Sariva

  Sariva is one of the most potent herbs used in Ayurveda owing to it’s medicinal properties. The herb is commonly known as Indian Sarsaparilla. The plant is a twinner and spreads on the ground hence the name given. Dr. Varun Ram Raj of Ayurvedatarian uses Sariva for the treatment of disorders involving vitiation of all the doshas (Vata Pitta and Kapha ) as the plant is Tridosha hara in nature. Sariva is used in conditions like Erysipelas , Skin disorders, Cough etc. The herb contains Phytoconstituents like coumarin, saponins, fatty acids etc which aids in its diuretic and demulcent actions.

General aspects and geography

Botanical name : Hemidesmus indicus

Family :  Asclepidiaceae 

Habitat: All over India

Parts used

• Root

Classical categorization based on Ayurveda textbooks

Charaka Samhita – Jwarahara varga (antipyretic)

Susruta Samhita – Sarivadi gana 

Pharmacological action

• Tonic 
• Diuretic 
• Antimicrobial 
• Demulcent 

 

Medicinal property according to Ayurveda

• Jwarahara ( Antipyretic )
• Trishnanigrahana (alleviate thirst)
• Kasahara (alleviate cough )
• Sangrahi (Constipative)

Therapeutic indications

• Erysipelas (Visarpa)- Decoction prepared from Sariva is taken at a dose of 60 ml per day
• Diarrhoea (Atisara )- Decoction prepared from Sariva alleviates Diarrhoea.

Dosage

Decoction (Kwatha)- 60 ml

Tablet - 2 tablets twice daily or as per the advice of the Ayurveda doctor 

Note: Ayurveda medications must be taken only after consulting an Ayurveda doctor. 

Formulations 

• Sarivadyasava 
• Sarivadi kwatha
• Pinda taila 

Morphology :

A perennial prostrate or twining shrub with numerous stems. Leaves are oblong. Inflorescence is sub sessile cyme. Fruits are follicles . Flowers are greenish.

Vernacular names of Sariva

English – Indian Sarsaparilla 

Hindi- Salsa

Malayalam – Nannari

Sanskrit – Sariva 

Synonyms

• Anantha 
• Gopi
• Sphota

Rasapanchaka 

Rasa- Tikta (bitter) Madhura(Sweet)

Guna-  Guru (heavy )

Vipaka- Madhura(Sweet)

Virya-  Sita ( cold )

सारिवायुगलं स्वादु स्निग्धं शुक्रकरं गुरु ।

अग्निमान्द्यारुचिश्वासकासामविषनाशनम् ||

(Bhavaprakasa Nighantu – Guducyadi varga-shloka 238)

Sariva is Tridosha hara because of it’s properties like sweet taste and cold potency. The herb is used to alleviate diseases like Diarrhoea , Gout, Skin disorders etc. Ayurvedatarian lead by Dr. Varun Ram Raj, is currently conducting various researches based on ancient Ayurvedic textbooks, involving Sariva for preparing various combinations of medicines to alleviate conditions involving vitiation of Kapha, Vata and Pitta. Reach Ayurvedatarian for better health management.

Frequently asked Questions

1. What are the uses of Sarivadi kwatha?

Used in alleviating Skin disorders, Erysipelas, Gout and Diarrhoea.

2. Which family Sariva belongs to?

Asclepidiaceae.