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Rubia, Madder, Qian Cao 茜草Dyers Madder
Qian Cao (TCM) Manjistha (Ayurveda) Manjeeth, Manjesta, Favvah (Unani) Btsod བཙོད (Tibetan) |
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New Kreuterbuch, Matthiolus, 1563
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Krauterbuch, Lonitzer, 1578
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An Encyclopaedia of useful and ornamental Plants, Burnett, 1852
Madder root as used in Tibetan Medicine (Adam, 2016)
Botanical name:
Rubia spp.
1. R. tinctorum (Europe)
2. R. cordifolia (syn. R. manjistha) the Indian Madder (TCM, Tibetan Medicine, Ayurveda)
Rubia sikkimensis has also been used in the Himalayas.
Garden (R. tinctorium) and Wild (R. sylvestris) were known in the West.
In some parts of China (Xinjiang) R. tinctorum is used as Qian Cao Gen, meaning that the two species are used synonymously.
Parts used:
Root
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Bitter, Sweet, Pungent
Due to its circulatory stimulant effect and its ability to resolve obstruction, some sources regard it as Warming.
Classifications:
2A APERIENT. 2D ATTENUATERS OF CONGEALED BLOOD. 2F. PURIFYING. 2G. CLEANSING. 2P. HEMOSTATIC
3E. DIURETIC. 3F. LITHONTRIPTIC. 3G. EMMENAGOGUE
4f. SPLENETIC. 4h. NEPHRITIC. 4i. UTERINE. 4k. ARTHRITIC
Rubia spp.
1. R. tinctorum (Europe)
2. R. cordifolia (syn. R. manjistha) the Indian Madder (TCM, Tibetan Medicine, Ayurveda)
Rubia sikkimensis has also been used in the Himalayas.
Garden (R. tinctorium) and Wild (R. sylvestris) were known in the West.
In some parts of China (Xinjiang) R. tinctorum is used as Qian Cao Gen, meaning that the two species are used synonymously.
Parts used:
Root
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Bitter, Sweet, Pungent
Due to its circulatory stimulant effect and its ability to resolve obstruction, some sources regard it as Warming.
Classifications:
2A APERIENT. 2D ATTENUATERS OF CONGEALED BLOOD. 2F. PURIFYING. 2G. CLEANSING. 2P. HEMOSTATIC
3E. DIURETIC. 3F. LITHONTRIPTIC. 3G. EMMENAGOGUE
4f. SPLENETIC. 4h. NEPHRITIC. 4i. UTERINE. 4k. ARTHRITIC
Uses:
1. Cools the Blood, Stops Bleeding (West, TCM, Ayurveda, Tibetan Medicine):
-Bleeding with heat, or when associated with Blood stasis
-functional Uterine Bleeding, Coughing or Vomiting blood, blood in the Stool;
-bleeding from excess heat (TCM).
-Gerard said ‘It stencheth bleeding, mitigate inflammations, and helpeth those parts that be hurt and bruised’.
-may be carbonised to increase its hemostatic effect.
2. Clears Heat, Opens Obstruction, Clears Stasis (West, TCM, Ayurveda, Tibetan Medicine):
-swelling and hardness of the Spleen or Liver; Seed with Oxymel for swelling of the Spleen (Dioscorides)
-Jaundice and chronic Hepatitis
-Scrofula, Tumors and Cancer.
-Heart disease.
-Amenorrhea and failure of the Lochia to descend after childbirth;
-‘being but only applied, it bringeth down the menses, the birth, and afterbirth’. (Gerard)
-Trauma, wounds of the chest, ‘deadly wounds of the entrails’ and joint pain from congealed blood.
-Ayurveda uses it for Vaginal disorders and use it to promote Complexion.
3. Clears Heat and Poison (West, Ayurveda, Tibetan Medicine):
-Ayurveda says it is ‘the best blood purifier’
-Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis, Vitiligo, Herpes, Leprosy, Acne and other obstinate skin diseases with burning and itching
-various Poisons and Venoms including Snake Bite.
-Fevers including Chronic and Puerperal Fevers (Ayurveda, Tibetan Medicine, Unani)
-effective against the Influenza virus.
4. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine, Clears Gravel and Stones (West, Ayurveda, Tibetan Medicine):
-Edema, Fluid retention
-Gravel, and Stones (has been regarded as specific for Stones)
-in Ayurveda it is used for Stones of the Kidney or Gall Bladder; it can both help clear Stones, and hinder their formation.
-it cleanses the kidneys and bladder.
-in Tibetan Medicine for chronic Kidney disease.
-Arthritis and Rheumatism (Unani); Dioscorides used it for Sciatica.
5. Clears Deficient Heat, Benefits the Bones:
-aid in the treatment of Rickets, Fractures, especially slow-healing Fractures (West, Ayurveda)
-chronic inflammations, Hectic Fever
-Joint and bone pain including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sciatica.
-in Tibetan formulas for Lumbago, Arthritis and Gout.
-Li Shen Zen in his Pen Tsao Kang Mu (1590) said it ‘Unblocks channels and vessels, treats Wind pain in the bones and Joints’, which is not a modern TCM indication, however.
6. Clears Heat and Phlegm, Benefits the Throat, Stops Cough:
-in TCM for chronic Bronchitis
-traditionally in Ayurveda to Benefit the Throat and is used in Tonsillitis and Hoarseness, as well as Lung conditions.
-Salmon listed it for Cough and Lung Ulcers.
7. Rasayana (Tonic to the 7 Body Tissues):
-Diabetes
-Mental disorders (inc. Insanity),
-Menopause, and to help promote Conception (Ayurveda and Tibetan Medicine)
-chronic Joint disease (Ayurveda); Sciatica (Dioscorides)
-Paralysis (Dioscorides, Tibetan); Atrophy (Tabernaemontanus)
8. Externally:
-external Injury and Trauma.
-a paste of the root and Honey is applied to Swellings and Inflammations.
-a paste of the root powder with honey is applied to skin conditions including Scabies, Tinea, Eczema, Psoriasis, Leucoderma, Pityriasis Versicolor, Freckles and other skin discolorations.
-'creeping sores' (Lonicerus)
-a wash externally for Tubercular conditions of the skin or mucus membranes.
-Dioscorides used a cataplasm with vinegar for mild cases of Leprosy.
-in tooth powders for loose Teeth, painful and bleeding gums etc.
-in Collyriums for the eyes
-in India it is used in oils topically for Greying Hair.
-Dioscorides used a pessary to promote lochial discharge.
DOSE:
Of the Powder: 1–3 grams, 2–3 times daily (for stones etc.)
In Decoction: 6–15 grams
CORRECTIVES:
Tragacanth, Anise, Oxymel (Unani)
SUBSTITUTES:
Zanthoxylum alatum and Cinnamon (Unani)
NOTES:
1. In both East and West, it is sometimes charred to increase its Hemostatic effect. It does not need to be charred to facilitate Hemostatic effects, but this preparation is better for Bleeding from Heat when there is not Blood stagnation.
2. This is a special medicine for the Blood; it can move the Blood to clear stasis; stop Bleeding from Heat, and clear Heat and Toxin from the Blood.
Of the Powder: 1–3 grams, 2–3 times daily (for stones etc.)
In Decoction: 6–15 grams
CORRECTIVES:
Tragacanth, Anise, Oxymel (Unani)
SUBSTITUTES:
Zanthoxylum alatum and Cinnamon (Unani)
NOTES:
1. In both East and West, it is sometimes charred to increase its Hemostatic effect. It does not need to be charred to facilitate Hemostatic effects, but this preparation is better for Bleeding from Heat when there is not Blood stagnation.
2. This is a special medicine for the Blood; it can move the Blood to clear stasis; stop Bleeding from Heat, and clear Heat and Toxin from the Blood.
Main Combinations:
Lacca & Madder
Madder & Rhubarb
1. Madder is commonly combined with Lacca in the West, Unani and Tibetan Medicine. Both are powerful for Blood disorders, to move Blood and clear stasis; together they are used for Blood disorders, Heat and Toxin of the Blood, Arthritic pain, Gynecological disorders, to promote Urine and for Stones. They are combined for Fractures in the East.
2. Madder is also commonly combine with Rhubarb; together, they clear Heat and Toxin from the Blood, and stop Bleeding from Heat. They are also used for Trauma, Blood stagnation and Bruising.
Gynecology
3. Menstrual obstruction and pain, Madder with Mugwort, Savin, Calamus, Mint, Wormwood, Oregano, Calamint, Spikenard, Fennel seed, Peony (as in Syrup of Mugwort)
4. Dysmenorrhea, Amenorrhea, Leukorrhea, Madder with Restharrow, Horehound, Motherwort, Mugwort, Rosemary, Parsley seed, Saffron, Cinnamon (Formulaire de Montpellier, 1822)
5. Amenorrhea:
i. Madder with Salvia Dan Shen
ii. Madder with Dang Gui, Paeonia Bai Shao
6. Dysmenorrhea:
i. Madder with Dang Gui,Cyperus rotundus, Safflower (TCM)
ii. Madder with Turmeric
iii. Madder with Bdellium, Asparagus root, Safflower (Ayurveda)
iv. Madder, Juniper berry, Cinnamon, Myrrh (Wirtzung)
7. Uterus obstructions, Fibroids:
i. Madder with Round Birthwort, Agaric, Cinnamon (as in Pills of Madder)
ii. Madder with Round Birthwort, Savin, Cretan Dittany, Myrrh (as in Powder of Myrrh)
8. Chlorosis, Madder with Celery root, Butchers Broom, Zedoary, Guaiacum, Motherwort, Pennyroyal, Mugwort, Feverfew, Iron (as in Ale for Chlorosis)
9. Irregular Uterine Bleeding, Madder with Cuttlefish bone (TCM)
Skin Diseases:
10. Chronic skin diseases:
i. Madder with Neem, Turmeric, Gotu Kola, Aloe (Ayurveda)
ii. including Leprosy, Madder with Triphala, Tinospora, Barberry, Neem bark (as in Powder of Musaffi Khas of Unani)
iii. chronic acne: Madder with Tinospora, Hemidesmus, Neem, Catechu, Black Nightshade
iv. Psoriasis, Madder with Coptis, Rhubarb
11. Herpes, Madder with Bittersweet, Arnica (Memorial Pharmaceutique, 1824)
12. Scrofula, Madder with Rosehip, Walnut leaf (Nouveau Formulaire Medicale et Pharmaceutique, 1820)
Bleeding:
13. from excess Heat (Bile):
i. Madder with Rehmannia Sheng Di
ii. Madder with Lotus root, Emblic Myrobalan (Ayurveda)
14. Diarrhea and Dysentery with Blood, Madder with Coptis Huang Lian and Scutellaria Huang Qin (TCM)
15. Uterine Bleeding:
i. from excess Heat, Madder with Cuttlefish bone (TCM)
ii. with Qi deficiency, add Astragalus Huang Qi to the above.
16. Leukorrhea with Blood, Madder with Fossil Bones (Long Gu)
Blood Stasis, Trauma:
17. Trauma, Bruising, Blood Stasis:
i. Madder with Myrrh (Pharmacopoeia Herbipolitania, 1796)
ii . Madder with Burdock root, Rhubarb, St. John's wort, Bugle, Sanicle
18. Blood Stasis (in the Chest), Madder with Lacca, Red Earth, Rhubarb (Wirtzung)
19. Fractures:
i. Madder with Comfrey root
ii. Madder with Shilajit internally; topically, mix Madder and Licorice powders with rice vinegar into a paste for topical application.
iii. Madder with Arjuna, Licorice, Myrrh (Ayurveda)
20. Tumors from Blood Stasis:
i. Madder with Bdellium, Turmeric
ii. Madder with Asarum, Rhubarb, Bitter Almond, Myrrh
Obstructions:
21. Jaundice:
i. Madder with Celandine, Wormwood, Centaury, Cinnamon, Saffron (Riverius)
ii. Madder with Horehound, Turmeric, Nettle, Celandine, Cleavers, Barberry bark
iii. Madder, Turmeric (1 oz. each), Celandine, Lesser Centaury (half handful each), decoct in a mix of water and wine (2 lbs. each); strain, add Compound Syrup of Celery (2 oz.) (Sydenham)
iv. Madder with Turmeric, Celandine, Earthworms
22. To open obstructions, for Fibroids, Liver swelling, Edema and Stones, Madder with Lacca, Costus, Rhubarb, Saffron, Licorice, Pepper, Myrrh (as in Powder of Gum Lacca of Mesue)
23. Resolvent Powder: Madder with Couch Grass, Dandelion, Soapwort, Fumitory, Yarrow (equal parts). (Armen Pharmacopoea, Hufeland, 1825)
24. Engorgement of the abdominal viscera, decoct Madder with Mutton neck, Soapwort, Chicory (Nouveau Formulaire Medicale et Pharmaceutique, 1820)
Urinary:
25. Burning Urine, Madder with Sandalwood, Tribulus, Coriander seed (Ayurveda)
26. Edema, Madder with roots of Fennel, Parsley, Bay berry, Juniper berry, Carr and Fennel seed (as in Diuretic Hydromel)
27. Stones:
i. Madder with Peach kernel
ii. Madder with Tribulus, Shilajit (Ayurveda)
Other:
28. Rickets:
i. Madder (2 drams), prepared Oyster shell (4 drams). Make 18 doses, Dose: 2–3 per day for a young child. (Nouveau Formulaire Medicale et Pharmaceutique, 1820)
ii. Madder (half oz.), Cream of Tartar (2 drams), Spring Water (64 oz.). Boil slowly for an hour, strain, add clarified Honey (2 oz.). (Nouveau Formulaire Medicale et Pharmaceutique, 1820)
29. Dysentery:
i. Madder with Burnet root
ii. Madder with Red Earth and toasted Rhubarb
Major Formulas:
Decoction for Jaundice
Emmenagogue Decoction (Riverius)
Emmenagogue Syrup
Syrup of Mugwort Lesser (Bononiense)
Powder of Madder
Powder to Promote Birth (Alexander)
Bruise Powder (Mesue)
Powder Against Bruising
Powder for Bruising Greater (Wirtzung)
Powder for Congealed Blood in the Chest
Powder for Edema (Wirtzung)
Electuary for Internal Bruising
Pills for Retention of Urine (Wirtzung)
Madder Pill (Tibetan Medicine)
Chebula 18 (A Ru 18) (Tibetan Medicine)
Cautions:
1. Use carefully in Kidney inflammation
2. Not used in Cold and weak digestion in TCM.
3. It can aggravate Wind diseases
4. It tinges the Urine and even the Bones a red color
5. Toxic in large doses
Main Preparations used:
1. Extract of Madder:
i. Madder (1 lb.), Water (3 lbs.). Boil, express, clarify with an egg white, then evaporate to an extract. (Farmacopea Ferrarensis, 1825)
ii. Madder (2 parts), Alcohol (3 parts), Water (9 parts). Digest in a covered vessel, express; distil off the alcohol slowly, evaporate to an extract. (Pharmacopoeia Hannoverana, 1819)
1. Use carefully in Kidney inflammation
2. Not used in Cold and weak digestion in TCM.
3. It can aggravate Wind diseases
4. It tinges the Urine and even the Bones a red color
5. Toxic in large doses
Main Preparations used:
1. Extract of Madder:
i. Madder (1 lb.), Water (3 lbs.). Boil, express, clarify with an egg white, then evaporate to an extract. (Farmacopea Ferrarensis, 1825)
ii. Madder (2 parts), Alcohol (3 parts), Water (9 parts). Digest in a covered vessel, express; distil off the alcohol slowly, evaporate to an extract. (Pharmacopoeia Hannoverana, 1819)
Click the Tabs above for more information on this Medicine
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'Madder is used in Hindu medicine as a colouring agent: medicated oils are boiled with Madder to give them colour. It is also a useful external astringent, and is applied to inflamed parts, ulcers, fractures, &c. Chakradatta recommends Madder rubbed with honey as an application to the brown spots of pityriasis versicolor. The Sanskrit name for Madder is Manjishtha. Under the names of Fuvvah and Runas, Arabic and Persian writers treat of Madder, probably the produce of R. tinctorium (as the roots which come from Afghanistan appear to be identical with those of the European species). They do not, however, make any distinction between the species, but simply mention a wild and a cultivated variety. The Mahometans consider the drug to be deobstruent and prescribe it in paralytic affections, jaundice, obstructions in the urinary passages and amenorrhoea. They mention the fruit as useful in hepatic obstruction, and a paste made from the roots with honey, as a good application to freckles and other discolorations of the skin. The whole plant is reputed to be alexipharmic; it is also hung up in houses to avert the evil eye, and tied to the necks of animals with the same object.
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Ainslie observes that the hakims are in the habit of prescribing an infusion of Madder root as a grateful and deobstruent drink in cases of scanty lochial discharge after lying-in. (Materia Indica II., p.182.) In another notice of the article {Op. cit. I. p.202), he remarks that it would appear to be chiefly produced in Cuchar, and the root is in great demand in the adjacent countries, for dyeing their coarse cloths and stuffs red; the Nepalese are in the habit of bartering it for rock salt and borax. Kinnier and Tavernier notice the abundauce of Madder in Persia and Makran. Dr. G. Playfair, in a note appended to his translation of the Talif-i-sharifi (p. 150), states that if taken to the extent of about 3 drachms several times daily, it powerfully affects the nervous system, inducing temporary delirium, &c, with evident determination to the uterine system. The plant is common on the higher ghauts in the Bombay Presidency, but the Bombay market draws its supplies chiefly from Khelat through Sind. The imported article fetches a higher price than that grown in India. (Vegetable Materia Medica of Western India, Dymock, 1885)
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