Pueraria tuberosa, Vidari

Indian Kudzu
Vidari (Ayurveda) (Vidarikanda is the Tuber)
Kuai Jing Ge (TCM)

Pueraria tuberosa
K.R. Kirtikar, B.D. Basu, Indian medicinal plants, Plates, vol. 2 (1918)

Pueraria tuberosa
(Photo by Dinesh Valke) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:

Two different species supply Vidari in India:

Pueraria tuberosa (North)
Ipomoea digitata (South)

Pueraria is the standard drug listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Ipomoea digitata can be viewed as a substitute.

Parts used:

Root (tuber)

Temperature & Taste:

Cool, moist. Bitter, Pungent

Uses:

1. Benefits Qi:
-restorative tonic in weakness and convalescence
-Strengthens; used for Weakness, Fatigue
-Cachexia, chronic emaciation, wasting, weakness after Fever etc.
-promotes voice by strengthening Qi

2. Strengthens Kidneys, Nourishes Yin, Increases Semen:
-tonic and Rasayana; nourishes Sperm and improves Sperm quality
-Diuretic when Kidneys are weak
-used for Pitta (Bile/Heat) and Vata (Wind) disorders by nourishing Yin
-nourishes Brain and Nervous system, used for Neurological disorders
-promotes Complexion
-excessive Menstruation

3. Promotes Milk:
-used to promote and increase quality of Breast Milk

4. Externally:
-root paste is applied to boils to cause suppuration and healing
-Cataplasm is applied to swollen and painful joints

Dose:

Powder: 3–5 grams
Decoction: 6–12 grams

Comment:

Indian Kudzu (Vidari) and Chinese Kudzu (Ge Gen) are closely related and similar in appearance. However, the Chinese type is used for clearing Exterior Wind-Heat, generating Fluid in thirst, and is also used for Diarrhea. It is not used for the tonic purposes of the Indian variety. Conversely, the India variety is regarded as a potent tonic medicine in Ayurveda, nourishing Yin and Sperm, and restoring strength.

Substitutes:

1. Ipomoea digitata is used for Vidari in South India.
2. Pueraria tuberosa is used as a substitute for Microstylis wallichii and M. musifera (Ayurveda)

Preparation:

Maharasayana Yoga:
The root of Pueraria tuberosa is soaked in its own juice and dried, this being repeated several times (traditionally, 21 times). This makes it more nourishing and is a better tonic, increasing strength and enhances male sex function. Dose: 5–10 grams of the powder.

Main Combinations:

1. Strengthen in debility, Pueraria tuberosa with Withania, Licorice
2. Promote Breast Milk, Pueraria tuberosa with Nigella, Fennel seed, Asparagus racemosa
3. Sperm tonic:
i. Pueraria tuberosa with Withania, Orchis root, Long Pepper
ii. Pueraria tuberosa with Withania, Asparagus racemosus, Shilajit
3. Spermatorrhea, Pueraria tuberosa (soaked in its own juice and dried) with Almond, Quince seed, Clove, Cardamon, Nutmeg, Asparagus racemosus, Mucuna and sugar (equal parts). Powder and take 6 grams with Milk. This is also a sperm tonic.
4. Female Tonic:
i. Pueraria tuberosa with Asparagus racemosus, Cyperus rotundus, Fenugreek
ii. Pueraria tuberosa with Asparagus racemosus, Pearl