Khadirarishta: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Introduction

Khadirarishta is a polyherbal formulation used by people with rashes, itching, or sensitive skin. It is an ayurvedic liquid consisting of 18 ingredients. Also known as Khadirarishta, this preparation is used for treating skin problems, swollen lymph nodes, intestinal worms, leprosy, jaundice, and heart problems^1,2. Khadirarishta consists of the ingredients Khadira, Devdaru, Bakuchi, Daruharidra, Haritaki, Bibhitaka, Amalaki, Dhataki, Kankola, Nagakeshar, Jatiphala, Lavanga, Ela, Tvak & Twakpatra, Pippali, honey, crystallised sugar lumps, and water.

Uses of Khadirarishta

Khadirarishta has the following therapeutic uses: 

• It is generally used for treating skin problems like skin allergies, itching, rashes, acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and urticaria¹.
• It is also effective in treating problems associated with the digestive system, like intestinal worms¹. 
• It is used to treat anaemia which usually occurs due to intestinal worms¹. 
• It can also be used for treating swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, heart problems, liver disorders¹. 
• It can be used for treating cough and breathing problems¹.
• It can also be used to manage tumours or cysts under the skin¹.

Benefits of Khadirarishta

1. Benefits of Khadirarishta for Bacterial Infection

Khadirarishta contains a broad antibacterial range that includes bactericidal action against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. enterica. Khadirarishta’s method of action appears to be tied to bacterial membrane permeability disruption. Gallic acid, catechin, ellagic acid, and eugenol found in khadirarishta were identified as the four primary marker chemicals³.

2. Benefits of Khadirarishta for Fungal Infection

A phenolic compound bakuchiol in Khadirarishta extracted from Bakuchi (seeds) and haritaki exhibited antifungal activity against many dermatophytes, yeasts and pathogenic fungi like Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum gypseum, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. In one of the studies, activity was found against other fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Alternari brassicae, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia cerealis, in which mycelia (the vegetative part of a fungus) growth was inhibited.  

Another study^4,5 showed a significant reduction in the incidents of seed”borne fungi, for example, Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus, which can cause many diseases in maize crops and might release mycotoxins. These mycotoxins have a terrible effect on human and animal health.

3. Benefits of Khadirarishta for Skin

Haritaki reduces pus collection in skin ailments and serves as a Rasayana, making it useful for erysipelas. Haritaki found in khadirarishta combined with oil aids in the healing of wounds, particularly burns. It aids in the improvement of skin tone⁵.

Daruharidra, and Bibhitaka present in khadirarishta also possess wound healing properties. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities which promote the health of the skin^6,7.  

Did you know that the ancient text ‘Sharangdhara Samhita’ holds a treasure trove of information about Khadirarishta? This traditional Ayurvedic text provides detailed insights into the ingredients used, the method of preparation, therapeutic indications, and even the mode of action of Khadirarishta⁹.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

4. Benefits of Khadirarishta for Respiratory Diseases

Haritaki present in khadirarishta shows activity against respiratory disorders like COPD, wheezing, rhinitis, hoarseness of voice, cough, hiccups and breathing difficulty as it reduces congestion in the lungs⁵.

5. Benefits of Khadirarishta for Reproductive health

Haritaki present in khadirarishta acts as a uterine tonic and helps in Shukrameha (passage of sperms in urine), and Leucorrhoea (whitish/yellowish vaginal discharge)⁵.

6. Benefits of Khadirarishta for Cancer

The stem of Daruharidra found in khadirarishta shows anticancer properties in human colon cancer cell lines when extracted in methanol. Methanolic extract of Daruharidra stem inhibits cancer-causing cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Berberine, an alkaloid derived from the Daruharidra plant, has been reported to suppress the carcinogenesis produced by different elements in small animals in a dose-dependent way⁷.

Khadirarishta, a traditional herbal preparation, contains an important ingredient called Khadira. It is a special herb that might help with various health issues from conjunctivitis and coughing up blood to nausea and diarrhoea¹⁰.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

How to Use Khadirarishta?

You can use Khadirarishta by mixing a fixed amount of the liquid with lukewarm water¹. 

One of the key ingredients in Khadirarishta is Daruharidra, which has some remarkable properties! This special herb is known to possibly provide a rejuvenating effect, making you feel refreshed and revitalised¹⁰.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Khadirarishta

• Khadirarishta usually does not cause any side effects when consumed as prescribed by your physician. However, if this multi-herbal ayurvedic formulation is consumed without water, it can cause a burning sensation or heartburn¹.
• Excessive dose of this formulation may cause an injury to your heart, kidney, or liver². 

Also Read: Neem: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

Precautions to Take with Khadirarishta

• There isn’t enough evidence on the safety profile of the use of khadirarishta in pregnancy and lactating mothers. 
• The safe use of khadirarishta in children is also not established. More studies need to be carried out to understand the safety profile of the polyherb. 

Please consult a physician before using in pregnant and lactating women and in children.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Shinde RR, Bhangale K. KHADIRARISHTA: A MEDICAL REVIEW. International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH [Internet]. 2017 Oct 31 [cited 2022 Feb 28];5(10):72–5. Available from: https://www.granthaalayahpublication.org/journals/index.php/granthaalayah/article/view/IJRG17_A10_712/2158 

2. Sharif T, Deepa KN, Nahar K, Mian Y. Evaluation of cardiovascular activities of an ayurvedic preparation ”Khadirarishta” in rat model. European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research. 2015;(January). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282322014_EVALUATION_OF_CARDIOVASCULAR_ACTIVITIES_OF_AN_AYURVEDIC_PREPARATION_’KHADIRARISHTA’_IN_RAT_MODEL

3. Balkrishna A, Gupta AK, Gupta A, Singh P, Singh K, Tomar M, et al. Antibacterial activity and mechanism of action of an ayurvedic formulation Khadirarishta. Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2022 Mar 1;32.  Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354148224_Antibacterial_Activity_and_Mechanism_of_Action_of_an_Ayurvedic_formulation_Khadirarishta

4. Alam F, Khan GN, Asad MHH bin. Psoralea corylifolia L: Ethnobotanical, biological, and chemical aspects: A review. Vol. 32, Phytotherapy Research. John Wiley and Sons Ltd; 2018. p. 597–615.  Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29243333/

5. Meher SK, Panda P, Das B, Bhuyan GC, Rath KK. Pharmacological Profile of Terminalia chebula Retz. and Willd. (Haritaki) in Ayurveda with Evidences . Research Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics. 2018;10(3):115. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327831052_Pharmacological_Profile_of_Terminalia_chebula_Retz_and_Willd_Haritaki_in_Ayurveda_with_Evidences

6. Ashutosh Gupta RKK and AKP. Pharmacological Aspects of Terminalia belerica. 284 p. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321193582_Pharmacological_Aspects_of_Terminalia_belerica

7. Kumar Saini Jubilant Biosys N. Berberis aristata: A Review [Internet]. Article in International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy. 2011. Available from: www.ijrap.net 

8. Parulkar G. KHADIRARISHTA: A MEDICO STUDY. Parulkar World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2022 Feb 28];5(11). Available from: www.wjpr.net 

9. Parulkar G. KHADIRARISHTA: A medico study. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2016;5(11):568-72. DOI:10.20959/ Available from: https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1477907087.pdf

10. Shinde RR, Bhangale K. KHADIRARISHTA: A MEDICAL REVIEW. International Journal of Research – GRANTHAALAYAH. 2017 Oct 31;5(10):72-75. doi:10.29121/. Available from: https://www.granthaalayahpublication.org/journals/index.php/granthaalayah/article/view/IJRG17_A10_712/2158

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