Anantamul

Known scientifically as Hemidesmus indicus, Anantamul is a herbaceous plant native to India. The chief part used for medicinal purposes is the root of the plant, for it is medicinal and deeply curative. It is used in the Ayurveda group as a "Rasayana" herb; this name was given for rejuvenation purposes and for restoring vital forces. Often, it becomes mistaken with Nannari, but sometimes, the same words are interchangeably used.

It is also very famous for the purification of blood with healthy skin and the proper balancing of the digestive system. The cooling richness in it can make the herb that much more precious even on the hottest day of summer when it will manage some heat-related maladies.

Source of Anantamul

Anantamul primarily stems from the Indian subcontinent. This plant is mainly known to grow in forest areas, hills, and plains places, and the roots of this plant are dried out, processed, and converted to various medicinal products in powders, syrups, and extracts.

Anantamul, also known as Nannari or Indian Sarsaparilla, is an herb that has several health benefits. This herb contains the roots of the plant that are full of nutrients and bioactive compounds that make it helpful for wellness. Over the years, Ayurveda has used Anantamul for management purposes, for various diseases, to prolong life. Its cooling, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties help bring in diverse health advantages through this herb. Below, we see the main health benefits of Anantamul and how this wonderful herb can help you better your health through its intake.

1. Cooling and Hydration

A significant benefit of Nannari is that it may cool your body down and help you avoid dehydration, especially in hot weather conditions in many places. Traditionally, the root is prepared for Nannari syrup and mixed with water to make a refreshing drink known as Nannari juice. It regulates the body's temperature, contributes to proper hydration, and minimises excessive heat. The usual consumption of Nannari juice prevents heat strokes, dehydration, and the associated problems during the summer.

2. Detoxification and Blood Purification

Anantamul is highly valued because of its detoxifying property, which cleans the blood and washes away the body's toxins. Frequent juice consumption purifies the blood and promotes a healthy complexion, preventing the susceptibility of skin infections, acne, and rashes. It also enhances the liver's function of filtering toxins from the blood. This improves overall well-being and the immune system and reduces a person's chances of succumbing to chronic diseases because of the accumulation of toxins in the body.

3. Gastrointestinal Health

Anantamul is also very useful in enhancing digestive health. This herb heals the digestive tract, reduces inflammation, and helps to digest food healthily. Indigestion, bloating, acidity, and constipation are the primary purposes for taking this herb. Nannari juice, made with Nannari, can be taken to prevent typical digestive complications and ensure proper bowel movement. Because it has a mild effect on becoming laxative, it cleans the intestines and supports regularity and comfort in digestion.

4. Anti-inflammatory Properties

One of the significant benefits of Nannari is that it has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also helpful for patients suffering from arthritis, joint pain, and skin inflammations. Anantamul reduces swelling and joint pain and is a natural cure for people suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Nannari juice can control joint inflammation, improve flexibility, and reduce chronic discomfort.

5. Skin Health

Improving blood purification and removing toxins from the body improves skin health. Anantamul is known to manage various diseases of the skin and skin cover, and it generates ulcerative lesions on the skin. Preventing inflammation in the bloodstream removes all the impurities that let the skin shine bright like the sun and renew it. Acne breakouts would be prevented, and skin irritation would be soothed if Nannari juice is regularly taken into the body. It will also ensure a change in skin texture.

6. Supports urinary health

Anantamul is a diuretic that increases urine production. An ancient practice in medicinal drug preparation, this herb is used to manage infections in the urinary tract, kidney stones, and other diseases regarding the urinary system. The juice of Nannari is an effective means of purifying toxins and preventing kidney stone formation. Its diuretic property considers the retention of water, thus one of the best remedies to alleviate swelling in the body.

7. Respiratory Health

The other healthy effect of the Anantamul is its safe impact on the respiratory system. The herb has been used to manage respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughing. Nannari syrup can be taken as an anti-inflammatory drink to reduce irritation in the respiratory area while lubricating the breathing surface. It may act as an expectorant, eliminating the mucus in the lungs and decreasing congestion.

8. Stress Management and Mental Health

Anantamul is an adaptogen that helps the body handle stress and even diminishes anxiety. Nannari juice can calm the nervous system by improving acuteness in mental performance and reducing tension. Therefore, this herb adjusts the rest of the mind and body, making it an herbal medication for managing anxiety, stress, and fatigue. Regular use of Anantamul will help maintain emotional stability and mental well-being.

9. Hormonal Balancing and Menstruation Care

It helps women's hormones within the reproductive system: Generally, this medication helps balance a woman's hormonal issues, taking good care of her menstrual cycles. The cooling aspect with an anti-inflammatory characteristic of the herb soothes the symptoms during menstruation, like cramps and heavy bleeding along with irregular periods. Thus, Nannari juice can help females control the discomfort during their periods while taking good care of their health. This is a significant reason for including Anantamul in all the Ayurvedic management for hormonal imbalance.

Anantamul, known as Nannari or Indian Sarsaparilla, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for various purposes. This medicinal herb is used to formulate Ayurvedic drugs and is gaining popularity in herbal preparations today. Anantamul is derived from the roots of Hemidesmus indicus and acts as a coolant and detoxicant. The herb is primarily used for its medicinal properties, managing various health issues, and general well-being. Now, let's talk about the various typical uses of Anantamul and its application in daily life.

1. Preparation of Nannari Syrup and Nannari Juice

One of the most widely used applications of Anantamul is in preparing Nannari syrup for making Nannari juice. This refreshing summer drink is in high demand in South India due to its cooling nature. The syrup of the Anantamul roots is extracted and mixed with water and sugar to make it ready for use. The cool and heavenly drink, thus prepared with Nannari Syrup, chilled water, and a dash of lemon juice, becomes one of the most highly effective cooling beverages during the hot summer months. Nannari is highly utilised to avoid the amassing of hotness and to hydrate the body, which helps to digest better and detoxify.

2. Detoxification and Purification of Blood

Anantamul is highly purifying. It is mainly used in herbal medicines that try to cleanse the blood and remove toxic substances from the human body. The cleansing activity maintains skin health, reducing problems like acne, pimples, and rashes. Drinking Nannari juice helps cleanse waste products from the blood, prevents stagnation in the circulatory system, keeps the liver functioning, and thus detoxifies the body.

3. Digestive Health

Anantamul is used to manage disorders or problems related to the stomach, such as indigestion, acidity, and bloating. The herb directly from the digestive tract is a soothing agent, lessening inflammation and irritation. Nannari juice or Nannari syrup can neutralise the symptoms of indigestion and acidity. It cools down the digestive system, so people who face heat-related digestive disorders use it.

4. Skin Care 

Anantamul is applied to purify blood and manage inflammation. It is widely used in skincare management. The herb is used in various Ayurvedic forms of medication to manage eczema and psoriasis, acne, and many other skin problems. It clarifies and brightens the skin by draining out excess toxins and reducing inflammation. Anantamul is also applied to make face packs and skin creams to improve complexion and facilitate healthy skin. Drinking Nannari juice may also prevent and manage skin conditions by helping to control internal health.

5. Fever and Respiratory Disorders

In Ayurveda, Anantamul is employed as an anti-febrile herbal medicine; that is, it is used when the body temperature increases due to heat and, consequently, dehydration. Its cooling effects allow it to reduce body heat and eliminate fever symptoms. In addition, this herb is found to be helpful in the management of respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, and cough. The herb acts on the respiratory system by reducing inflammation and allowing easy respiration. Nannari juice can be considered a natural means by which people take control of their respiratory disorders during seasonal changes.

6. Joints and Bone Health

Anantamul has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and joint pain. It is mainly used in herbal formulations that reduce joint inflammation and make bones more flexible. Nannari juice will help you come out of joint pain and stiffness accompanied by swelling, which could be a natural remedy for bone and joint health.

7. Urinary Hygiene

Anantamul acts as a diuretic that encourages increased urine production. It eliminates toxins from the urinary tract and controls stones from forming inside the urinary tract. Regularly consuming Nannari juice prepared with Nannari is an ancient management that assists urinary health and avoids related disorders.

8. Menstrual Health

Anantamul was used in Ayurveda to manage gynaecology issues such as irregular periods, menstrual cramps, and excessive bleeding. The bittersweet flavour herb is cooling and soothing and hence helps regain the balance of the endocrine disorders with reduced inflammation, which benefits women suffering from menstrual disorders. Intake of Nannari juice prevents disease conditions involving menstruation derangements and promotes reproductive health in all.

9. Stress and Anxiety Relief

In Ayurvedic medicines, Anantamul is ascribed to adaptogenic properties; it is something that helps the body towards stress and, thus, reduces anxiety. The herb is put into herbal preparations, which help soothe the mind, lower stress levels, and promote relaxation. Consumption of Nannari juice daily will help alleviate stress and anxiety by keeping the nervous system calm and evoking a good mental outlook.

10. Ayurvedic Preparations

Anantamul is used in many Ayurvedic formulations as it has rejuvenating, cooling, and purifying properties. It is added to tons of powders designed to rebalance, Pitta dosha, thus aiding overall health. Its versatility is one reason it's found in so many Ayurvedic remedies.

Anantamul is generally safe to be consumed. However, precautions need to be taken to prevent unwanted side effects and maximise the benefits of this herb.

• People who are pregnant or nursing their babies should take this herb under medical consultation.
• Those patients who are chronic, such as suffering from heart disease, diabetes, or other kidney diseases, should take this herb under medical supervision.
• Taking Anantamul along with alcohol is strictly prohibited because it may hamper its effect.

The dosage of Anantamul differs based on the drug formulation through which it is administered:

• Anantamul Powder: 3-6 grams per day, either with lukewarm water or honey.
• Nannari Syrup: 15-30 ml, diluted in water and taken 2-3 times per day
• Nannari Juice: This can be used as an appetiser. Nannari syrup can be mixed in water.

• Anantamul is an herbal medicine with the most extensive application in Ayurveda for purification and body cooling.
• It deals with skin, digestive, and respiration health.
• The two most commonly available commercial products of Anantamul are Nannari syrup and Nannari juice, and most people consume it during the summer seasons.
• Precautions: Seek a doctor's advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have some prior medical conditions before taking it.
• The daily intake would boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and help weight loss.