Sariva (सारीवा), also known as Anantamoola, is one of Ayurveda’s most prized herbs for its cooling, purifying, and rejuvenating effects, especially for the skin and blood. Derived from Hemidesmus indicus, Sariva translates to “eternal root” (Ananta = endless, Moola = root), signifying its deep, long-lasting benefits on the body’s internal systems.
In Ayurvedic texts, Sariva is grouped under Raktaprasadana (blood-purifying), Varnya (complexion-enhancing), and Pittahara (Pitta-pacifying) herbs. It is especially useful for individuals with Pitta and Rakta-related skin conditions like acne, urticaria, pigmentation, inflammation, and heat rashes. Sariva also acts as a Rasayana, supporting ojas (vitality) and inner radiance, which manifests visibly as a healthy, clear complexion.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Hemidesmus indicus
- Common Names: Indian Sarsaparilla, Anantmool, Sariva
- Family: Asclepiadaceae
- Part Used: Root
- Rasa (Taste): Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter)
- Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cooling)
- Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
- Guna (Qualities): Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous)
- Doshic Action: Pacifies Pitta and Vata, mildly balances Kapha
Skin Benefits of Sariva
1. Purifies Blood & Rasa Dhatu
Sariva is known to eliminate heat and toxins from the blood, which directly benefits skin conditions like:
- Acne
- Boils
- Pigmentation
- Chronic rashes
- Pitta-aggravated eczema
2. Cools Excess Pitta
Its sheeta virya (cool potency) makes it ideal for treating inflammatory and heated skin disorders, sunburns, and prickly heat. It is especially calming during summer and grishma ritu (hot season).
3. Improves Complexion
Sariva is included among the Varnya Dravyas in the Charaka Samhita. It helps brighten the complexion, fade blemishes, and improve the overall glow and clarity of the skin.
4. Anti-Allergic & Anti-inflammatory
This herb is widely used for urticaria (Sheetapitta), dermatitis, and allergic rashes, thanks to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Rasayana (Rejuvenator)
Sariva supports ojas and immunity, especially after illness or chronic skin issues. It rejuvenates tissues and supports healthy rasa and rakta dhatus—the basis of glowing skin.
Classical References
- Charaka Samhita: Listed under Raktaprasadana, Varnya, and Stanyashodhana (lactation cleanser) groups.
- Sushruta Samhita: Mentioned in the treatment of skin diseases, burning sensation, and chronic inflammation.
- Bhaishajya Ratnavali: Recommended in pitta skin conditions, allergies, blood disorders, and fever with skin eruptions.
External Use in Skincare
Though primarily used internally, Sariva is also applied topically in traditional formulations for skin soothing:
- Herbal Pastes: Sariva churna + rose water or aloe vera for cooling inflamed skin
- Face Packs: For calming sunburn, combine with sandalwood and yashtimadhu
- Lepas: Used for acne, pigmentation, and allergic dermatitis
- Oil Infusions: Sariva is infused into oils like Eladi Taila and Kumkumadi Taila for deeper Pitta detox and glow
Internal Use in Ayurveda
- Sariva Churna (Powder): 3–6g with water, ghee, or milk
- Kwatha (Decoction): 50–100 ml, used in skin allergies, rashes, and fever
- Syrup/Asava: Formulations like Sarivadyasava are used for blood detox, acne, boils, and urinary Pitta disorders
- Classical Combinations:
- Sarivadyasava – For acne, pigmentation, allergic skin reactions
- Mahamanjishthadi Kwatha – For chronic skin diseases with heat and inflammation
- Chandanadi Vati – For burning sensation, acne, and skin allergies
Ayurvedic Remedies Using Sariva
| Concern | Home Remedy |
|---|---|
| Acne / Red pimples | Sariva + manjishtha + neem powder in rose water |
| Pigmentation | Sariva + yashtimadhu + turmeric in raw milk |
| Skin allergies / Urticaria | Sariva + amalaki + aloe vera juice internally |
| Sunburn relief | Sariva powder + sandalwood paste for cooling mask |
| Skin glow support | Sarivadyasava + warm water, daily after meals |
Related Terms
- Manjishtha
- Yashtimadhu
- Haridra
- Varnya Dravyas
- Sarivadyasava
- Rakta Dhatu
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can Sariva be used every day?
Yes. Sariva is gentle enough for daily internal use, especially when taken in churna or syrup form for skin health and detox.
Q2: Is Sariva good for all skin types?
Sariva is ideal for Pitta and Vata skin types. It’s also safe for Kapha types when combined with light, warming herbs like cinnamon or ginger.
Q3: Can I apply Sariva directly on the face?
Yes. Sariva powder can be used with aloe vera gel, rose water, or milk as a calming, anti-pigmentation face mask.
Q4: Does Sariva lighten skin?
Sariva helps in reducing pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone caused by heat, acne, or allergies, thus naturally enhancing the complexion.