Embelia Ribes

INTRODUCTION

Vidanga is one of the powerful anti-parasitic herbs of Ayurveda. It is widely used against intestinal worm infestation. Its botanical name is Embelia ribes. It is called False black pepper., because it mimics pepper in appearance.  It is widely distributed throughout India. In Ayurveda, it is considered widely beneficial in variety of diseases and is also used in homeopathy. In India, it is one of the widely and commonly used Ayurvedic herbs.

USES

 Embelia root bark is acrid, astringent, anthelmintic, antifertility, antioestrogenic, carminative, digestive, laxative, soothing, stimulant, stomachic, and thermogenic. It is effective against intestinal parasites and intestinal worms. It is used in abdominal disorders, skin fungal infections, flatulence, constipation, indigestion, headache, hemorrhoids, lung diseases, obesity, piles, pneumonia, mouth ulcers, toothache and sore throat. Its decoction is useful in insanity and heart diseases. Leaves are astringent, thermogenic, demulcent and depurative in nature. It is useful in skin diseases and leprosy. Fruits are acrid, astringent, anthelmintic, bitter, brain tonic, carminative, contraceptive, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative, stimulant, and thermogenic. It is useful in skin diseases, leprosy, nervous debility, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, tumors, asthma, fever, ascaris infestation and general debility. Paste is being used for mouth wash and avoiding cavities. It is being also used in skin related problems. Decoction of the roots is given in insanity and heart diseases.