Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle. (MEDA)

Meda is one of the ingredients of asta varga and jivaniya gana.  Though the identity is doubtful, at present the roots of P. cirrhifolium are being used for meda by the vaids.  Bhavamisra recommended satavari as the substitute for meda and mahameda.  Some consider younger plant root as meda and older plant root as mahameda.

Botanical description – A herb upto 120 cm high, root stock thick, upper part of the stem creeping; leaves whorls of 4, sessile, linear, acute; flowers purplish tinged with white and green, 2-3 together; fruits blue-black, round berries, red when ripe.  Found in Himalayas at 4000 to 13000 ft.

Part used –  root stock

Uses – Root stock is indicated for fever, sik diseases, debility, respiratory disorders, lactation defects etc.

Note : Polygonatum verticellatum (Linn.) All is used as mahameda.