Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Resin (10%), Starch, Mucilage
- Also Known As
- English: Giant Potato
Sanskrit: विदारीकन्द, क्षीरविदारी
Hindi: विलायती विदारीकन्द
What is Vidari Kanda?
Ask an Ayurvedic practitioner which plant "Vidari" means and you may get more than one answer. Vidari Kanda, in the form described here, is Ipomoea digitata Linn., known in English as Giant Potato, and it is one of several plants that share this classical name.
It is a large climber of the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) with huge, fleshy tuberous roots. Cut one open and it bleeds a milky juice, the feature the Bhavaprakash Nighantu uses to tell it apart from Pueraria tuberosa, the other plant sold as Vidari. A Sanskrit synonym, Kshiravidari (क्षीरविदारी), literally points to that milk.
Despite the botanical differences, the text says it is used in the same way: as a strengthening, nourishing tuber for people worn down by weakness and wasting.
Benefits of Vidari Kanda
Vidari Kanda is a building herb. Its sweet taste (Madhura Rasa), heavy and unctuous qualities (Guru, Snigdha Guna), cold potency (Sheeta Virya) and sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka) all point the same direction: nourishment rather than cleansing.
Strength and Recovery
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it as strengthening (Balya). That is why it is linked to weakness and debility (Kshaya), the state of depleted tissue and stamina.
Reproductive Vitality
It is described as an aphrodisiac (Vrishya) and as promoting semen (Shukrala), the classical terms for herbs that support reproductive strength.
Breast Milk Support
Vidari Kanda is also called a galactagogue (Stanyajanana), a herb that supports milk production. Charaka Samhita, in its chapter on gynecological disorders, mentions applying a paste of vidarikanda, bilva root and yashtimadhu on the breasts.
Classical Nourishing Formulas
Charaka Samhita includes vidarikanda among nourishing ingredients in its chapters on chest injury and emaciation (Kshatakshina Chikitsa) and on gout (Vatarakta Chikitsa). Note that these passages use the shared name, and some identify it as Pueraria tuberosa.
How to Use Vidari Kanda
The classical dose recorded for this plant is simple: the tuber, dried and powdered. Masha is a traditional Ayurvedic weight unit, so ask a practitioner to translate it into a modern measure for you.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuber powder (Churna) | 5 to 10 masha (classical measure) | Weakness, debility, reproductive vitality | As advised by a practitioner |
| Paste (external) | Applied locally | Breast application, as described in Charaka Samhita | Under guidance |
| In classical formulas | As per the formula | Nourishing and recovery preparations | As prescribed |
Charaka Samhita describes several vidari preparations taken with milk or with ghee and sugar, which suits a heavy, nourishing tuber.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources do not record specific contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Vidari Kanda. Two practical cautions still apply.
- Identity: the Bhavaprakash Nighantu openly acknowledges botanical confusion between Ipomoea digitata, Pueraria tuberosa and several Dioscorea species, all called Vidari. Check the botanical name on anything you buy.
- Heavy nature: it is heavy and unctuous (Guru, Snigdha), so it is a nourishing herb, not a light one. If your digestion feels weighed down, reduce or stop.
- Resin content: the tuber contains about 10% resin, one more reason to keep to practitioner-advised amounts.
When in doubt, use it under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Recommended: Start Here
If you want to start with Vidari Kanda, the most direct path is the classical one: a vidarikanda tuber powder taken with warm milk, at an amount a practitioner sets for you. It is a strengthening herb for times of depletion and fatigue.
Before you buy, check the label for the botanical name. Most products sold as Vidari are Pueraria tuberosa; this page describes Ipomoea digitata, which the classical text says is used in a similar way.
Find Vidarikand Powder on Amazon ↗ Vidari Kanda Capsules ↗
Safety note: this is a heavy, nourishing tuber, so go lightly if your digestion is sluggish, and confirm the species before use.
Vidari Kanda vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Because several plants share the name Vidari, the most useful comparisons are between the plants themselves.
| Comparison | Vidari Kanda (Ipomoea) | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Pueraria tuberosa Vidari | Morning glory family, milky latex when cut, about 10% resin | A different plant also sold as Vidari | The text says they are used similarly; buy by botanical name so you know which one you have |
| vs Varahi Kanda (Dioscorea bulbifera) | Strengthening, aphrodisiac, galactagogue; dose 5 to 10 masha | Also strengthening and aphrodisiac; dose 2 to 4 masha | Very close in action; the recorded dose for Varahi Kanda is smaller |
| vs Water Chestnut | A medicinal tuber powder | A nourishing food eaten raw, boiled or as flour | Choose water chestnut for everyday food-based nourishment, Vidari Kanda for a targeted tonic |
Vidari Kanda for Specific Populations
Our sources offer limited population-specific guidance, so these notes stay conservative.
Pregnancy & Nursing
Vidari Kanda is classically a galactagogue (Stanyajanana), and Charaka Samhita mentions an external breast paste of vidarikanda. Internal use while pregnant or nursing should still be decided with a qualified practitioner, as no safety data is recorded.
Children
No paediatric dose is recorded. Do not give it to children without professional advice.
Elderly
As a strengthening tuber for weakness and wasting, it fits the classical picture of age-related depletion. Its heaviness means digestion should be reasonably strong.
Athletes
Its strengthening (Balya) action is the closest classical match to recovery support, though no performance data appears in our sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there several plants called Vidari Kanda?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu itself notes the confusion: Pueraria tuberosa, Ipomoea digitata and several Dioscorea species have all been used under the name Vidari. The text acknowledges multiple plants being used this way.
How can you tell Ipomoea digitata apart?
It belongs to the morning glory family and its large, fleshy tubers exude a milky juice when cut. The text calls this milky latex a distinguishing feature.
What is the English name of this Vidari Kanda?
It is known as Giant Potato. In Hindi it is called Vilayati Vidarikand (विलायती विदारीकन्द).
What does it contain?
Our records list resin (about 10%), starch and mucilage.
Is Vidari Kanda heating or cooling?
Cooling. It has a cold potency (Sheeta Virya) along with a sweet taste and a heavy, unctuous nature.
How to Use Vidari Kanda by Condition
Explore how Vidari Kanda is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
One pala of each of tvak-kshiri, shravani (munditika), draksha, murva, rushabhaka, jivaka, vira (vidarikanda), riddhi, kshirakakoli, brihati, kapikacchu, fruit of kharjura and meda should be made into paste by triturating with milk.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा)
Decoction of trayamana, tamalaki (Phyllinthus niruri), kakoli, kshirkakoli, shatavari and kasheru (Scirpus kysoor) is to be prepared by using paste of same drugs and decoction of all to be taken with juice of parushaka (Grewia asciatica), draksha (Vitis vinifera), kashmarya (Gmelina arboria), ikshu (Saccharum officinarium) and vidarikanda (Pueraria tuberose) are to be taken in equal quantity.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
Meda, mahameda, fruit of kashmarya, utpalam, tvakkshiri (Bambusa arundinacia), pippali (Piper longum), draksha (Vitis vinifera), padmabeeja (Nelumbium speciosum), punarnava, brihati (Solanum indicum), xanthocarpum), vidarikanda, shringataka (Trapa bispinosa), bhavya, urumana (Prunna armeniaca), nikocha (roots of Alangium lamarckii thwaites), kharjura (Phoenix dactylifera), akshothaka (Juglans regia), vatama (Prunus amygdalus), munjata (Pistacia vera), and abhishuka (Pinus gerardiana) are to be t
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
She should apply the paste of vidarikanda, crust of bilva’s root and yashtimadhu on her breasts.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा)
References in Charaka Samhita
The juice of draksha (raisin, Vitis vinifera), vidari (Ipomoea paniculata / Pueraria tuberosa) and sugar- cane added with ghee and sugar.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
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.