Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Glycosides, flavonoids, tannins
- Also Known As
- English: Black Creeper, Black Sarsaparilla
Sanskrit: कृष्णसारिवा, श्यामलता
Hindi: कालीसारिवा, दुधिलता
What is Krishnasariva (Ichnocarpus / कृष्णसारिवा)?
Krishnasariva (Ichnocarpus frutescens) is described as a dark-colored climbing vine. It should not be confused with the white Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus). It has sweet, bitter taste, is heavy, unctuous, and cold in potency. It is used for blood purification, reducing burning sensations, thirst, and fevers. The plant grows on trees and is found in forests. The vine has a milky latex. Verse refs: page 426.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
- Dahahara (reduces burning sensation)
- Trishnahara (relieves thirst)
- Jvaraghna (reduces fever)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
How to Use Krishnasariva by Condition
Explore how Krishnasariva is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sushruta Samhita
They are as follows: The Vidarigandhadi Gana consists of: vidari-gandha, vidari, vishvadeva, sahadeva, sahadevi, sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), krishnasariva, jivaka, rishabhaka, mahasaha, kshudrasaha, two brihatis, punarnava, eranda (castor), hansapadi, vrishchikali, and rishabhi (verse 4).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
They are as follows: The Vidarigandhadi Gana consists of: vidari-gandha, vidari, vishvadeva, sahadeva, sahadevi, sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), krishnasariva, jivaka, rishabhaka, mahasaha, kshudrasaha, two brihatis, punarnava, eranda (castor), hansapadi, vrishchikali, and rishabhi (verse 4).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
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.