of Hadjod might lead to certain side effects like Dry mouth, Headache, Dry mouth, Diarrhea etc. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Hadjod[2][3].
It helps in managing weight by improving the metabolism of the body. It also prevents fats and lipid accumulation in the body and lowers the level of triglycerides which further helps in managing obesity.
Hadjod helps in wound healing due to its astringent and wound healing properties. Applying Hadjod paste on the wound helps in reducing pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Excessive consumption of Hadjod might lead to certain side effects like Dry mouth, Headache, Dry mouth, Diarrhea etc. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Hadjod[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Hadjod?
Cissus quadrangularis, Haadjodaa, Bone setter, Haadsaankal, Hadjoda, Mangarballee, Sunduballi, Piranta, Kaandvel, Haadabhanga gachha, Hadajoda, Asthisamhrt, Vajravalli[1].
What is the source of Hadjod?
Plant Based
Benefits of Hadjod

Ayurvedic View
Gout, known as Vatarakta in Ayurveda, is a disorder in which the person experiences redness, swelling and more importantly pain in the joints. All these symptoms occur due to an imbalance of Vata dosha which further imbalances the Rakta dhatu. Hadjod helps reduce the symptoms of Gout and provides warmth to the affected painful area due to its Vata balancing and Ushna (hot) properties.

Modern Science View
Hadjod might help manage Malaria as it possesses antimalarial property. Certain constituents present in Hadjod suppress the growth of the malarial parasite due to its antiparasitic activity, thereby managing Malaria[10][11].

Ayurvedic View
Painful menstruation is known as dysmenorrhea. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. Hadjod helps manage painful menstruation due to its Vata balancing and Ushna (hot) properties. This helps reduce the pain and provide relief during the menstrual cycle.

Modern Science View
Hadjod might help manage Hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory property. It reduces pain and inflammation in the veins of the anus and lower rectum. Hadjod also helps reduce bleeding and prolapse of the hemorrhoidal tissue associated with piles[14].

Ayurvedic View
Haemorrhoids is a condition of bleeding piles that occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha (especially Pitta dosha). Imbalanced doshas lead to constipation which results in the occurrence of mass like structures in the anal region. If left untreated, it might lead to bleeding. Hadjod possesses Vata balancing property which helps prevent constipation and its Kashaya (astringent) nature helps stop bleeding, thereby providing relief.

Modern Science View
Hadjod is good for weight loss as it improves body metabolism. Certain constituents present in Hadjod help in the reduction of body weight. It also inhibits the accumulation of fats and lipids and lowers the levels of triglycerides. Together, these properties of Hadjod help manage Obesity[13].

Ayurvedic View
Obesity is a condition that occurs due to poor digestion, wherein toxins in the form of fat get accumulated in the body. This leads to an aggravation of Kapha dosha. Hadjod helps manage this condition due to its Ushna (hot) and Kapha balancing properties. It helps improve the digestive fire which further improves digestion and prevents the accumulation of toxins, thus helping in the management of Obesity.
Tips
1. Take 1 tablet of Hadjod twice a day.
2. Consume it daily with lukewarm water after meals.
Tips
1. Take 1 tablet of Hadjod twice a day.
2. Consume it daily with lukewarm water after meals.

Ayurvedic View
Asthma is a condition of inflammation in the air passages which makes it difficult for a person to breathe. In this condition, a person faces repeated attacks of breathlessness and wheezing sound from the chest. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. An aggravated Kapha dosha imbalances Vata dosha in the lungs. This creates an obstruction in the air passages which makes breathing difficult and the condition is known as Swas roga (Asthma). Hadjod helps melt the accumulated cough and clears the obstruction in the air passages due to its Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) properties. This eases breathing and provides relief to the asthmatic person.

Modern Science View
Hadjod might help in body building due to the presence of vitamin C that is essential for collagen formation. It is used in body building supplements and is found to be effective in strengthening the bones and joints. It’s consumption might also decrease the cortisol level i.e., the stress hormone and promote muscle growth[8][19].

Ayurvedic View
Bodybuilding activity is one in which an individual works/exercises to develop his muscles and internal strength. Hadjod helps in body building due to its Balya (strength provider) property. This helps to provide strength to the muscles which ultimately leads to healthy built up of the body.

Modern Science View
Hadjod might help manage Diabetes due to its blood glucose lowering activity. It prevents the damage of pancreatic cells and enhances insulin secretion, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Hadjod also has an antioxidant property which helps reduce fasting glucose levels[9].

Ayurvedic View
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha in Ayurveda, occurs due to an imbalance of Vata-Kapha dosha and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Hadjod helps improve digestion and prevents the formation of Ama thereby managing Diabetes due to its Vata-Kapha balancing and Pachan (digestion) properties.

Ayurvedic View
Impaired digestion leads to the formation and accumulation of toxins in the form of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which leads to obstruction in the blood vessels. Hadjod helps manage high cholesterol due to its Pachan (digestion) and Ushna (hot) properties. It increases the Agni (digestive fire) and helps improve digestion. This further prevents the formation of Ama and reduces the symptoms of high cholesterol.

Modern Science View
Hadjod might help manage the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Certain constituents present in Hadjod inhibit the activity of an inflammatory protein that leads to reduction in joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis[12].

Ayurvedic View
Rheumatoid Arthritis, known as Aamavata in Ayurveda, is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama takes place in the joint(s). Aamavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). The Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints and gives rise to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Hadjod helps improve digestion which prevents the formation of Ama due to its Vata balancing and Pachan (digestion) properties, thereby reducing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Modern Science View
Hadjod might help reduces Seizures due to its anticonvulsant properties. It contains certain components known as flavonoids that help manage muscle contractions and inhibit convulsions[7].

Ayurvedic View
Seizures is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. Vata affects the nerves and leads to certain symptoms like temporary confusion, loss of consciousness or jerky movements of arms and legs. Hadjod helps provide strength to the nerves and reduces the occurrence of seizures due to its Vata balancing and Balya (strength provider) properties.

Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Hadjod might help manage an Upset stomach. It is considered to be a powerful stomachic that helps relieve indigestion[15].

Ayurvedic View
Upset stomach might occur due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha which leads to weak or poor digestion. Hadjod increase the Agni (digestive fire) and improves digestion, thereby reducing the symptoms of an Upset stomach due to its Ushna (hot) and Pachan (digestion) properties.

Modern Science View
Hadjod might be useful in the building and functioning of bones. It is rich in vitamin C which increases the cells that build bones, increases the absorption of calcium and also enhances the effect of another vitamin that helps in bone metabolism. So it is prescribed to help heal broken bones[8].

Ayurvedic View
Osteoporosis, known as Asthi-Majjakshaya in Ayurveda, occurs because of degeneration or deterioration of bone tissue due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. Hadjod helps prevent the degeneration of bones and provides sufficient amount of oiliness or greasiness to the bones due to its Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties, thereby managing Osteoporosis.
How effective is Hadjod?
Insufficient evidence
Asthma, Diabetes, Gout, High cholesterol, Malaria, Menstrual pain, Muscle building, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Piles, Rheumatoid arthritis, Seizures, Stomach upset
Precautions when using Hadjod
Advice from Experts
Important

Modern Science View
The use of Hadjod might lower blood pressure and it might interfere with the level of blood sugar during and after a surgical procedure. So it is generally advisable to consult a physician or avoid the use of Hadjod at least 2 weeks before surgery[4].
Breastfeeding

Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, it is generally advisable to consult a physician before taking Hadjod during breastfeeding[4].
Pregnancy

Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, it is generally advisable to consult a physician before taking Hadjod during pregnancy[4].
Side Effects
Important

Modern Science View
Hadjod may cause side effects for a short period of time such as:
1. Dry mouth
2. Insomnia
3. Intestinal gas
4. Headache
5. Dry mouth
6. Diarrhea[4]
1. Dry mouth
2. Insomnia
3. Intestinal gas
4. Headache
5. Dry mouth
6. Diarrhea[4]
Recommended Dosage of Hadjod
- Hadjod Powder - 2.5 g twice a day.
- Hadjod Juice - 10-20 ml twice a day.
How to use Hadjod
1. Hadjod Powder
a. Take 2.5 g (or as directed by a physician) of Hadjod powder twice a day.
b. Swallow it with milk or water after meals for quick healing of fractures.
2. Hadjod Juice
a. Take 10-20 ml (or as directed by a physician) of Hadjod juice.
b. Drink it with cow’s ghee or a cup of milk after meals for quick healing of fractures.
a. Take 2.5 g (or as directed by a physician) of Hadjod powder twice a day.
b. Swallow it with milk or water after meals for quick healing of fractures.
2. Hadjod Juice
a. Take 10-20 ml (or as directed by a physician) of Hadjod juice.
b. Drink it with cow’s ghee or a cup of milk after meals for quick healing of fractures.
Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Oral consumption:
1. Hadjod powder
a. Take 2.5 g (or as directed by a physician) of Hadjod powder twice a day.
b. Swallow it with milk or water after meals for quick healing of fractures.
2. Hadjod Juice
a. Take 10-20 ml (or as directed by a physician) of Hadjod juice.
b. Drink it with cow’s ghee or a cup of milk after meals for quick healing of fractures.
1. Hadjod powder
a. Take 2.5 g (or as directed by a physician) of Hadjod powder twice a day.
b. Swallow it with milk or water after meals for quick healing of fractures.
2. Hadjod Juice
a. Take 10-20 ml (or as directed by a physician) of Hadjod juice.
b. Drink it with cow’s ghee or a cup of milk after meals for quick healing of fractures.

Modern Science View
Hadjod is scientifically termed as Cissus quadrangularis. It is commonly known as veldt grape, devil's backbone, adamant creeper in English. The plant is known as Harishankar or Hadjod in Hindi and Asthisanghata, Kandavalli, Vajrangi, etc., in Sanskrit. It is a plant of the grape family, native to Asia and Africa.

Modern Science View
Extracts produced from the leaves of Hadjod are available in powder, capsule, or syrup form. All parts of this plant are used to make herbal supplements including, leaf, root, and stem.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Shukla R, Pathak A, kambuja S, et al.Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Overview: Cissus quadrangularis Linn.Indian J Pharm Biol Res 2015;3(3):59-65.
- Bharti M, Borane K, Singhasiya A.Evaluation of wound healing activity of cissus quadrangularis.World journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.2014;3(6):822-834.
- Bhujade A,Talmale S,Patil MB.In vivo studies on the anti-arthritic activity of Cissus quadrangularis against adjuvant-induced arthritis.Journal of clinical and cellular immunology.2015;6(3).
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.