Daruharidra / Indian Barberry / Berberis aristata

Daruharidra is an upright, 3.5-meter-tall shrub with an evergreen botanical name of Berberis aristata. It is a woody plant with dark yellow bark inside and a yellow to brown outside. Three branching thorns, which are modified leaves arranged in tufts of 5-8 and are simple with pinnate venation, completely cover the bark. The lower surfaces of the leaves are light green, while the upper surfaces are dark green. The radically arranged, simple, sessile, serrated leaves of this plant have a leathery texture. Flowers are hermaphrodite, entire, yellow, and stalked. In the months of April and May, the flowers bloom. This plant is self-fertile, and little insects pollinate it. Fruits are ovoid, covered in bloom like a plum, and aconite violet in color. This herb produces juicy, nutrient-rich, and sugar-rich fruits that are rich in flavor. Seeds range in hue from yellow to pink and range in number from 2 to 5.

General Information

The herb Berberis aristata, often known as Indian barberry or tree turmeric, is a member of the Berberidaceae family. It has long been employed in the Ayurvedic medical system. This plant produces edible fruit that is a good source of vitamin C. This herb has a lot of berberine and isoquinoline alkaloids in its root bark. Both chemicals have properties that make them anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, and anti-tumor.

The entire plant is an excellent source of dye and is used to color leather, cotton, and clothing. This herb's roots are used to make alcoholic beverages.

Special Note about Berberis Aristata

Rasaunt - Rasaunt is the name of a particular preparation made from this plant. The bark and the lowest portion of the stem are boiled in water to create a rasaunt root. Rasaunt requires sixteen times as much water to prepare as Daruhaldi roots do. The solution is then colored and evaporated until just 1/4 of the water is left. Once more, the resulting extract is boiled to produce a semi-solid material. This material is then combined with butter, lime juice, or opium juice, used as a moderate purgative, and is used to treat a variety of diseases.

Habitat

The plant daruharidra is indigenous to the Himalayas in India. It is also widely dispersed in Sri Lanka's humid region. The temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Europe, and America are also home to this type of evergreen deciduous shrub. Additionally, Bhutan and Nepal's steep regions receive it. Himachal Pradesh also has Daruharidra, particularly in the Kumaon and Chamba regions. The Nilgiris hills in South India have a large population of this herb.

Classification of Daruharidra

• Kingdom – Plantae
• Order – Ranunculales
• Family – Berberidaceae

Other Names

• English name – Indian beriberi
• Hindi name – Daru haldi
• Tamil name – Mara manjal
• Bengali name – Daruharidra
• Punjabi name – Daru haldi
• Marathi name – Daruhalad
• Gujarati name – Daru haldar
• Telugu name – Kasturipushpa
• Farsi name – Darchoba
• Kannada name – Bagisutra
• Malayalam name – Maramannal, Maramanjal
• Oriya name – Daruharidra, Daruhaldi
• Punjabi name – Sumalu
• Urdu name – Darhald

Ayurvedic Properties

Effects on Doshas

It balances Pitta and Kapha doshas.

Uses

• This herb's paste is applied topically to treat pain and inflammation. This herb works best for conditions affecting the eyes.
• This herb's paste is also used to hasten the healing of wounds and is successful in treating syphilis, ulcers, and anal fistulas.
• Daruharidra is highly helpful for people with menorrhagia and leucorrhoea and helps to treat spasmodic pain.
• Daruharidra roots fight against liver damage and have hepatoprotective properties. It achieves remarkable outcomes in jaundice patients.
• Additionally, it possesses anti-diabetic qualities. The root powder of this herb encourages the body to produce more insulin and protects it from the harmful effects of diabetes.
• Daruharidra is a highly efficient herb with anticancer characteristics that combat colon cancer in people.
• This herb protects both males and females from the numerous diseases brought on by microorganisms. It is used to treat uterine infections in females.
• Additionally, it is utilized for ear pain and discharge.
• This plant is used to treat intermittent fever and promote perspiration. It is a herb that combats malaria more effectively than any other herb.
• The fruit of this plant makes a tasty appetizer, supports healthy digestion, and aids dysentery patients.
• It is also applied to piles and constipation.
• Eyelids are smeared with a paste produced from this herb to treat conjunctivitis.
• Gargles made from Daruharidra decoction are used to treat throat infections and enhance voice.

Part Used

• Fruit extract
• Fruit
• Stem

Dosage

• Decoction – 50-100ml
• Fruit powder – 3-5gm
• Fruit extract – 3gm

Ayurveda products made by Ayumantra that include this herb as an ingredient