Varahi (Varahi (Varahangi, Nikumbha, Makulaka))
Varahi (Dioscorea bulbifera) is a rejuvenating herb traditionally used in Ayurveda. It is known for its strengthening properties and is described as pungent and bitter. While it has various traditional uses, modern research is exploring its potential in managing metabolic disorders, improving immune function, and reducing oxidative stress.
Botanical name: Dioscorea bulbifera. Also known as: Varahikanda, Shukara, Sukari, Grushtika, Gusthi, Vriddhida, Veera, Maha virya, Maha aushadhi, Amruta, Magadhi, Vanya, Vanamalini, Vara, Air potato, Potato yam, Suralu, Zami kanda, Gaithi, Genthi, Barahi khandh, Barahikhandha, Dukar kanda, Dukkar Kand, Suvariya, Heggenasu, Kuntu genasu, Kattu kachi, Kattu kachil, Varahi, Pannu Pilangu, Nela dumpa, Banalu, Pitalu, Karamdo, Gathalu, Manu kand, Gorkan, Kukar Kand, Pitalu, Kathalu, Mati alu, Benkei imo, T'u uh, Un kau tou, Huang Du, Knollen- Yam, Cheekyyam, Jangli Suran, Kattu Chena, Bon Alu.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Phytoestrogenic activity
Dosage
The tubers are administered directly or made into *choorna* (powder) and administered in a dose of 3 – 6 grams per day, with milk.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent, Bitter
- Virya: ["Heating"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Rejuvenating
- Strengthening
Traditional uses
- Aphrodisiac
- Treats diabetes, eczema, psoriasis and intestinal parasites
- General debility and chronic fatigue syndrome due to its nourishing and rejuvenating properties
- Acts as an appetizer and also relieves flatulence
- Balance Vata and Pitta doshas, aiding the body in maintaining energy, nourishment, and stability
- Lower glycemic index
- Postpartum tonic
- Treat fevers and joint pain
- Treat cough, epistaxis, hemoptysis, pharyngitis, skin infections, piles, and throat infections and to remove dandruff
- Leprosy
- Asthma
- Cough
- Cold
- Tuberculosis
- Contraceptive
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Muscular pain
- Bone fracture
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: increasing
Preparation methods
- Powder Form: Mix ½ to 1 teaspoon of Varahi Kand powder in warm water or milk and consume once or twice daily.
- Decoction: Boil small pieces of the tuber in water, strain, and drink the liquid. To prepare a bulbil decoction, boil 10–15 g dried bulbils in 240 ml water until reduced to ~60 ml; strain and drink twice daily.
- Cooking: In some regions, it is cooked as a vegetable, ensuring proper preparation to avoid any potential side effects. Tubers are soaked overnight in water or left overnight in stream and subjected to successive boiling to remove the bitterness. Tubers are roasted, and cooked as a vegetable.
- Topical Paste: Freshly ground bulbils with a dash of turmeric for localized inflammation; applied once or twice daily.
- Rejuvenation Mix: Combine ½ tsp powder with honey to help promote nourishment and energy.
- Energy Boost: Mix 1 tsp Varahikand Powder with warm milk and ghee to promote vitality and stamina.
- Varahikand & Amla (Digestive Support): Mix Varahikand Powder with Amla and a pinch of ginger powder to support digestion and cooling.
- Varahikand with Ghee & Honey (Rejuvenating Tonic): Blend a small quantity of powder with ghee and honey to help support stamina and nourishment.
- Varahikand Milk Mix (Energy Support): Mix 1 tsp Varahikand powder in warm milk to support strength and energy.
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive conditions
- Severe kidney or liver disease
- Anticoagulant medications
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Surgery
- Bleeding Disorders
- Diabetes
- Hypotension
- Pitta body type or Pitta imbalance
Side effects
- Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
- Slightly increases Pitta Dosha, so people with Pitta body type or Pitta imbalance should avoid it or take it along with milk to nullify Pitta effect.
- There is a research article citing its hepatotoxicity, hence, overdosing should be avoided. Furanoid diterpenoids, particularly diosbulbin B and 8-epidiosbulbin E acetate, have been shown to induce hepatotoxicity, with additional risks of nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, gastrointestinal irritation, and thyroid dysfunction.
- Potential adverse effects include mild gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating, diarrhea) at higher doses (>10 g/day of powder).
- Rare allergic reactions: itchy rash or swelling—discontinue use if these occur.
- Raw aerial tubers contain certain alkaloids which can be mildly toxic if consumed fresh in large quantities; cooking, drying, or fermenting significantly reduces risk.
Interactions
- Anticoagulant medications: Beta-sitosterol might potentiate blood-thinning effects.
- Alkaloids in *Dioscorea bulbifera* may interact with opioid receptors (morphine, codeine), dopamine receptors (antipsychotics) and serotonin receptors (antidepressants).
- Saponins may interact with cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) and anti-inflammatory medications.
- It may interact with certain drugs, affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical trials, including one randomized controlled trial, suggest potential benefits in reducing hot flash severity in menopausal women. However, further research with standardized preparations is needed to confirm these findings and explore other potential therapeutic applications. There is a complete absence of human trials using standardized preparations. Some clinical trials have found D. bulbifera effective in treating sub-acute thyroiditis.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Rejuvenating
- Strengthening