Kodiveli Ver (Leadwort Root) – Complete Traditional Profile
What is Kodiveli Ver?
- Kodiveli Ver, known botanically as Plumbago zeylanica, is a potent medicinal root used widely in Siddha, Ayurveda, and Naattu Maruthuvam.
- It is referred to as the “Fire Root” due to its intense heating and stimulating properties.
- Common Tamil names include Kodiveli, Vellai Chitrak, or Kodiveli Ver.
- Grows wild in hilly regions and scrub forests across Tamil Nadu.
- It is a rasayana (rejuvenative) herb known for stimulating digestion, destroying toxins (ama), and balancing bodily energies. Click For More Product.
Themes of Kodiveli Ver – Traditional & Spiritual Significance
Stimulating Fire Energy (Agni)
- Deeply linked with activating inner fire (Agni), both physical (digestion) and energetic (drive and clarity).
- Symbolically used to burn away laziness, toxins, and mental dullness.
Awakening and Vitality
- Considered a root of power, used by siddhars and folk healers to boost energy and stamina.
- Often a part of traditional rejuvenation therapy (Kayakalpa).
Obstacle Remover
- Believed to remove blockages – physical, mental, and spiritual.
- Used in vazhipadu and marunthu poojai to overcome life hurdles, karmic stagnation, or dullness of spirit.
Protective & Detoxifying
- Used in spiritual cleansing and thiraviyam poojai to detox the aura and protect from evil energies.
- Symbolic of burning negative influences – much like it burns through bodily toxins. Click For purchase.
Medicinal Benefits – Internal Use
Deepens Digestive Fire (Agni)
- Very effective in stimulating appetite and improving digestion.
- Used in treating indigestion, anorexia, gas, and sluggish metabolism.
Detoxifying and Anti-Ama
- Breaks down accumulated toxins (ama) from long-term poor digestion.
- Helps in chronic skin diseases, swelling, or sluggish liver.
Rejuvenative (Rasayana)
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In small, controlled doses, builds strength, improves vitality, and supports healthy aging.
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Supports Reproductive Health
- Used in Siddha to treat menstrual disorders and infertility caused by internal cold or stagnation.
- Promotes uterine circulation and cleansing.
Nervine Stimulant
- Known to sharpen the senses and enhance mental clarity.
- Used in formulations for those with mental fog, tiredness, or poor memory. Click For purchase.
External Medicinal Uses
Anti-Swelling Poultice
- Ground root paste is applied to insect bites, swellings, abscesses, and joint pains.
- Often combined with castor leaves or turmeric for added effect.
Skin Cleanser
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Used in bath powders (kuliyal podi) to remove toxins from skin and stimulate skin circulation.
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Spiritual Cleansing Smoke
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Dried root sometimes burned with frankincense and neem to remove negativity and increase focus during rituals.
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Who Can Use Kodiveli Ver?
Healthy Adults
- Suitable when there is sluggish digestion, fatigue, or toxin accumulation.
- Must be used in small doses with expert guidance.
Vatha and Pitha Body Types
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Strongly heating – may aggravate Pitha and Vatha if not balanced with cooling herbs.
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Pregnant Women
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Contraindicated – may stimulate uterine contractions.
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Children and Elderly (Unless Advised)
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Too potent for general use in sensitive age groups. Click For purchase.
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How to Use (With Caution)
Kashayam / Decoction
- 1–2 grams of root boiled in 200 ml of water
- Reduce to 1/3 and take 15–30 ml once daily, preferably before meals.
Powdered Form
- 100–250 mg per dose, mixed with honey or warm ghee.
- Not to exceed dosage; avoid prolonged use without guidance.
Paste for External Use
- Mix with warm water or castor oil and apply to affected area.
- Do not apply on broken or sensitive skin directly without testing.
Precautions
- Always use under supervision of a traditional healer.
- Not for long-term use unless part of a regulated detox or rejuvenation plan.
- Must not be mixed with other strong heating herbs like thippili (long pepper) or black pepper in high quantities.
- Source root only from clean, untreated plants. Click For purchase.
Conclusion
Kodiveli Ver is a revered Siddha root known for its ability to awaken the digestive fire, purify toxins, and re-energize the body and mind. Its deep heating quality makes it a powerful cleanser and life-force activator. Traditionally used in rituals, remedies, and rejuvenation, this root holds a sacred role in Tamil healing wisdom. Used correctly, it offers clarity, vitality, and detox on every level—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
