Sariva: Usage, Application and Effect in Ayurveda
This medicinal plant is soothing and also extremely tasty. In Ayurveda, Sariva is especially valued for its cooling, blood-purifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to its harmonious fragrance and taste, it can provide healing in a particularly pleasant way. Here we show you what the plant does and how you can benefit best from it.
The Sariva Plant
Sariva, also known as Sarsaparilla or botanically Hemidesmus indicus, is a creeping plant that is mainly found in India and Sri Lanka . The flowers of the plant are green on the outside and purple on the inside. Due to the presence of coumarin, Sarsaparilla has a light vanilla scent! Other ingredients include essential oils, flavonoids, tannic acid, glycosides, sterols, and triterpene saponins.
Sometimes the plant is also called Anantamool, which means "eternal root". This name comes from the large root network of the plant and also because it is very resistant under prolonged climatic stress. This strength makes Sariva as a medicinal plant something very special.
Sariva: Effect in Ayurveda
The Sariva root has been used for millennia by indigenous peoples as a medicinal plant. Traditionally, it is considered a remedy for arthritis, skin problems, and digestive complaints and in Ayurveda it is especially valued for its blood-purifying properties . As a Rasayana, a life-extending remedy, the plant is also said to have rejuvenating effects.
The beauty of this plant is that it is suitable for all types , as it balances the three Doshas. It acts to reduce Kapha, Vata, and Pitta and thus has a calming influence on body and mind. Now let's take a closer look at the individual benefits you can expect from Sariva.
Blood Purification+
Impure blood is considered in Ayurveda as a cause of many different ailments. When toxins from the gastrointestinal tract enter the bloodstream, they can deposit in the joints or under the skin. The unpleasant consequences: joints begin to inflame and ache, and the skin becomes sick and impure.
Sariva, however, is considered a particularly effective blood purifier and has positive effects on skin impurities and inflammations. But even other ailments associated with blood, such as nosebleeds or menstrual complaints, can be well treated with it.
Cooling for fiery ailments+
Sarsaparilla has a cooling effect and is therefore especially beneficial for fiery Pitta types . Thus, it is used for all "hot" ailments . For example, it can help reduce fever and soothe burning sensations, such as inflammations. It is also traditionally used for arthritis or rheumatic complaints to bring relief. It also promotes good health for the throat and voice.
Improves skin appearance+
If you want to breathe new life into your body, you can benefit from the rejuvenating effect of the Sariva root. It is a tonic for the skin and supports the regeneration of tissue.
Skin, hair, and nails are strengthened and become healthy and pure. Even itchy, allergic, or otherwise irritated skin can be purified and strengthened by the plant.
Try it out and enjoy a fresh, youthful complexion!
For the female organism+
In principle, Sarsaparilla is health-promoting for both genders, but the plant has a few extra effects particularly for the female organism. Due to its blood-purifying effect, the root is considered menstruation-promoting and breast milk-purifying.
The cooling plant can also provide relief during the typical hot flashes of menopause.
Women in the various stages of their lives can thus benefit from the effect of Sariva.
Soothing for the gastrointestinal tract+
The abdomen also appreciates the plant's cooling effect. Due to its oily properties and mucilages, the mucous membranes throughout the gastrointestinal tract are cared for. In cases of hyperacidity, Sariva acts soothing and neutralizing. Additionally, it promotes bowel movement, soothes the stomach in gastritis and can be hemostatic in stomach ulcers.
What about the side effects?
Both as a dietary supplement and as tea, the Indian plant is generally considered safe. Whether women, men, children, or the elderly – everyone can take the root and benefit from its good properties. No side effects are known. The only condition yet to be thoroughly researched is its intake during pregnancy, so it's better to refrain from it as a precaution. During breastfeeding, however, Sarsaparilla is safe and can even promote milk production!
How Sariva is used
Especially in the summer, Indian Sarsaparilla is popular due to its cooling effect. It refreshes and helps the body cope a bit better with the heat. The application solely involves the use of ground Sariva root . Here are some tips for what can be done with it.
Sariva Powder: tasty and versatile
Sarsaparilla is used in Ayurveda as a Churna, or in powdered form. Those who cringe now should not judge hastily! Because unlike many other Churnas, the big plus of Sariva powder is that it tastes very delicious thanks to its vanilla note! Therefore, it goes particularly well with sweet dishes and drinks. How about, for example:
Sarsaparilla Churna with milk: A delicious vanilla milk is a particularly pleasant way to end the day beautifully in the evening. It reduces Pitta and can also provide moisture and cooling in cases of dryness. Simply boil a tip of a teaspoon of the powder with about 250 ml milk.
The powder can also be added well to milky desserts, fruit salads, or smoothies . What tastes good is allowed. Be creative and try different flavor variations!
Sariva Tea: Variations for variety
The medicinal plant can also unfold its effect well as a tea and taste delicious at the same time.
Simply add 1 teaspoon of the powder to 1 liter of water and simmer at medium heat for about 6-8 minutes. The tea can be consumed twice daily, at least 30 minutes after meals can be drunk. It is best to enjoy the first cup in the morning after breakfast!
However, here you can of course also vary according to your mood! Here are more two tips from us:
Sariva Green Tea: Green tea is actually in season all year round. But especially on warm days, it is particularly fresh and pleasant. If you add a little Sariva to your green tea, you get a soothing refreshment for the summer.
Sariva Chai: Do you like chai tea? Then simply add a little Sariva powder to also enjoy the effects of the medicinal plant. You just need to cook about 1 teaspoon of Sarsaparilla Churna in 1 liter of chai for about 5 minutes, and you can enjoy the mixture.
Sarsaparilla incense: stimulating for body and mind
With its sweet vanilla scent and essential oils, the plant is also perfect for incense. Sarsaparilla has a particularly stimulating effect on body and mind. It can be aphrodisiacal or simply help the body gain more strength. Traditionally, it is also valued in Ayurveda as a spiritual herb. As an incense, it is often used for meditation and is said to promote dreams.
The cooling Indian Sariva plant cleanses your blood and brings your doshas back into balance. Additionally, it helps soothe fiery ailments and makes your skin clear and clean again. Combine enjoyment with health with the delicious Sariva Churna and discover the method of use that makes you feel most comfortable!
Title image: © mirzamlk – istockphoto.com (File No.: 985929474)
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