Vidάri,

Bhumiku shmάnda.

Vern. Bhui kumarά, Beng, Bilai hand, Hind.

The large tuberous root of this handsome climber is considered tonic, alterative, aphrodisiac, demulcent and lactagogue. The powdered root-stock is given with wine, for the purpose of increasing the secretion of milk.1 In the emaciation of children with debility and want of digestive power, the following diet is recommended. Take of vidari, wheat-flour and barley equal parts, and make into a confection with milk, clarified butter, sugar and honey.2 Susruta gives several prescriptions for its use as an aphrodisiac. The simplest is as follows. Macerate the powder of the root in its own juice and administer with honey and clarified butter.3 Vidari enters into the composition of several diuretic and demulcent mixtures. The following is an illustration.

Mutrakrichchhάntaka rasa.4 Take of vidari, fruits of Tribulus terrestris, (gokshura), liquorice root, and flowers of Mesua ferrea (nagakesara), equal parts and prepare a decoction with water. This decoction is given with the preparation of mercury called rasasin-dura, in scanty or acrid urine, to promote this secretion.