Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols
- Also Known As
- English: Elephant Creeper, Woolly Morning Glory
Sanskrit: वृद्धदारक, वृद्धदारुक, समुद्रशोषक
Hindi: समुद्रशोख, विदारीकन्द, बिधारा
What is Vidhara / Vriddhadaraka (Elephant Creeper / वृद्धदारक)?
Vriddhadaraka (Argyreia speciosa) is identified as another variety of Vidhara. It is a large, woody, climbing shrub with beautiful silver-hairy leaves reaching up to 1000 feet in some descriptions. The roots are thick and fleshy, whitish inside. The text describes it as sweet, heavy, unctuous and hot in potency. It is used for rejuvenation (Rasayana), increasing strength (Balya), aphrodisiac purposes (Vrishya), and promoting intellect (Medhya). The root has a white milky sap. It is used in male infertility, general debility, and nervous disorders. Verse refs: pages 409.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Balya (strength-giving)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
- Medhya (intellect-promoting)
- Shothahara (reduces swelling)
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.
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.