Manjistha
Manjistha
Manjistha or Indian Madder is considered to be one of the best blood-purifying herbs. It is mainly used to break down blockages in the blood flow and remove stagnant blood.
Manjistha herb can be used both internally and externally on skin for promoting skin whitening. Applying Manjistha powder along with honey or rose water (at least 2-3 times a week) helps manage acne and pimples by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria due to its antioxidant property. Topical application of Manjistha oil and coconut oil reduces inflammation and skin rashes associated with acne due to its anti-inflammatory property. It is also helpful in keeping the hair shiny and healthy. Rinsing your eyes with Manjistha decoction might help control excessive watery discharge due to its astringent property.
As per Ayurveda, taking Manjistha powder after lunch and dinner helps manage diarrhea due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Consuming Manjistha on a regular basis might be good for diabetics as it lowers the blood glucose levels.
Excessive consumption of Manjistha might cause constipation due to its Guru and Kashaya properties. So, It is advisable to take Manjistha with hot water, if you already have any digestion-related problem[2-6][6][11].
Manjistha herb can be used both internally and externally on skin for promoting skin whitening. Applying Manjistha powder along with honey or rose water (at least 2-3 times a week) helps manage acne and pimples by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria due to its antioxidant property. Topical application of Manjistha oil and coconut oil reduces inflammation and skin rashes associated with acne due to its anti-inflammatory property. It is also helpful in keeping the hair shiny and healthy. Rinsing your eyes with Manjistha decoction might help control excessive watery discharge due to its astringent property.
As per Ayurveda, taking Manjistha powder after lunch and dinner helps manage diarrhea due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Consuming Manjistha on a regular basis might be good for diabetics as it lowers the blood glucose levels.
Excessive consumption of Manjistha might cause constipation due to its Guru and Kashaya properties. So, It is advisable to take Manjistha with hot water, if you already have any digestion-related problem[2-6][6][11].
What are the synonyms of Manjistha?
Rubia cordifolia, Indian Madder, Manjishtha, Samanga, Vikasa, Yojanavalli, Jingi, Lohitalata, Bhandiri, Raktanga, Vastrabhushana, Kalameshi, Lata, Manjeeth, Manjitti, Tamravalli, Raktamanjishte, Manjetti, Phuvva, Runas
What is the source of Manjistha?
Plant Based
Benefits of Manjistha
1. Wound healing
Manjistha helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Manjistha powder with coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) and Pitta balancing properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Manjistha powder or as per your requirement.
b. Add coconut oil and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area.
d. Leave at least 4-5 hours for quick wound healing.
2. Skin disease
Manjistha or its oil helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected area. Some of the symptoms of eczema are rough skin, blisters, inflammation, itchiness and bleeding. Applying Manjistha or its oil reduces inflammation and helps to stop bleeding. This is because of its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Manjistha oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with Coconut oil.
c. Apply it on the affected area once or twice a day.
d. Repeat daily to get rid of the symptoms of skin disease.
3. Acne and Pimples
A Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne and pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Manjistha helps in balancing Kapha and Pitta which helps to remove clogs and inflammation as well.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Manjistha powder or as per your requirement.
b. Add honey or rose water and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area.
d. Wait for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for effective relief from acne and pimples.
Manjistha helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Manjistha powder with coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) and Pitta balancing properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Manjistha powder or as per your requirement.
b. Add coconut oil and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area.
d. Leave at least 4-5 hours for quick wound healing.
2. Skin disease
Manjistha or its oil helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected area. Some of the symptoms of eczema are rough skin, blisters, inflammation, itchiness and bleeding. Applying Manjistha or its oil reduces inflammation and helps to stop bleeding. This is because of its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Manjistha oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with Coconut oil.
c. Apply it on the affected area once or twice a day.
d. Repeat daily to get rid of the symptoms of skin disease.
3. Acne and Pimples
A Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne and pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Manjistha helps in balancing Kapha and Pitta which helps to remove clogs and inflammation as well.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Manjistha powder or as per your requirement.
b. Add honey or rose water and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area.
d. Wait for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for effective relief from acne and pimples.
Precautions when using Manjistha
Allergy

Ayurvedic View
Use Manjistha powder with rose water if your skin is hypersensitive.
Recommended Dosage of Manjistha
- Manjistha Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement
- Manjistha Powder - ½ - 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Manjistha
1. Manjistha Powder
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Manjistha powder.
b. Add rose water to it to make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area.
d. Wait for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for effective relief from skin problems such as dermatitis and eczema.
2. Manjistha Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Manjistha oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with Coconut oil.
c. Apply it on the affected area once or twice a day to get rid of the symptoms of skin disease.
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Manjistha powder.
b. Add rose water to it to make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area.
d. Wait for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for effective relief from skin problems such as dermatitis and eczema.
2. Manjistha Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Manjistha oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with Coconut oil.
c. Apply it on the affected area once or twice a day to get rid of the symptoms of skin disease.
Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Manjistha is available in the market in the following forms:
1. Powder
2. Capsule
3. Tablets
They are present in the market under various brands. You can choose the brand and product according to your liking and requirement.
1. Powder
2. Capsule
3. Tablets
They are present in the market under various brands. You can choose the brand and product according to your liking and requirement.

Modern Science View
Following are the steps for making Manjistha face pack at home:
1. Take Manjistha powder and mix it with honey.
2. Apply this pack for 10-15 minutes.
3. Later wash with lukewarm water.
4. You can also add Rakta chandan and rose water instead of honey.
1. Take Manjistha powder and mix it with honey.
2. Apply this pack for 10-15 minutes.
3. Later wash with lukewarm water.
4. You can also add Rakta chandan and rose water instead of honey.
References
- Gupta AK, Tandon N, Sharma M.Quality standards of Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol 3, Indian Council of Medicinal Research.2005;307,315.
- Shrotri MK, Ghavane RC, Mukunda U.Indian Drugs 2005;42(1):20-23.
- Joshan RS, Nagarauk R, Anuradha P. Antibacterial properties of extracts of Indian medicinal plants: Syzygium alternifolium, Phyllanthus niruri, Rubia cordifolia.Biomed. Pharmacol. J.2010;3:123-128.
- Bechtold T, Mussak R. Handbook of Natural Colorants.John Wiley & Sons Ltd.2009;151-82.
- Oprika C.Characterisation of antibiotic-resistant Propionibacterium acnes from acne vulgaris and other diseases.2006.
- Meena V, Chaudhary AK.Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) - A helping herb in cure of acne.J. Ayu. Her. Med.3(2):1-17.",https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-557/madder,"Balkrishnan A.Manjistha.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017
- Sharma K, Joshi N, Goyal C.Critical review of Ayurvedic Varṇya herbs and their tyrosinase inhibition effect.Anc Sci Life. 2015 Jul-Sep; 35(1): 18–25.
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.