Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is a perennial climber that is perhaps best known as a lymph mover and blood purifier. According to Ayurveda, the lymph (rasa) and blood (rakta) are the first tissues to become congested when the body is not detoxifing properly, and subsequently have a domino effect through the other five tissues of the body unless addressed properly in these early stages.
This model of the body tissues in succession makes it clear why Ayurveda places such great importance on keeping the lymph flowing at a good clip. The lymph is the seat of the immune system, and has a profound influence on the healthful appearance and function of the skin as the body’s largest detoxifying organ.
This vine-like plant “spreads” throughout the systems of the body, acting most powerfully on the arterial system, the circulatory system, and the skin. Its name literally means “bright red” and is a nod to its red roots, which according to Ayurveda is the lymph-moving and cleansing property of the plant.
While other plants possessing a red root, including beets and Ceanothus americanus (also known as red root), are also highly acclaimed as lymph-movers, manjistha is generally accepted as the most potent of the bunch.
From the point of view of the dhatus, manjistha calms aggravated pitta and breaks up congested kapha. Many pitta-aggravated imbalances in the body, especially those of the blood, may be supported by manjistha’s affinity for balancing pitta.
Because many menstrual problems are a result of congested lymph, manjistha is superb support for the female reproductive system, especially during the child-birthing years.
Because of its effect on for the lymph, manjistha is considered one of the best herbs for skin. It is a celebrated overall rejuvenative for the complexion.
Energetics of Manjistha
Taste (Rasa): Bitter, sweet, astringent
Energy (Virya): Cooling
Post-digestive quality (Vipaka): Pungent
Quality (Guna): Heavy, dry
Constitution Effect (Dosa): PK -, V+
Tissue (Dhatu): Plasma, Blood, Muscles, Bone
Channel (Srotas): Circulatory, female reproductive, excretory, bone
Need Support?
- Have Dr. Douillard design an herbal program for you with a phone consultation.
- Get started healing with the 28-Day Ayurveda Challenge eCourse
- Shop by Health Topics in the LifeSpa Store
Need Supplements? We Can Help!
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is one of Ayurveda’s most popular blood purifiers that has been used for lymphatic and liver support. Most health professionals don’t realize the important role of the lymphatic system, which drains the wastes from your body and controls and regulates your immune system. It is pumped through muscular contractions, so if one is sedentary, the lymphatic system will eventually become sedentary and will create toxicity in lymphatic related tissues such as the breasts, skin, joints, and muscles.*
Luscious Mango Body Butter is a full-body Ayurvedic moisturizer that, when used daily, will offer deep moisture and promote a glowing and rejuvenated appearance to the skin. An opulent blend of Ayurvedic herbs and plant butters, Luscious Mango Body Butter leaves the skin looking richly nourished and radiating the delicate and intoxicating aroma of vanilla and ylang-ylang. Carefully crafted from a blend of Ayurvedic skin care treasures, including Shatavari, Neem, Manjistha, and Turmeric, Luscious Mango Body Butter brings all the magic of Ayurvedic beauty care to life.
6-Step Lymph Detox Kit: While the Colorado Cleanse and the Short Home Cleanse are powerful lymph-cleansing detox programs, this kit is more specifically focused on the lymph in support of more targeted benefits. This Lymph Detox Kit is designed as a 1-3 month lymph-scrubbing cleanse. Start with one month, and if you are feeling lighter and have more energy after the first month, consider doing it for another 1-2 months.
Lymphatic Massage Oil: This oil is made with a 99% organic blend of Ayurvedic herbs and oils. Regular massage is shown to stimulate the skin-associated lymphoid tissue (SALT) and feed the natural microbiome on the surface of the skin. In Ayurveda, lymph is called rasa; it drains and removes waste from every muscle, joint, skin, and organ of the body and nourishes every cell.
