Adding Strength to Your Garden: The Wonders of Asthishrunkhala (Hadjod)

By Geetanjali Chakraborty

As an Ayurveda practitioner, I've always been fascinated by the healing power of plants. My garden is a testament to this passion, filled with a variety of herbs and medicinal plants. Recently, I welcomed a new member to this verdant family: Hadjod, also known as "veldt grape" (Cissus quadrangularis).

Hadjod is a remarkable plant, not just for its unique four-jointed structure resembling our bone joints but also for its potent medicinal properties. This resemblance is more than superficial—it symbolizes the plant's strength and healing capabilities, especially in supporting bone health.

The Healing Properties of Hadjod

In the ancient Ayurvedic text Bhavprakash Nighantu, verse 194 extols the virtues of Hadjod:

ग्रन्थिमानस्थिसंहारी वज्राङ्गी वास्थिशृङ्खला |अस्थिसंहारकः प्रोक्तो वातश्लेष्महरोऽस्थियुक् |

उष्णः सरः कृमिघ्नश्च दुर्नामघ्नोऽक्षिरोगजित् | रूक्षः स्वादुर्लघुर्वृष्यः पाचनः पित्तलः स्मृतः ||१९४||

It highlights Hadjod’s warming properties, which counteract the cold and dry nature of Vata dosha. This makes Hadjod an invaluable ally in addressing Vata-related issues such as bone porosity and fractures. The plant aids in the mending of bones, providing strength and resilience. Beyond its bone-healing capabilities, Hadjod also offers relief from hemorrhoids and eye disorders. With its dry, tasty, and easily digestible qualities, Hadjod is a versatile addition to any wellness routine.

Adding Hadjod to Your Garden and Diet

Bringing Hadjod into your garden is not only a way to enhance its beauty but also to integrate its healing properties into your daily life. You can source Hadjod from reputable nurseries. I got mine from Almost Eden Plants.

Once Hadjod takes root, it is a low-maintenance creeper. As it begins to thrive, you can harvest its leaves and tender stems. These can be sautéed with light spices for a warming dish or ground into chutney to enjoy as a flavorful side. Rich in calcium, Hadjod is beneficial even if you haven't suffered a fracture. Incorporating it fresh and locally in small quantities ensures the best potency, as fresh herbs are always the most effective.

I encourage you to explore this remarkable plant and discover its benefits for yourself.

Geetanjali Chakraborty