This rather simple looking plant is what is known as Manjishta in Sanskrit Madder in English or known in Chinese as Qian Cao Gen.
Used as a colourant for dyeing textiles ,it formed a very important part of the textile industry right from Harappan times and even in the tombs of the Egyptians.
Kalamkari, Ajrakh, Batik, the saffron robes of monks right up to royalty.
Not only is it a dye but also has immense medicinal value and is used exensively in Ayurveda. It is famous in Ayurveda as a blood purifier or Raktha Shodaka .Just looking at a simple fact is the number of languages that refers to Madder or Rubia cordifolia .
- Sanskritam – Manjishta
- Malayalam- manchatti
- Hindi – Majith
- Gujarati – majitha
- Assamese – Majathi
- Kannada – Manjishta
- Konkani – Itari
- Marathi – Itta
- Nepali – Majito
- Punjabi – Kattha
- Tibetan – Brtsod
- Urdu – Majith
The fact that it has so many names in different languages in India and nearby lays claim to the idea that it must have been a sought after one.
Close up of Manjishta plant
See the tiny spikes on the leaves and stem
It was one of the most important dyeing agents till the modern discovery of artificial dyes.
It was also held in high esteem by sages in treating skin diseases and has traditionally been used internally and externally to heal bruises, wounds, fractures etc.
This herb can be grown in partly shaded areas almost anywhere. It thrives with regular watering and needs a bit of space to wander.
