Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) powder

Rubia cordifolia is a species of flowering vine. The roots contain a reddish pigment which has been used for centuries to dye fabric. It can also be used as a mild dye for hair. In Ayurvedic medicine it is known as Manjistha and it is also used in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine.

Manjistha is famous for it's many beneficial effects on the human body and is known as a 'miracle' herb and a 'cure-all'.

Our manjistha powder is certified organic and Halal.

Manjistha can be used both internally and externally. It contains botanical compounds called anthraquinones which have many actions in the body such as antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antifungal, immunomodulatory, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumouregic, anti-proliferative and analgesic.

Scientific studies have shown that it can help to regulate blood pressure, blood vessel constriction and can help to prevent the formation of blood clots. Manjistha can also be used to treat uric acid and arthritis and is a primary herb used to treat irregular and painful menstruation. It is also known to improve liver function and boosts the functioning of the lymphatic system.

It's main function is a blood purifier and detoxifier and as an immune system booster.

This herb can be used both internally and externally to bring a glow to your skin. Manjistha may also help to clear up pimples and skin discolourations and it can promote the healing of skin tissues damaged by injury or infection.

Note that Manjistha dyes fabric quite well, so I recommend having a 'sacrificial' towel and pillow case if you're going to use it to dye your hair. It dyes fabric a pinky red colour.

For use on the skin:

You can mix manjistha powder with either plain (preferably filtered) cold water, or add a cold-pressed plant oil of your choice (grapeseed, castor, sweet almond, jojoba, argan are nice) or mix in a bit of yoghurt or honey. Mix into a smooth paste and apply to your face and neck. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off gently. Please do a skin patch test before using manjistha to check for sensitivies and also to see if the very mild dye 'takes' on your skin. If it does, don't stress, it washes off easily.

For use on the hair:

Manjistha is a mild dye when used on the hair. Used on its own it does not give much colour to grey or naturally light coloured hair but can be used for its scalp and hair conditioning properties. You can mix it with henna to 'cool' down the orangey shades of henna to more of a rose gold colour.

Mix manjistha powder with boiling water to make a paste. The heat of the water helps to release the dye. When the mixture is warm, apply it in a thick layer all over your hair and scalp. Leave it on for a maximum of one hour. Rinse very, very well until the water runs clear and then use a gentle sulphate-free shampoo. The rinsing before shampooing is important as manjistha tends to 'bleed' colour afterwards if this is not done. If you find that the manjistha has stained your scalp a pinkish colour, again don't worry, it will wash off easily with shampoo.

The product gallery images show a 'before' image of grey roots and hair dyed with a mixture of cassia and henna, and an 'after' image of the same hair dyed with manjistha. You can see that it adds a rose gold colour to the hair and is lighter on the un-dyed roots. With repeat applications this colour would deepen and become more permanent.

If you are going to use manjistha internally, you must consult an Ayurvedic or traditional Chinese medical practitioner before use.