On a study trip to the south-west coast of Sri Lanka a good 20 years ago, I got to know and love them under the Sinhalese name Iramusu: SARIVA, also known as Indian sarsaparilla. The dried root bark of the 1.5 to 3 metre long climbing plant is used to make a delicious spa tea, a real all-rounder.
Its fragrance and flavour are exceptionally pleasant by Ayurvedic standards: it combines health and pleasure in perfect form. Sariva cleanses and regenerates at the same time and is suitable for adult women and men as well as children and the elderly.
Ayurvedic classification
In Ayurveda, all substances are classified in a special matrix.
The following applies to SARIVA
- RASA - the flavour: sweet and bitter
- GUNA - the properties: heavy and oily / moist
- VIPAKA - the effect after digestion: sweet
- VIRYA - the potency: cooling
- DOSHA - Reference: Balancing Vata, Pitta and Kapha (Tridoshashamaka)
Traditional areas of application
In the Charaka Samhita the sweet root is described as reducing fever, soothing burning sensations, promoting bowel movements and cleansing breast milk. It improves the complexion of the skin and has a beneficial effect on the throat and voice.
SARIVA is an important „blood purifier“. According to Ayurvedic teachings, contaminated blood (raktadushti) is a cause of bleeding, inflammation, skin diseases, infections and gout. The root is also traditionally used to treat venereal diseases.
Other classic areas of application are
- Kushtha - chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis or urticaria
- Kandu - Itching
- Madhumeha - Diabetes mellitus
- Durgandha - foul body odour
- Shukrala - aphrodisiac, increases the quantity and quality of semen
- Atisara - Diarrhoea
- Ama - undigested and unprocessed residues
- Visha - toxic stress from snake and scorpion bites or insect stings
- Agnimandya - weak digestion
- Aruchi - lack of appetite
- Vami - Vomiting
- Shvasa and Kasa - shortness of breath and cough syndromes
- Raktapitta and Pradara - bleeding and menorrhagia (prolonged menstruation)
SARIVA is also considered a Rasayana Dravya (regenerative agent) for children and is traditionally used to cleanse wounds by washing.
Classic recipes
SARIVA is an ingredient in some Ayurvedic formulations:
- Sarivadyasava and Khadirarishta - elixirs with skin-health-promoting properties
- Manjishtadi Kvatha - a complex mixture for blood purification
- Pinda Taila - a famous massage oil with a cooling and skin-soothing effect
- Chandana Lepa - a powder mixture that is applied externally as a paste to Pitta dominant skin areas
Modern scientific view
At the beginning of 2018, Pansare (MD Dravyaguna) et al. published an article in the International Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine on „Ayurvedic And Modern Aspects of SARIVA“.
Certainly not all of the effects confirmed primarily in animal experiments can be transferred 1:1 to humans - nevertheless they provide a valuable insight into the healing powers of this wonderful substance.
Among other things, SARIVA contains essential oils, flavonoids, coumarin, tannic acid, glycosides, sterols and triterpene saponins, which are responsible for its effect.
SARIVA may, in accordance with this publication
- antioxidant (against free radicals),
- hepatoprotective (liver-protective),
- antimicrobial (against some fungi and many bacteria that are responsible for intestinal inflammation and acne, among other things),
- anticarcinogenic (cancer-inhibiting),
- antithrombotic,
- antiatherogenic (counteracting the development of atherosclerosis),
- antihyperlipidaemic (lowers LDL, VLDL and cholesterol; increases HDL),
- natriuretic and saluretic (promoting the excretion of salts such as sodium),
- renoprotective (kidney-protective),
- Promotes wound healing,
- anti-inflammatory and
- Antinociceptive (reduces sensitivity to pain stimuli)
have an effect.
An important note: The effects mentioned are not based on any promises of a cure. No alleviation or improvement of a medical condition can be inferred, guaranteed or promised.
Recommendations for use
In food, SARIVA is suitable for use as a tea, in milk and desserts.
- Sariva chai: Boil 1 teaspoon of Sariva Churna in 1 litre of chai for about 5 minutes
- Sariva with green tea: an excellent refreshment in midsummer
- Sariva milk: to reduce pitta and moisturise in cases of pronounced dryness - add a spoonful of Sariva Churna to 250 ml of milk and boil it.
- Sariva can also be wonderfully integrated into milky desserts, fruit salads or smoothies.
SARIVA is used as a dietary supplement and in phytotherapy
- as a macerate (cold water extract): Prepare 1 heaped teaspoon of Sariva Churna in the evening with 1 litre of room-temperature, low-mineral water and pour off the liquid the next morning - this can then be heated as desired (without powder).
- as an infusion (infusum): Brew 1 heaped teaspoon of Sariva Churna with 1 litre of boiling water and pour off the „tea“ after 8-10 minutes.
- as a decoction (decoction): Boil 2 tablespoons of Sariva Churna with 400ml of water to 100ml, pour off the liquid and drink it neat in two instalments of 50ml each.
The daily consumption quantity ranges from one cup to one litre of Sariva tea. Consult an Ayurveda therapist in advance if you wish to take a cure.
Due to its cooling thermal properties, SARIVA has a special connection to Pitta Dosha and summer. I therefore like to use it for all heat conditions, many skin problems and excessive acidity in the gastrointestinal tract.
During pregnancy, SARIVA should only be used after consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic physician (there are certain indications and contraindications), while it is considered safe during breastfeeding.
And another aesthetic tip: SARIVA can discolour teeth if used for a long time - if you are prone to this, you should use it shortly before brushing your teeth. If discolouration does occur, it can be easily removed at your next professional dental cleaning.
To summarise, I would like to share with you my enthusiasm for this extraordinary plant, which is an indispensable part of my practical work. Whether as an additive in dishes, as a spa tea, as an individual powder mixture with other plants or as part of a classic recipe - the guiding principle applies to this root:
Health and pleasure are mutually dependent!
With best regards from Bad Homburg,
Ralph Steuernagel
>>> If you like this article, please share it with others via social networks.
