Vidari Kanda, Wild Yam
In Sanskrit, this perennial herb is called Vidari Kanda. In English, it's known as Indian Kudzu or an aged Indian Ginseng or Wild Yam—a highly valued herb with immense immuno-protective and therapeutic properties loved by ayurvedic practitioners for its host of health benefits.
Vidari Kanda, a powerful Ayurvedic herb, is often called the grandmother of Indian ginseng and is very similar to Ashwagandha and Shatavari used as rasayana (rejuvenating herbal mix); it has a particular affinity for boosting the libido, enhancing fertility, strengthening the muscles, and reducing signs of aging. The tube-like roots are starchy, white in color, and have a sweet taste.
Ayurvedic physicians used this incredible plant's globous rhizomes to improve milk production in new mothers due to its galactagogue action (Greek "galacta," which means milk - is a food, herb, or medicine that increases the production of breast milk).
Studies have found that this particular herb has strong properties that aid in the development of sperm. It stimulates the quality and quantity of semen in males, increases sperm motility, and boosts libido. The plant's edible tubers often treat chest pain, fever, and arthritis. This herb can also be helpful in weight gain, enhancing vocal quality, promoting reproductive functions, and treating infertility in both males and females. Its revitalizing and therapeutic properties are similar to those of Ashwagandha. When individuals experience, physical or emotional distress may seek comfort and relief from a trusted source. Vidari Kanda, a herb with nurturing qualities akin to a loving grandmother, can provide a comforting and refreshing experience with its rich, sweet, and smooth attributes. These feminine energies complement the masculine energy found in Ashwagandha.
Vidari Kanda can help balance vata and decrease pitta, but excessive use can increase kapha and toxins, leading to liver damage. Its name comes from the words "to destroy" and "enemy," as it is relied upon in Ayurvedic medicine to combat vata-related health issues. Adding ghee or milk when taking Vidari kanda can enhance its nutritional benefits.
Botanic name: Pueraria Tuberosa, Vidari Kanda
English Names: Indian Kudzu, Nepali Kudzu
Sanskrit Names: Swadu kanda, Ikshugandha, Kandapalaash, Bhumikushamand
Hindi Names: Vidar Kanda
Family: Fabaceae
Habitat
Vidari Kanda is native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal and widely dispersed throughout the Himalayas. It is also found near the Himalayan region, West Bengal, Assam, and Konkan.
Part Used: Rhizome, mostly the root (Tuber)
Ayurvedic Herbal Qualities
Gunas: English - Bitter, Sweet, heavy, oily,
Ayurveda - Guru, Sneha, Madhur, Snigdha,Tikta
Rasa: English - Sweet, Bitter,
Ayurveda: Madhura, Tikta,
Virya: (Potency): English - Cooling
Ayurveda: Shita
Vipaka: (post-digestion): English - Sweet
Ayurveda: Madhur
The extensively used potent tuberous root for preparing various formulations to improve milk production, increase vitality, enhance immunity, detoxify the blood, treat skin diseases, improve complexion, manage cardiac conditions, and many more. The herbal formulations such as Kalka (paste), Shrita (decoction), Swaras (juice), Shita (cold infusion), Phant (warm mixture), Churna (powder), Ghrita (ghee) or Arka (tincture), have stellar benefits of Vidari khand.
One incredible herbal formulation containing Vidarikhand is Saraswatarishta, a classical ayurvedic decoction that helps treat mental and neurological problems and improves cardiac functions. Concocted according to the principles of Asava and Arishtam, this proprietary blend contains Brahmi in combination with other herbs becomes effective in increasing memory capacity, attention span, and concentration, decreasing stress, mental fatigue, intelligence, and treating several health anomalies, depression, anxiety, ADHD, heart diseases, insomnia, anorexia, restlessness, vertigo, skin concerns.
A staple of Ayurvedic treatments for centuries, Vidari Kanda is now under study by Western medical researchers. Evidence suggests that this herbal medicine is appropriate for applications ranging from alleviating stress's mental and physical effects, boosting athletic performance, and promoting wound healing to strengthening the female and male reproductive systems and improving memory.
Health Benefits of Vidari Kanda
Enhances sexual drive and ability.
Promotes healthy male reproductive organs.
Enables a healthy menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and lactation.
Enhances immunity
Supports a robust aging process
Strengthens respiratory system and helps manage tuberculosis symptoms
Counteracts muscle wasting and weakness
It helps relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis
It lowers blood pressure and promotes cardiac health
Fights inflammation
Relieves sore throat/hoarseness
Nourishes the tissues
Slows aging process
Aids in cardiac functioning
Relieves urinary disorders
Treats Wounds and Ulcers
Works incredibly well for skin care.
Soothes a sore throat and cough
Expels excessive mucus
Balance the immune system (immuno-modulator); beneficial in autoimmune disorders
Precautions for Using Vidari Kanda
It has been observed in some studies that consuming high doses of Vidari kanda may result in allergic reactions.
If on birth control pills, always consult a doctor before consuming Vidari kanda as it has estrogen-like activity and may reduce the effectiveness of the drugs.
If you are taking anti-diabetic drugs, monitoring your blood sugar levels is essential, as Vidari kanda may lower them.
Cardiovascular drugs can interfere with this herb; seek guidance from a doctor on using Vidari kanda safely.
If you are pregnant or have any liver disease, it is best to avoid taking Vidari kanda or consult with a doctor beforehand.
Vidari Kanda is a remarkable herb with many benefits for preventing and managing various physical and mental ailments. This herb has revitalizing therapeutic properties, and there is ongoing research to study its effects and appropriate use for different disorders. Vidari Kanda is available in powdered form, capsule, or tablet.
Current evidence suggests that this herbal medicine may effectively treat alcohol addiction. Still, there is inadequate evidence for other conditions such as angina (heart-related chest pain), athletic performance, coronary artery disease, diabetes, diabetic kidney disease, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (Acid reflux), heart attack, hypertension (high blood pressure), influenza (flu), low back pain, menopausal symptoms, muscle pain, stroke, and weight loss.
If you're looking for an herbal option to help with various concerns, Vidari is worth considering. However, it's essential to remember that some might have better choices. Taking too much Vidari can lead to increased Kapha dosha and the creation of toxins. So, if you're dealing with high Kapha levels or already have an abundance of toxins in your system, it's best to avoid Vidari until the body is balanced and the system is robust.
Consult a healthcare professional before using Vidari Kanda if you have medical conditions or take medications.