Anantamool
Common Name: Sarsaparilla, Shvet Sariva, Gopi, Gopaa, Gopakanyaa, Gopavalli
Botanical Name: Hemidesmus indicus, Smilax medica
Active Agents: Sarsasapogenin, smilagenin, sitosterol, stigmasterol, and pollinastanol; and the saponins sarsasaponin, smilasaponin, sarsaparilloside, and sitosterol glucoside
Uses of Anantamool
Stomach Disorders: It’s beneficial for treating stomach disorders like dyspepsia and loss of appetite. The powder of the roots is given in doses of 1 to 6 gms with milk in these condition.
Genito-Urinary Disorders: The herb is very useful in syphilis, leucorrhea and other genito-urinary diseases. A decoction of its roots is to be administered in 60-90 ml doses thrice a day. A syrup made from its roots is an effective diuretic.
Inflammation: A paste of its roots is applied locally to treating swellings, rheumatic joints and boils.
Hair Tonic: The herb contains a hair-growing hormone. A decoction of the root, used as a hair wash promotes hair growth.
Skin Disorders: Make a face mask with anantmool root powder and milk and apply for a bright and clear complexion. It removes acne scars, pigmentation and helps fill in pits and marks on the face caused by children pox and injury.