Overview
Vidari Kanda is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for weakness & debility. Ipomoea digitata is another plant called Vidari Kanda. It is a large climber with tuberous roots exuding milky juice when cut. The tubers are very large and fleshy. This species belongs to Convolvulaceae (morning glory family) and is distinct from Pueraria tuberosa. The tuber contains about 10% resin. It is used similarly as Vrishya, Balya, and Stanyajanana. The milky latex is a distinguishing feature. Dose: tuber powder 5-10 masha.
How Vidari Kanda Helps with Weakness & Debility
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Vidari Kanda has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing weakness & debility:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
- Taste (Rasa): Madhura (sweet)
- Qualities (Guna): Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous)
Safety & Precautions
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.
Other Herbs for Weakness & Debility
See all herbs for weakness & debility on the Weakness & Debility page.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
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)
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.