Vidhara

(Elephant Creeper)
Sanskrit: विदारी • Botanical: Ipomoea petaloidea Chois.

Vidhara / Vidari (Ipomoea petaloidea) is described as a large tuber-bearing creeper. The tuber is the main medicinal part, and is sweet, heavy, unctuous, and cold in potency. It is one of the important Jeevaniya (vitalizing) herbs. The text describes it as nourishing (Brimhana), strength-giving (Balya), and aphrodisiac (Vrishya). It is useful in conditions of debility, wasting diseases, urinary disorders, and for promoting lactation. The tuber can grow very large. Verse ref: pages 408-409. Note: Vidhara is also associated with Argyreia speciosa in some texts (see separate entry).

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Starch, sugars, saponins
Also Known As
English: Elephant Creeper, Giant Potato
Sanskrit: विदारी, विदारिका, भूमिकूष्माण्ड, इक्षुगन्धा, क्षीरशुक्ला, शालपर्णी
Hindi: विदारी, भुईकोहला

What is Vidhara (Elephant Creeper / विदारी)?

Vidhara / Vidari (Ipomoea petaloidea) is described as a large tuber-bearing creeper. The tuber is the main medicinal part, and is sweet, heavy, unctuous, and cold in potency. It is one of the important Jeevaniya (vitalizing) herbs. The text describes it as nourishing (Brimhana), strength-giving (Balya), and aphrodisiac (Vrishya). It is useful in conditions of debility, wasting diseases, urinary disorders, and for promoting lactation. The tuber can grow very large. Verse ref: pages 408-409. Note: Vidhara is also associated with Argyreia speciosa in some texts (see separate entry).

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Balya (strength-giving)
  • Brimhana (nourishing)
  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Stanyakara (galactagogue)
  • Mutrala (diuretic)
  • Jeevaniya (vitalizing)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Vidhara by Condition

Explore how Vidhara is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Vidhara for Male Sexual Health

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.