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Common Name
Hemidesmus, Indian Sarsaparilla, Iramusu
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Botanical Name
Hemidesmus indicus
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Part Used
Root
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Clinical Summary
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Monograph
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Alcohol
45%
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Dose
20 to 50mL weekly
In stark contrast to its traditional use (see below), in Western herbal medicine the root of hemidesmus is regarded as immunosuppressive and it is advised that this plant be avoided in acute conditions because it could dampen the immune response. It is indicated in instances where the immune system is overactive and thus it is prescribed for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma where it is said to work well with low dose echinacea. This Western understanding of hemidesmus appears to be based on a 1986 study in sheep red blood cells where an ethanol extract of hemidesmus was found to suppress cell mediated and humoral components of the immune system. However it should be noted that animal studies cannot be extrapolated to human use and human clinical trials are needed. In her 2020 book, Advanced Clinical Medicine, experienced naturopathic clinician Leah Hechtman (via naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood who wrote the miscarriage chapter) echoes rural Sri Lankan women’s traditional use suggesting hemidesmus may be of benefit in autoimmune mediated miscarriage cases. According to the references this is based on the 1986 study above.
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Traditional Use
The root of hemidesmus is traditionally used to treat a wide variety of illnesses including rheumatism, asthma, digestive disorders, impotence, urinary tract and skin infections, female hormonal disturbance related disorders and for relieving symptoms of menopausal conditions. In Sri Lanka hemidesmus is a popular, refreshing, fragrant tea which helps with bad breathe but is commonly used as a healthy drink among people without health conditions. It is used for cooling, blood cleansing, detoxing (diaphoretic and diuretic) and to promote relaxation before bed. Women in rural Sri Lanka use hemidesmus root to reduce the possibility of a miscarriage and to promote a healthy pregnancy, and it’s used in arthritis which is very common due to all the hard work in the rice fields. In Ayurveda it is advised to seek medical help before consuming hemidesmus when one gets ill. This is because it may have a tendency to increase the amount of phlegm in the system as it is a coolant. The whole plant is used topically in hair products to promote hair growth and for acne, wounds and rashes.
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Actions
Anti-inflammatory, alterative, antioxidant, astringent, immunosuppressant, tonic, demulcent, diuretic, diaphoretic
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Indications
• Inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic skin diseases, such as atopic eczema, psoriasis, ulcers
• Prevention of chemical toxicity and liver damage
• Diarrhoea and digestive disorders -
Energetics
Cold
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Use in Pregnancy
No adverse effects documented
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Contraindications & Cautions
Although safe and generally considered non-toxic, due to its potential for immune suppression, the herb should be discontinued in states of active infection.
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Drug Interactions
Research has shown possible synergistic effects with antibiotics and hemidesmus may offer otoprotective effects (protection against ear damage by toxins) against gentamicin induced cochlear hair damage and prevent subsequent hearing loss/vestibular damage.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.
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Substitutes
Sarsaparilla