Hadjod also known as Bonesetter is an ancient plant commonly used in cooking traditional soups, chutneys and dals in India. It is popular for its fracture healing properties since ancient times. Hadjod stems resembles the shape of bones and joints in the body, and indeed its very effective in strengthening the bones and joints.
Botanical name of Hadjod is Cissus quadrangularis, and It is native to India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is also found in some parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
Other Names of Hadjod
Cissus quadrangularis, Haadjodaa, Bone setter, Haadsaankal, Hadjoda, Mangarballee, Sunduballi, Piranta, Kaandvel, Haadabhanga gachha, Hadajoda, Asthisamhrt, Vajravalli, Nalleru, Kandvel, Hadavhanga, Piranti, Horjora
According to Ayurveda, Hadjod helps in mending fractures of the bones, as well as being an excellent natural remedy for flatulence, indigestion, weight loss, epilepsy, decreased sexual desire and haemorrhoids. As per ancient texts, consuming Hadjod juice along with cow’s ghee or a cup of milk helps in healing bone fractures due to its Sandhaniya (promoting the union of fractured parts) property.
Ayurvedic View:
Qualities ( Guna ): Light to digest ( Laghu )
Taste ( Rasa ) : Sweet ( Madhura )
Nature ( Veerya ) : Hot Potency ( Ushna )
Effect of Tridosha : Balances Vata and Kapha Dosha
Benefits of Hadjod
Strengthens Bones & Joints
Rich in Calcium, Magnesium and antioxidants, Hadjod promotes proper bone cell growth and regeneration. Hadjod speeds up bone mineralization and formation, simultaneously increasing bone mineral density and strength, and pacifying aches in the joints.
Helps with Dental Infections
Dental problems like Plaque, tartar and cavities cause discomfort in the teeth and gums. After brushing, rinsing with hadjod juice clears all infectious agents causing toothaches, due to its extensive antimicrobial characteristics.
Helps with Piles
Due to its anti-inflammatory property, It reduces pain and inflammation in the veins of the anus and lower rectum. Hadjod possesses Vata balancing property which helps prevent constipation and its astringent nature may helps stop bleeding, thereby providing relief.
Promotes Digestion Process
Being an antimicrobial agent, It help in maintaining ideal gut flora and combating intestinal bacteria such as E.coli, thereby promoting digestion.
Helps with High Cholesterol
Improper digestion can leads to the formation and accumulation of toxins which leads to obstruction in the blood vessels. Hadjod helps manage high cholesterol due to its digestion promoting properties and hot potency. It promotes digestive fire and helps improve digestion.
Helps with Gout
As per ayuvedic texts, Gout (Vatarakta) disorder occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha which further imbalances the Rakta dhatu. Hadjod helps reduce the symptoms of Gout and provides warmth to the affected painful area due to its Vata balancing and Hot properties.
Helps with Menstrual Pain
According to Ayurveda, Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. Hadjod may helps manage painful menstruation cycle due to its Vata balancing and Hot properties.
Detoxifies The Body
High in vitamin C and several classes of flavonoids, Hadjod effectively flushes out excess food particles, fluids and other toxins from the system, preventing their accumulation in kidneys.
Acts As An Aphrodisiac
Hadjod is useful in restoring optimal sexual function in men and women, due to its powerful antioxidant content and serves as a natural aphrodisiac, boosting vigour and stamina.
Helps Manage Epilepsy Symptoms
Hadjod possess intrinsic sedative properties. A regular, measured intake of hadjod, therefore, assists in regulating the central nervous system and brain activity and controlling epilepsy.
Helps with Asthma Symptoms
Asthma occurs due to imbalance of kapha and vata doshas in the body, resulting in chest pain and breathing distress. Due to Hadjod's decongestant traits, vata-kapha-balancing abilities and “Ushna” or hot nature, flushes out excessive mucus, relieves aching sensations in the chest, eases breathing, thereby mitigating discomforting signs of asthma.
Helps Controling Blood Sugar Levels
Rich in powerful antioxidants, hadjod regulates fasting blood glucose concentrations, protects the pancreatic cells from oxidative stress, extreme damage and increases the production of insulin. Furthermore, this herb possesses digestion-enhancing qualities, to get rid of toxins from the gut - stomach, intestines, aid in smooth absorption of food in the system, thus keeping blood sugar levels in check in instances of diabetes mellitus.
Supports Healthy Heart
Hadjod is known for its potent adaptogenic characteristics, which helps lower stress levels, decrease high blood pressure and assist in managing symptoms of hypertension. Hadjod significantly brings down blood cholesterol to preserve heart health.
Dosage of Hadjod
For children
Powder: 1.5 grams / day
Juice: 5 ml
Tablet: 1 tablet of 500mg
For Adults
Powder: 3 grams / day
Juice: 10-20 ml
Tablet: 2 tablets of 5000mg
It is recommended to take Hadjod after meals, along with milk or ghee.
Precautions When Using Hadjod
The use of Hadjod might lower blood pressure and it might interfere with the level of blood sugar during and after a surgical procedure. So it is advisable to consult a physician or avoid the use of Hadjod at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
It is advisable to consult a physician before taking Hadjod during pregnancey or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Excessive consumption of Hadjod might lead to problems like Headache, Dry mouth, Diarrhea etc. So, It is advisable to consult a doctor before adding it to your diet.