Siddha Medicine
One of the world's oldest medical systems, originating in Tamil Nadu, using metals, minerals, and plants to restore the body's elemental balance.
South India & Tamil Nadu
History & Philosophy
Origins
Siddha medicine originates in Tamil Nadu, South India, and is considered among the oldest medical systems in the world, traditionally attributed to a lineage of mystic-saints known as Siddhars.
Core philosophy
Siddha shares Ayurveda's concern with elemental and humoral balance but is distinctive for its use of processed minerals and metals (muppu) alongside plants, and its emphasis on kalpa — rejuvenation practices aimed at extending vitality and longevity.
Practiced today
Siddha is formally recognized under India's AYUSH ministry, with dedicated colleges, government hospitals, and licensed practitioners, remaining especially prominent in Tamil-speaking regions of South India and Sri Lanka.
Herbs, foods & remedies
195 herbs traditionally used within Siddha Medicine — most often for Skin Health, Digestive Issues, Fever.
Aadathodai (Malabar Nut)
Adhatoda zeylanica
Aavaaram Poo (Tanner's Cassia)
Senna auriculata
Adathodai (Malabar Nut)
Adhatoda vasica
Agathi (Hummingbird Tree)
Sesbania grandiflora
Ajwain (Omam)
Trachyspermum ammi
Aloe Vera (Katrazhai)
Aloe vera
Amla (Nelli)
Phyllanthus emblica
Arali (Oleander)
Nerium oleander
Arani (Clerodendrum)
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Areca Nut (Pakku)
Areca catechu
Arjuna (Marudhampattai)
Terminalia arjuna
Ashwagandha (Amukkura)
Withania somnifera
Atthi (Cluster Fig)
Ficus racemosa
Bael Fruit (Vilvam)
Aegle marmelos
Balloon Vine (Mudakathan)
Cardiospermum halicacabum
Banana Flower (Vazhaipoo)
Musa paradisiaca
Bhringaraj (Karisalankanni)
Eclipta prostrata
Bibhitaki (Thanrikkai)
Terminalia bellirica
Bitter Gourd (Pavakkai)
Momordica charantia
Boswellia (Parangi Sambrani)
Boswellia serrata
Brahmi (Vallarai)
Centella asiatica
Cardamom (Elakkai)
Elettaria cardamomum
Castor Root (Amanakku)
Ricinus communis
Celastrus (Valuluvai)
Celastrus paniculatus
Chaste Tree (Vennochi)
Vitex negundo
Chebulic Myrobalan (Kadukkai)
Terminalia chebula
Chukku (Dried Ginger)
Zingiber officinale
Cinnamon (Pattai)
Cinnamomum verum
Climbing Brinjal (Sundaikkai)
Solanum torvum
Clove (Kirambu)
Syzygium aromaticum
Coriander (Kothamalli)
Coriandrum sativum
Country Mallow (Thuthi)
Sida cordata
Cumin (Seeragam)
Cuminum cyminum
Curry Leaf (Karuvepilai)
Murraya koenigii
Dill (Sathakuppi)
Anethum graveolens
Drumstick (Murungai)
Moringa oleifera
Dry Ginger (Sukku)
Zingiber officinale
Elumichangai (Lime)
Citrus aurantifolia
Embelia (Vaayuvilangam)
Embelia ribes
Erumai Thalai (Buffalo Thistle)
Sphaeranthus indicus
Showing the first 40 of 195 — use “See all” above for the full, filterable list.