The botanical name of Madder is Rubia tinctorum. The herb belongs to the Rubia genus and Rubiaceae family of herbs. Rubia tinctorum is popularly known as the ‘common’ madder. Another madder plant that is used in medicinal preparations is the Indian Madder. Indian madder is botanically known as Rubia Cordifolia. There are approximately sixty different species under the Madder family.
The herb is native to the Old World including parts of Africa and temperate Asia such as Japan, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia. Madder is also seen in America and Southern parts of Europe. It is predominantly seen in the Himalayas and also in the Indian Western Ghats.
The root of the madder plant have been used since ancient times as a dye, to redden lips and cheeks and maintain hair color. Madder contains iridoid (asperulosid), organic acids, tannins, calcium, pectin and sugars. The medicinal properties of the plant are mainly due to the glycosides. The root has be mentioned more than few times in ancient medical literature. For instance it is said that Hippocrates (460-377 BC) used the herb as an expectorant remedy and against various gynecological diseases. Other uses for madder are to help lessen varicose veins, rashes, boils, eruptions and edema. It is also used externally to dry wounds and in ulcer dressing. In Indian ayurvedic medicine, madder is used along with clarified butter to treat acne, freckles and to reduce skin discoloration. It is said when Madder root is mixed with honey the herb gives the skin an even tone. It also reduces skin inflammation and provides smoothness.
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