This medicinal plant is soothing and also extremely tasty! In Ayurveda, Sariva is especially appreciated for its cooling, blood cleansing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to its harmonious scent and taste, it can provide healing in a, particularly pleasant way. Here we show you what the plant does and how you can best benefit from it.
The Sariva plant
Sariva, also known as Sarsaparilla or botanically Hemidesmus indicus, is a creeping plant mainly native to India and Sri Lanka. The plant’s flowers have a green color on the outside and a purple color on the inside. Due to the coumarin contained, Sarsaparilla has a light vanilla scent! Other ingredients are essential oils, flavonoids, tannic acid, glycosides, sterols, and triterpene saponins.
Sometimes the plant is also called Anantamool, which means “eternal root.” This name comes on the one hand from the plant’s extensive root system and, on the other hand, that the plant is very resistant even to long-term climatic stress. This strength makes Sariva an excellent medicinal plant.
Sariva: Effect in Ayurveda
Indigenous peoples have used the Sariva root as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. Traditionally it is considered a remedy for arthritis, skin problems, and digestive disorders and is valued in Ayurveda, especially its blood-purifying properties. As a Rasayana, i.e., a life-prolonging treatment, the plant is also said to have a rejuvenating effect.
This plant’s beauty is that it is suitable for all types because it balances the three doshas. It has a Kapha-, Vata– and Pitta-lowering effect and has a calming influence on the body and mind. We will now take a closer look at the individual benefits you can expect from Sariva.
Blood Purification
In Ayurveda, contaminated blood is considered the cause of many different ailments. If toxins get from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, they can be deposited in the joints or under the skin. The unpleasant consequences: Joints begin to become inflamed and painful, and the skin becomes sick and unclean.
However, Sariva is considered a particularly good blood cleanser and positively affects skin impurities and inflammation. But even other blood-related ailments, such as nosebleeds or menstrual problems, can be treated well with it.
Cooling for fiery ailments
Sarsaparilla has a cooling effect and is therefore very beneficial, especially for the fiery Pitta types. Consequently, it is used for all “hot” ailments. For example, it can help to lower fever and relieve burning sensations such as inflammation. It is also traditionally used for arthritis or rheumatic complaints to bring relief. It also has a very health-promoting effect on the throat and voice.
Improves the appearance of the skin
If you want to breathe new life into your body, you can benefit from the rejuvenating effect of the Sariva root. It is a tonic for the skin and supports the regeneration of tissue.
Skin, hair, and nails are strengthened and become healthy and pure. Even itchy, allergic, or otherwise, irritated skin can be cleansed and strengthened.
Try it out and enjoy a fresh, youthful complexion!
For the female organism
In principle, Sarsaparilla is beneficial to both sexes’ health, but the plant has a few different effects for the female organism in particular. Due to its blood-cleansing effect, the root is considered to promote menstruation and cleanse breast milk.
The cooling plant can also provide relief during the regular hot flushes during menopause.
Women at various stages of their lives can, therefore, benefit from the effects of Sariva.
Soothing for the gastrointestinal tract
Also, the belly appreciates the cooling effect of the plant. Due to its oily properties and mucilages, the mucous membranes in the entire gastrointestinal tract are cared for. Sariva, therefore, has a calming and neutralizing effect in cases of hyperacidity. It also promotes bowel movement, soothes the stomach in gastritis cases, and can be hemostatic in gastric ulcers.
What about the side effects?
Both as a dietary supplement and as for tea, the Indian plant is usually considered safe. No matter if women, men, children, or older adults – everyone can take root and benefit from their excellent properties. No side effects are known. Only the use during pregnancy has unfortunately not been researched much, so it is better to avoid it in case of doubt. However, Sarsaparilla is not dangerous during the breastfeeding period and can even promote milk production!
How to use Sariva
Indian Sarsaparilla is wildly popular in summer because of its cooling effect. It refreshes and helps the body to deal with the heat a little better. Only the ground sariva root is used in the application. Here we have a few tips on what can be done with it.
Sariva powder: tasty and versatile
Sarsaparilla is used in Ayurveda as churna, i.e., in powder form. Whoever is pulling a face now should still judge hastily! Because unlike many other churnas, the big plus of sarsaparilla powder is that it tastes very delicious thanks to its vanilla note! Therefore it goes exceptionally well with sweet food and drinks. How about, for example with:
Sarsaparilla Churna with milk: A delicious vanilla milk is a particularly pleasant way to end the day in the evening. It reduces pitta and can also be used for humidification and cooling during dry periods. All you have to do is boil a spoonful of the powder with about 250 ml of milk – done!
The powder can also be added to milk desserts, fruit salads, or smoothies. Allowed is what tastes good. Just be creative and try out different taste variations!
Sariva tea: Variations for variety
The medicinal plant can also unfold its effect well as a tea and taste delicious.
Simmer one teaspoon of the powder with 1 liter of water on a medium flame for about 6-8 minutes. The tea can be drunk twice a day at least 30 minutes after meals. It is best to have the first cup in the morning after breakfast!
But of course, you can also vary it according to your mood! Here are two more tips from us:
Sariva-Chai: Do you like Chai tea? Then add a little Sariva powder to enjoy the medicinal plant’s effects at the same time. All you have to do is to boil one teaspoon of Sarsaparilla Churna in 1 L Chai for about 5 minutes, and you can already enjoy the mixture.
Sariva Green Tea: Green tea is in high season all year round. But especially on warm days, it is incredibly fresh and pleasant. If you add a little Sariva to your green tea, you get a lovely refreshment for the summer.
Sarsaparilla smoking: stimulating for body and soul
Due to its sweet vanilla scent and essential oils, the plant is also ideal for smoking. Sarsaparilla has a particularly stimulating effect on the body and mind. It can be aphrodisiac or help the body to gain more strength. Traditionally, it is also valued in Ayurveda as a spiritual herb. As an incense, it is therefore often used for meditation and is said to promote dreams.
The cooling Indian Sariva plant purifies your blood and brings your doshas back into balance. It also helps you to soothe fiery ailments and also makes your skin pure and clear again. Combine pleasure with health with the delicious Sariva Churna and discover the application method that makes you feel most comfortable!
Satvik Living 