Till date you must have heard or seen about a variety of medicinal plants and herbs and also used them but today we are going to talk about a rare medicinal herb which is hardly known to anyone. Its name is "Vidanga", also known as false black pepper or white-flowered embelia. It is an extremely useful herb. According to Ayurveda, Vidanga is useful in the treatment of many diseases.

What is Vidanga and its Importance in Ayurveda?

Vidanga, scientifically known as embelia ribes , is a bushy plant which is full of many medicinal properties. Its twigs are thin and flexible. The leaves are about 3 inches long and up to 1.5 inches wide. It is pointed and oval in shape from the front. The flowers of Vidanga are white and form clusters and the fruits are round and small like black pepper, which become red when ripe and black when dry. According to Ayurveda, its fruit is also known as false black pepper due to its similarity to black pepper. Vidanga is mainly used in Ayurveda for stomach and intestinal worms. Mostly its fruit is used medicinally, but the root is also used in many places.

Benefits of Vidanga

Beneficial in destroying stomach worms-

Vidanga is mainly used in Ayurveda for the treatment of worms (intestinal worms). All types of worms like roundworms, threadworms and tapeworms can be easily treated with its use. For this, dissolve the powder of the root of Vidanga in water and consume it.

Effective in purifying blood-

Vidanga is a blood purifier. It helps in flushing out the toxins and harmful bacteria present in the blood. Therefore, in Ayurvedic medicine, vidanga has been used for problems like abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and gastric problems. Apart from this, Vidanga also helps in improving the digestive system and keeping the stomach healthy.

Beneficial for teeth-

The powder of Vidanga is considered beneficial for teeth and overall oral health because it has antimicrobial properties which prevents the growth of plaque-causing bacteria in the teeth. Apart from this, using the powder made from the root of Vidanga in the form of a paste cures problems like gingivitis, bleeding, tooth decay, etc.

Useful for throat and mouth-

According to Ayurveda, the extract of Vidanga acts like a medicine. It has a positive effect on sore throat and mouth ulcers. The anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties present in vidanga play an important role in problems related to mouth and throat. Gargling with the extract of Vidanga provides relief in mouth ulcers and sore throat.

Effective in piles-

This herb is considered very effective in the treatment of piles. Using the powder of Vidanga with buttermilk or its extract helps to clear the impurities present inside the body through urine. It provides relief in gas, acidity, constipation and other stomach-related problems. Therefore it removes the problem of constipation and benefits in piles.

Other benefits of Vidanga are-

• Vidanga has antibacterial and antifungal properties which prove to be effective in removing skin-related problems.
• The use of Vidanga is beneficial in destroying phlegm-borne worms.
• Vidanga is also used in the treatment of diabetes.
• It is used to cure Vata related problems.
• Vidanga is beneficial in indigestion (dyspepsia) and loss of appetite.
• According to ayurveda, Vidanga has properties that help to provide benefits in headache or other associated problems.
• The use of Vidanga leaves is good for oral health.
• Vidanga reduces the extra fat present in the body. Therefore, it is used as a medicine for obesity in Ayurveda.
• Vidanga is also beneficial in asthma and tuberculosis.

Side effects of Vidanga

• Vidanga is hot in effect. Therefore, it should always be consumed in limited quantities.
• Children, Pregnant and lactating women must consult a doctor before using it.
• If suffering from any disease, Vidanga should be consumed only according to the advice of the doctor.

Where is Vidanga found?

Vidanga is mainly found in the Himalayan regions of India, mountainous regions of South India and other north-eastern states. Apart from this, the plant of Vidanga is seen in the areas of China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Singhpur.