Vaividang Powder (Embelia ribes) – The Ayurvedic Detox Herb

🌿 Vaividang (Vidanga) / Embelia ribes Burm.f.

Family: Myrsinaceae
Part Used: Dried Fruit (Seeds)

1. Synonyms (पर्याय / समानार्थक नाम)

Sanskrit Synonyms:

• विडङ्गम् (Vidangam): ‘विडति भिनत्ति इति’ — That which removes digestive obstruction, pain, and worms.
• कृमिघ्नः (Krumighna): Destroyer of worms and parasites.
• जन्तुनाशनः (Jantunāśanaḥ): Annihilator of intestinal worms.
• तण्डुलः (Tandulah): Its seeds resemble rice grains.
• वेल्लम् (Vellam): Having drooping branches.
• अमोघा (Amoghā): Possesses definite, infallible anthelmintic action.
• चित्रतण्डुलः (Chitra-Tandulah): Having beautifully mottled seeds.
• English Names: False Black Pepper, Embelia, Vidang
• Botanical Name: Embelia ribes Burm.f.

2. Regional Names

3. Botanical Description

• Habit: Large scandent (climbing) shrub, commonly found in the hilly regions throughout India.
• Leaves: Elliptic-oblong, leathery, smooth, entire, shiny above, paler beneath; petiole often glandular.
• Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow to white; borne on pedicels longer than the flowers.
• Fruits: Round berries, black when ripe, wrinkled when dry; aromatic, pungent taste.
• Seeds: Solitary, globose, reddish-brown to black.
• Flowering: August–September
• Fruiting: October–December
• Habitat: Western Ghats, Himalayas, Bengal, Assam, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

4. Chemical Constituents

Major Active Compounds:

• Embelin: 2,5-dihydroxy-3-lauryl-p-benzoquinone (main anthelmintic principle, 2.5–3.1%)
• Christembine (Alkaloid)
• Homoemblin and Homorapanone
• Vilangine: Methylene-bis-(2,5-dihydroxy-4-undecyl-3,6-benzoquinone)
• Quercitol (1.0%)
• Fatty oil, Resinoids, Tannins, and Trace Volatile Oils

Pharmacological Activities (Modern Studies):

• Anthelmintic (especially against Ascaris lumbricoides)
• Antibacterial (active against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli)
• Carminative, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

5. Properties and Therapeutic Uses (गुण, कर्म, उपयोग)

Ayurvedic Properties

Classical References & Mentions:

• Charaka Samhita: Listed under Krumighna Mahakashaya, Trptighna, Kusthaghna, Sirovirecana Dravya.
• Sushruta Samhita: Included in Surasadi Gana and Pippalyadi Gana.
• Described as: “Krumighna-shreshtha” — the best among worm-destroying herbs.

Pharmacological & Therapeutic Actions (Karma):

• Krumighna: Destroys intestinal worms
• Deepana: Stimulates digestive fire
• Pachana: Aids digestion
• Rasayana: Rejuvenative and restorative
• Grahi: Absorbent, reduces excessive discharge
• Lekhana: Reduces excess fat and toxins
• Medhya: Improves intellect and mental clarity

Therapeutic Uses:

• Intestinal Worms (Krumiroga):
• Most effective against roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides).
• Given with honey or curd, followed by a mild purgative after 4 hours.
• Digestive Disorders:
• Relieves abdominal pain, flatulence, indigestion, and distension.
• Skin Diseases (Kustha):
• Used internally and externally in various chronic skin disorders.
• Childhood Disorders:
• Used in pediatric emaciation, indigestion, and distension (boiled with milk).
• Lymphatic Disorders / Scrofula:
• Given with Guggulu, Manahsila, Shankha bhasma, and honey.
• Respiratory Ailments:
• Beneficial in dyspnea, cough, and catarrh (used as nasal medication with milk).
• Neurological Conditions:
• Used in hemiplegia, convulsions, epilepsy with Rasona and milk.
• Urinary Disorders (Mutrakriccha):
• Used in turbidity of urine and cystitis (fresh fruits recommended).
• Toxic Conditions:
• Helpful in scorpion sting and snake bite (as supportive herbal aid).
• Rejuvenative Therapy (Rasayana):
• Mentioned in Sarvopaghata-Samaniya Adhyaya of Sushruta Samhita.
• Promotes intellect, strength, and vitality.

6. Doses and Administration

        Form                 Dose       Anupana (Vehicle)
Powder (Churna)    4–16 g    Honey, Curd, or Milk

• Avoid in excessive Pitta conditions.
• Prolonged use should be under Ayurvedic supervision.
• Not to be taken in pregnancy without advice.

Summary Table

Ref: Bhavaprakash Nighantu