09/03/2026
Anjabar (انجبار) – A Powerful Hemostatic Drug in Unani Medicine ---
1. Introduction
Anjabar (انجبار) is a well-known medicinal plant used in the Unani system of medicine for centuries. Classical Unani physicians such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Zakariya Razi, and Ibn Baitar described it as a potent astringent (Qabiz) and hemostatic (Habis-ud-Dam) drug.
It is widely used to stop bleeding, treat diarrhea and dysentery, and promote wound healing. Due to its strong astringent properties, Anjabar is considered one of the most effective Unani drugs for conditions involving excessive discharge and hemorrhage.
🌿 2. General Profile
Unani Name: Anjabar (انجبار)
English Name: Bistort / Snakeweed
Botanical Name: Persicaria bistorta (L.) Samp.
Synonym: Polygonum bistorta L.
Family: Polygonaceae.
🌍 3. Vernacular Names
Language. Name
Arabic. Anjabar
Persian. Anjabar
Urdu. Anjabar
Hindi. Anjabar
English. Bistort, Snakeweed
Latin. Persicaria bistorta
🌱 4. Part Used (Part-e-Musta'mal)
The following parts are used medicinally:
Rhizome (rootstock) – most commonly used
Root
The rhizome is rich in tannins, which give the drug its strong astringent and hemostatic properties.
⚖️ 5. Mizaj (Temperament)
According to Unani scholars:
Mizaj:
➡ Barid Yabis (Cold and Dry) in the 2nd Degree
This temperament explains its cooling, drying, and astringent actions.
🧪 6. Important Chemical Constituents
Modern phytochemical studies reveal the presence of:
Tannins (very high content)
Gallic acid
Ellagic acid
Catechins
Flavonoids
Phenolic compounds
Starch
These compounds are responsible for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hemostatic properties.
Unani Medicine
⚕️ 7. Actions (Afa'al)
According to Unani pharmacology, Anjabar has the following actions:
Qabiz (Astringent)
Habis-ud-Dam (Hemostatic)
Dafi-e-Ishal (Anti-diarrheal)
Dafi-e-Nazf-ud-Dam (Stops bleeding)
Mudammil-e-Quruh (Wound healer)
Mujaffif (Desiccant)
Dafi-e-Ta'affun (Antiseptic)
Muqawwi-e-Aza (Strengthens organs)
🩺 8. Therapeutic Uses (Istemalat)
Anjabar is used in various diseases in Unani medicine:
Hemorrhagic Disorders
Epistaxis (Nose bleeding)
Hemoptysis
Hematemesis
Uterine bleeding
Bleeding piles
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Intestinal inflammation
Gynecological Disorders
Excessive menstrual bleeding (Kasrat-e-Tams)
Leucorrhoea
Wounds and Ulcers
External bleeding wounds
Chronic ulcers
Skin lesions
Oral Diseases
Bleeding gums
Mouth ulcers
Inflammatory Conditions
Local inflammation
Intestinal irritation
💊 9. Dosage (Miqdar-e-Khuraak)
Powder:
1 – 3 grams
Decoction:
5 – 10 grams of the drug boiled in water
Dosage may vary depending on age, temperament, and severity of disease.
⚠️ 10. Adverse Effects (Muzir Asraat)
Excessive use may cause:
Constipation
Excess dryness of tissues
Patients with very cold temperament should use it cautiously.
🔄 11. Correctives (Musleh)
To reduce adverse effects, Unani physicians recommend:
Asl-us-Soos (Licorice)
Honey
These correctives balance the excess dryness and astringency.
🔁 12. Substitutes (Badal)
If Anjabar is unavailable, the following drugs may be used:
Mazoo (Oak galls)
Gul-e-Surkh (Rose petals)
Samagh-e-Arabi (Acacia gum)
📚 13. References in Classical Unani Literature
Anjabar is described in several classical Unani texts including:
Al-Qanoon fi al-Tibb – Ibn Sina
Al-Hawi – Zakariya Razi
Kitab al-Jami li Mufradat al-Adwiya – Ibn Baitar
Makhzan-ul-Adwiya – Hakim Muhammad Husain
These scholars highlighted its powerful astringent, anti-diarrheal, and hemostatic effects.
🌿 Conclusion
Anjabar (Persicaria bistorta) is an important medicinal plant in the Unani system of medicine, particularly valued for its strong astringent and hemostatic properties. Traditionally it has been used for bleeding disorders, diarrhea, dysentery, and wound healing.
Modern phytochemical studies also support many of its traditional uses due to its high tannin content and anti-inflammatory compounds.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This content is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any medication.