Overview
Dodder is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. Dodder (Amarvela) is the rootless orange vine Ayurveda calls Akashbel, sky-grown. Bitter, cold, Pitta-cooling: 10-20ml juice clears Krimi, scalp, and skin.
How Dodder Helps with Skin Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Dodder has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Safety & Precautions
Our classical sources describe Dodder's actions and doses but list no specific contraindications, drug interactions, or overdose signs. That does not prove it is safe for everyone. It means the texts we draw on are silent on these points.
What to Keep in Mind
- Stay within the recorded classical doses: 10-20 ml of juice or 3-6 g of powder.
- It is cooling (Sheeta), light, and dry. Ask a practitioner whether that suits your constitution, especially if you already run cold or dry.
- Confirm the species. A different vine, Cassytha filiformis, appears under the similar name Amarchavalli in the Sahasra Yoga.
- Pregnancy, nursing, and use alongside medications are not addressed in our sources. Consult a qualified practitioner first.
Suspected worm infestations and persistent skin problems deserve a proper diagnosis before you self-treat.
Other Herbs for Skin Disorders
See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.