Amalaki series – 1. Amalaki or Emblica officinalis – “Package of goodness” in a small fruit

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis / Phyllanthus emblica) or Indian gooseberry (Emblic Myrobalan) is a divine plant even as the Indian mythology or history is considered. Ayurveda – the oldest system of medicine on Earth has been using Amalaki since ages for its unparalleled medicinal, healing and rejuvenative properties.

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Amalaki are regarded as the best Rasayana’s (Rejuvenation medicines).

रक्तपित्तप्रमेहघ्नं परं वृष्यं रसायनम्॥

हन्ति वातं तदम्लत्वात्पित्तं माधुर्यशैत्यतः।

कफं रूक्षकषायत्वात्फलं धात्र्यास्त्रिदोषजित्॥ {भा.प्र.नि}

 According to Ayurveda, any process of disease sets in due to the contamination of one or more of the 3 Doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta or Kapha and their subsequent attack on the tissues. Amalaki has a unique property of controlling and balancing all the Doshas and thus balancing the dynamics of Body-mind health.

Pic1: Amalaki fruit and plant

Action of Amalaki on Tri-Doshas:

According to Bhavaprakasha Nigantu –

• Amalaki balances (mitigates) the vitiated Vata due to its Amla Rasa (Sour Taste)
• Amalaki counteracts Pitta due to its Madhura (Sweet taste) and Sheeta (Cold) nature which are antagonistic to Pitta
• Amalaki also controls the vitiated Kapha by the virtue of its Ruksha (Dryness) and Kashaya (Astringent taste) nature which are antagonistic to Kapha

Health Benefits of Amalaki:

Amalaki is the best:

• Rasayana – Rejuvenator
• Vrishya – Aphrodisiac

Amalaki is said to effectively ward off:

• Raktapitta – Bleeding disorders
• Prameha – Diabetes Mellitus and Urinary Disorders

Acharya Charaka tells that Amalaki has almost all the properties of Haritaki with the exception of Veerya (potency) – Haritaki is Ushna veerya (Hot potency) and Amalaki is Sheeta Veerya (Cold potency). Thus let us consider the benefits of Haritaki in this context as said by Charaka (Cha.Chi.Sth.1/1-25-36) since they also belong to Amalaki

Properties, Qualities and Medicinal uses of Amalaki according to Charaka:

हरीतकीं पञ्चरसामुष्णामलवणां शिवम्।

दोषानुलोमनीं लघ्वीं विध्याद्दीपनपाचनीम्॥

आयुष्यां पौष्टकीं धन्यां वयसः स्थापनीं परम्।

सर्वरोगप्रशमनीं बुद्धीन्द्रियबलप्रदाम्॥

कुष्ठं गुल्ममुदावर्तं शोषं पाण्ड्वामयं गदम्।

अर्शांसि ग्रहणीदोषं पुराणं विषमज्वरम्॥

हृद्रोगं सशिरोरोगमतीसारमरोचकम्।

कासं प्रमेहमानाहं प्लीहानमुदरं नवम्॥

कफप्रसेकं वैस्वर्यं वैवर्ण्यं कामलां क्रिमीन्।

श्वयथुं तमकं छर्दिं क्लैब्यमङ्गावसादनम्॥

स्रोतोविबन्धान् विविधान् प्रलेपं हृदयोरसोः।

स्मृतिबुद्धिप्रमोहं च जयेच्छीघ्रं हरीतकि॥

तान् गुणांस्तानि कर्माणि विध्यादामलकीष्वपि।

यान्युक्तानि हरीतक्या वीर्यस्य तु विपर्ययः॥ {च.चि.स्था.१/१-२५-३४, ३६}

 Properties of Amalaki:

• Pancharasa – Amalaki has 5 tastes among the 6 explained in Ayurveda. They are: Sweet (Madhura), Sour (Amla), Hot (Katu), Bitter (Tikta) and Astringent (Kashaya)
• Sheeta Guna – Cold in nature
• Laghu Guna – Light
• Vipaka (Post DIgestion Effect) – Madhura (Sweet)

Special qualities of Amalaki

• Shivam – Auspicious and good in all aspects
• Doshanulomanam – Propels Doshas in downward direction for elimination
• Deepanam-Pachanam – Good in kindling the metabolic fire (appetizer), aids digestion and metabolism, Digests ama (metabolic wastes) and prepares tehm for elimination
• Aayushyam – Good for life, enhances the life quality of each and every cell
• Poushtikam – Nutritive
• Dhanya – The person taking Amalaki regularly lives a disease free life devoid of any fear and thus is blessed
• Vaya Sthapana – Enhances and establishes the life span of an individual (and of every individual cell also)
• Sarvaroga prashamaneem – Alleviates many diseases
• Buddhi-indriya-balapradam – Strengthens brain, intellect and senses

Medicinal uses of Amalaki

Amalaki when taken individually or in combination with other beneficial and compatible compounds is said to alleviate the below said diseases effectively:

Pic2: Amalaki fruits

• Kushta – Skin ailments
• Gulma – Abdominal tumors
• Udaavartam – Retrograde movement of Doshas and body components
• Shosham – Depletion of tissues, Consumption
• Pandu – Anaemia, Effects of blood loss
• Arsha – Piles / Haemorrhoids
• Grahani dosha – Metabolic errors of small intestine, Sprue, Irritable bowel, Malabsorption
• Purana Jwaram – Chronic fevers
• Vishama Jwaram – Inconsistent fevers of chronic nature
• Hridroga – Heart disorders
• Shiro Roga – Diseases pertaining to head
• Atisaram – Diarrhoea
• Arochakam – Anorexia
• Kasa – Coughs
• Prameha – Diabetes, Urinary disorders
• Aanaaha – Flatulence, Bloating
• Pleeha – Spleno-Hepatomegaly
• Udaram – Abdominal disorders of recent onset
• Kaphaprasekam – Excessive salivation, Water-brash
• Vaisvaryam – Disorders of voice
• Vaivarnyam – Discolouration of body due to various diseases and causes
• Kaamalam – Jaundice and other liver related diseases
• Krimi – Worm infestations
• Shvayathu – Swelling and inflammation
• Tamakam – Dyspnoea, Breathing disorders, Asthma
• Chardi – Vomiting
• Klaibyam – Impotency, Sexual disorders
• Angaavasaadanam – Fatigue syndrome
• Vividha srotovibandhaan – Removes many blocks in the cells and channels of the body
• Hridaya-urasaha-pralepam – Heavyness and a constricted feeling in the chest and region of heart
•  Smriti pramoha – Diseases affecting the memory process
• Buddhi pramoha – Diseases affecting the intellect

Isn’t the list enough to tell us that this small fruit comes in with a whole “package of goodness”?

Amalaki is not only used in curing many diseases but is more often used in the prevention of diseases.

Amalaki can be individually administered as a single entity or as a part of a compound. Ayurveda makes adequate use of Amalaki in various preparations especially Rasayana’s (Rejuvenators) and Vajikarana’s (Aphrodisiacs), It is used in wet (juice) and also in dry (powder) form.

Amalaki is the riches source of Vitamin-C and is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-ageing agent.

Medical research has established the anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-arthritic properties of Indian Gooseberry

Amalaki is a simple explanation of a bumper offer where it is quoted “Take 1 get 2 free”…wrong….here we change the quote of the offer and write as “Take1 Get 99 free”…..Wanna miss this one!!!!!!!!!!!

‘Prevention is better than Cure’ is an old saying and it holds good even as we go ahead in civilization and become more and more scientific….

Pictures:

Pic1: Courtesy: www.frlht.org 

Pic2: Courtesy: www.cuidavida.com

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Skype: raghuramsastry1973

Ayurveda Basics: Adhaaraneeya Vega 5: Trishna or Thirst, Symptoms of forcible control, Treatment……

On “World Water Day” let us pledge to use water sensibly….

http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/events/en/

Symptoms of forcibly controlling or holding back the impending urge to drink water or Thirst:

All of us feel thirst…and that is a normal phenomenon. But attending the thirst is very important for health and maintenance of normal body functions.

Loss of water or want of water is reflected in the form of thirst. We regularly have loss of body water in the form of urine, sweat and stools. Thirst is an indication for us to fulfil the loss and compensate the water body. All we need to do when we have a thirst reflex is to drink water…just water and not beverages or anything. Eating is also contra-indicated by Ayurveda in the presence of thirst.

Holding on to the urge for drinking water or withholding thirst may lead to symptoms of dehydration and many other complications.

The list of symptoms which can manifest when we control the impending thirst (according to Ayurveda) are enumerated below:

कण्ठास्यशोषो बाधिर्यं श्रमः सादो हृदि व्यथा।

पिपासानिग्रहात्तत्र शीतं तर्पणमिष्यते॥{चरकसंहिता सूत्रस्थानम् ७/२१}

शोषाङ्गसादबाधिर्यं संमोहहृद्गदाः।

तृष्णाया निग्रहात्तत्र शीतः सर्वो विधिर्हितः॥(अष्टाङ्गहृदयं सूत्रस्थानं ४}

कण्ठास्यशोषः श्रवणावरोधस्तृष्णाभिघाताद्धृदये व्यथा च। तृष्णाघाते पिबेन्मन्थं यवागूं वापि शीतलाम्।{सुश्रुतसंहिता उत्तर.५५}

• कण्ठशोषः – Dryness of the throat
• आस्यशोष – Dryness of the oral cavity
• श्रवणावरोध / बाधिर्य – Deafness
• संमोह – Loss of consciousness / Giddiness
• हृदये व्यथा / हृद्गदाः  – Pain in the chest or Heart Pain / Heart disorders
• श्रमः – Tiredness
• अङ्गसाद – Reduced body activities (reflects dehydration)
• शोष – Depletion of tissues

 

 Treatment principles in Trishna avarodhajanya vikara / Trishnaja Udavarta (Diseases caused due to forcible control thirst):

• शीतं तर्पणं – Cold Nourishing drinks
• शीतः सर्वो विधिर्हितः – Cold –Foods / Drinks / Activities / Medicines / Treatments etc                 
• शीत मन्थ – Cold churned drinks
• शीत यवागू – Cold gruels

Many of us are so occupied in the mechanics and dynamics of life that we do not find time to attend simple nature calls from the body like thirst, hunger, urination and defecation. We do not prioritize these urges or reflexes and focus on our works. When this goes on to become a habit, the held back reflexes damage tissues and organs and cause various diseases.

Water is a basic need and when your body demands water…just drink it…It just takes less than a minute to do this…..

Spread this message on “World Water Day”

Drink Water and Be Healthy…...All your cells, tissues and organs need it…so do YOU…..

 Click to read the introduction of Adhaaraneeya Vegas

https://drraghuramys.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/ayurveda-concepts-adhaaraneeya-vegas-admire-the-expressions-of-the-body-to-maintain-perfect-health/

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

For Health Awareness

By: Dr Raghuram Y.S. 

MD(Ayurveda)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

                                                                                                                                                                                               Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Straight from Samhita’s: Kantya Mahakashaaya – The Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Voice promoters

कण्ठाय हितं कण्ठ्यम्।{यो}

कण्ठस्थितस्वराय हितं कण्ठ्यम्।{ग}

Characteristic features of a Kantya dravya:

Kantya dravyas (Voice promoters) are those drugs which are beneficial for:

• Kanta – Throat
• Kantasthita svara – Voice located in the throat

To sum up all those drugs which are beneficial for throat or voice are called Kantya dravyas. They help in correcting the voice in voice related diseases. They cure hoarseness of throat or sore throat.

Svarabheda (diseases of voice) are caused due to vitiation of all the 3 doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) but are predominantly caused by the vitiated kapha. The Kantya dravyas mainly combat and destroy the morbid kapha. Thye also helps in liquification of phlegm and mucus and helps in their expulsion, thus clearing the throat of its congestion and hoarseness.

Acharya Charaka, in Charaka Samhita has enlisted 10 such drugs which are extremely beneficial for throat and voice and act as voice promoters. They are as listed below:

 सारिवेक्षुमूलमधुकपिप्पलीद्राक्षाविदारीकैटर्यहंसपादीबृहतीकण्टकारिका इति दशेमानि कण्ठ्यानि भवन्ति।{चरकसंहिता सूत्रस्थनाम् ४/८–९}

1. सारिवा – Hemidesmus indicus
2. इक्षुमूल – Roots of Saccharum officinarum (Sugar cane roots)
3. मधुक – Glycyrrhiza glabra
4. पिप्पली – Piper longum
5. द्राक्षा – Vitis vinifera (Raisins)
6. विदारी – Ipomoea paniculata
7. कैटर्य – Myrica nagi
8. हंसपादी – Adiantum lunulatum
9. बृहती – Solanum indicum
10. कण्टकारिका – Solanum xanthocarpum

Most of our activities depend on communication and the communication depends on the voice display. If we have voice related problems or diseases we might just be frustrated because we have never learnt to live without using our voice.

So when you think of rehabilitating your voice…think natural….and when you think natural you are obviously thinking of Ayurveda…….

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

For Health Awareness

By: Dr Raghuram Y.S. 

MD(Ayurveda)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

                                                                                                                                                                                               Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Straight from Samhita’s: Varnya Mahakashaaya – The Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Colour and Complexion promoters

Those medicines or herbs which bring about and establish the original colour and complexion of an individual are called Varnya Dravyas (Colour and complexion promoters).

Bhrajaka Pitta (type of Pitta) is responsible for the manifestation of our colour in the Avabhasini (upper layer of the skin) Tvacha. The colour and complexion is governed by the Bhrajaka Pitta. Qualitative and quantitative variations of Bhrajaka Pitta or Bhrajaka agni will bring about change in the colour and complexion of an individual. This may be influenced by a number of factors which include diet and lifestyle, exposure to extremes of climate, toxins and chemicals, skin infections etc.

These influencing factors vitiate Pitta which leads to its increase or decrease. This variation of Pitta leads to abnormal manifestations of the skin and many skin diseases. The vayu and kapha also when vitiated will have a bad influence on the Bhrajaka Pitta and cause Blackish and White appearance of the skin respectively.

The vitiated Pitta also vitiates Rakta (blood) which is its chief abode. This contaminated blood too can cause disorders pertaining to skin, its colour and complexion. Raktalpata or Anaemia also will cause pallor of the skin.

The VARNYA DRAVYA’S will be very beneficial in all the above said diseases in which there is a pathological change in colour and complexion. They help in correcting the pathogenesis and establishing the original and natural colour and complexion. These drugs chiefly will correct the vitiated Pitta (balances pitta) and also detoxify the blood and hence act as colour and complexion promoters.

Acharya Charaka has mentioned 10 such Varnya Dravyas under the heading Varnya Mahakashaaya’s. They are as mentioned below….

चन्दनतुङ्गपध्मकोशीरमधुकमञ्जिष्ठासारिवापयस्यासितालता इति दशेमानि वर्ण्यानि भवन्ति।{चरकसंहिता सूत्रस्थानम् ४/८–८}

1. चन्दन {श्वेत चन्दन} – Santalum album
2.  तुङ्ग {नागकेशर} – Calophyllum inophyllum
3. पध्मक {पध्मकाष्ठ} – Prunus cerasoides
4. उशीर – Vetiveria zizanioides
5. मधुक – Glycyrrihiza glabra
6. मञ्जिष्ठा – Rubia cordifolia
7. सारिवा – Hemidesmus indicus
8. पयस्या {क्षीरविदारी} – Impomoea paniculata
9. सिता {श्वेत दूर्वा} – Cynodon dactylon (White variety)
10. लता {श्याम दूर्व} – Cynodon dactylon (Black variety)

So, when you want to look beautiful and when you desire to get back that lost colour and lustre in you…think and try natural….and when you think natural…..nothing better than Ayurveda…….

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

For Health Awareness

By: Dr Raghuram Y.S. 

MD(Ayurveda)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

                                                                                                                                                                                               Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Straight from Samhita’s: Balya Mahakashaaya – The Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Vitality / Strength promoters or Tonics

The drugs which increase the vitality and strength of the body are called Balya Dravyas. Increase in vitality and strength also depicts an increase in immunity. Bala is said to be the function of Oja (essence of body tissues in the body depicting the immunity of an individual). The strength and vitality of the body remain intake due to the oja. The stability, quality and quantity of oja depends on the quality of tissues formed and maintained in the body. Thus the bala, oja and dhatu (tissues) are interdependent. Thus it can be inferred that the Balya drugs have an impact on all these parameters governing the smooth functioning of the body.

In the absence of bala, the body functions deteriorate and gradually come to a halt, thus destroying the body. Balya drugs intermediate this process, provides vitality to the body, makes it strong and thus avoids the destruction of body and its tissues.

The balya dravyas can be classified into 2 categories:

General Balya Dravyas: these contribute to the enhancement of the strength and vitality of all the organs and tissues in totality. Ex: Kapikachchu, Shatavari etc. These drugs enhance the quantity of the tissues. This inturn leads to the increase in the quantity of ojas. The increase of ojas provides an increase in the vitality to the body.

Specific Balya Dravyas: These drugs increase the strength and vitality of specific organs. Ex: Tikta Dravyas (Bitter drugs) for stomach, Arjuna for Heart, Kashaayamla for Muscles, Kupeelu for Spinal cord, Tagara for Nervous system, Loha for Blood etc.

Charaka has mentioned 10 best Natural Vitality promoters under the heading Balya Mahakashaaya. They are as said below:

ऐन्द्रय्रृषभ्यतिरसर्ष्यप्रोक्तापयस्याश्वगन्धास्थिरारोहिणीबलातिबला इति दशेमानि बल्यानि भवन्ति।{चरकसंहिता सूत्रस्थानम् ४/८-७}

1. ऐन्द्री – Baccopa monnieri
2. ऋषभी – Mucuna pruriens / Fagonia cretica / Mucuna monosperma
3. अतिरसा (शतावरी) – Asparagus racemosa
4. ऋष्यप्रोक्ता (मांसपर्णी) – Argyreia petaloides
5. पयस्या (क्षीरविदारी / काकोलि) – Roscoea procera
6. अश्वगन्ध – Withania somnifera
7. स्थिरा (शालपर्णी) – Uraria picta
8. रोहिणी (कटुकी) – Picrorrhiza kurroa
9. बला – Sida cordifolia / Sida rhombifolia
10. अतिबला – Abutilon indicum

So, when you are banking on increasing your strength, immunity and vitality….think natural….and when you think natural…none other than Ayurveda…..

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

For Health Awareness

By: Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ayurveda)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

                                                                                                                                                                                               Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Straight from Samhita’s: Deepaneeya Mahakashaaya – The Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Digestives / Stomachics

What is Deepana?

पचेन्नामं वह्निकृञ्च दीपनं तद्यथा मिशिः।{शार्ङ्गधर}

दीपनाय वह्नेरुद्दीपनाय हितम्।{गङ्गाधर}

दीपनम् अन्तराग्नेः संधुक्षणं तस्मै हितं दीपनीयं।{यो.र}

’दीपनमग्निभूयिष्ठं तत्समानत्वात्” {र.वै.४}

Characteristics of a Deepana drug:

• Any drug or medicine which kindles the fire (agni) or the digestive fire is called Deepana
• Deepana drugs improves the digestion and are good for Stomach.
• While the Deepana drugs kindles the fire and initiates hunger and interest in taking food and also helps in digestion, they do not help in processing or digesting the ama (intermediated products of digestion or metabolites in the organs or tissues).
• Deepana drugs are predominant in Agni mahabhoota (fire element) and both have same characteristics.

Acharya Charaka has enumerated 10 such drugs which act like natural appetizers, digestants and stomachics under the heading Deepaneeya Mahaakashaaya….

पिप्पलीपिप्पलीमूलचव्यचित्रकश्रृङ्गवेराम्लवेतसमरिचाजमोदाभल्लतकास्थिहिङ्गुनिर्यासा इति दशेमानि दीपनीयानि भवन्ति॥{चरकसूत्रस्थानम् ४/८–६}

1. पिप्पली – Piper longum
2. पिप्पलीमूल – Roots of Piper longum
3. चव्य – Piper chaba
4. चित्रक – Plumbago zeylanica
5. श्रृङ्गवेर – Zingiber officinale
6. अम्लवेतस – Garcinia pedunculata / Rheum emodi
7. मरिच – Piper nigrum
8. अजमोदा – Carum roxburghianum
9. भल्लतकास्थि – Semecarpus anacardium
10. हिङ्गुनिर्यासा – Ferula foetida / Ferula narthex

According to Ayurvedic basics – All the systemic disorders have their origin from a disturbed agni or metabolism. This quote seems to be apt to todays lifestyle wherein we hire many of our diseases quickly and suddenly even without our knowledge because of our erratic food schedules. The quality, quantity and timing of food has been erratic in the modern run-run generation.

When your stomach is upset or whenever you suffer from mild to moderate anorexia / indigestion or tastelessness, try to combat them when they are still in an immature form. If they are allowed to develop, they will lower our immunity and cause many diseases or we will easily become susceptible for diseases.

When you think of getting rid of your digestive impairments…think natural….& when you think natural…..it needs to be Ayurveda……………

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

For Health Awareness

By: Dr Raghuram Y.S. 

MD(Ayurveda)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

                                                                                                                                                                                               Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Ayurveda Basics: Adhaaraneeya Vega 4: Sneeze reflex, Symptoms of forcible control, Treatment……

Sneeze is a natural reflex coming out as a response to various stimulating and irritating stimuli. The stimuli which can cause sneeze differs from one person to the other. Continuous sneezing or regular sneezing is a symptom of some systemic disease or a local nasal disease. Similarly not sneezing at all is also abnormal. Sneezing is also a natural cleansing mechanism trough which the body tries to detoxify itself. Unwanted dust particles and pathogens are thrown out through sneeze.

Concept of sneeze in Ayurveda:

संस्पृश्य मर्माण्यनिलस्तुमूर्ध्नि विष्वक्पथस्थः क्षवथुं करोति।{चरकसंहिता चिकित्सास्थानम् २६}

According to Charaka “The vitiated vayu traversing all through the channels of the head on touching the Marmas (vital points in the nose) in the nose produce Kshavathu or Sneeze”

घ्राणाश्रिते मर्मणि सम्प्रदुष्टे यस्यानिलो नासिकया निरेति।

कफानुयातो बहुशः सशब्दस्तं रोगमाहुः क्षवथुं विधिज्ञाः॥{सुश्रुत उत्तर २२}

Susruta explains the pathogenesis of Kshavathu in a similar way with some new material “When the vitiated vayu in the head rushes into the nose along with kapha and disturbs the already afflicted / debilitated Marmas it produces discharges along with sound and this condition is called Kshavathu”

Symptoms of forcibly controlling or holding back the impending sneeze reflex:

मन्यास्तम्भः शिरःशूलमर्दितार्धावभेदकौ।

इन्द्रियाणां च दौर्बल्यं क्षवथोः स्याद्विधारणात्॥{चरकसंहिता सूत्रस्थानम् ७/१६}

भवन्ति गाढं क्षवथोर्विघाताच्छिरोऽक्षिनासाश्रवणेषु रोगाः॥{सुश्रुत उत्तर ५५}

• मन्यास्तम्भः – Cervical Pain / Spondylosis / Neck Stiffness
• शिरःशूलः – Headache
• अर्दित – Facial Paralysis
• अर्धावभेदक – Hemicrania or Migraine
• इन्द्रियाणां दौर्बल्यं – Weakness or disorientation of the sense organs (Structural or functional debility)
• शिरोऽक्षिनासाश्रवणेषु रोगाः – Diseases of the head, eye, nose and ears (Susruta)

Treatment principles in Kshavathu avarodhajanya vikara / Kshavathuja Udavarta (Diseases caused due to forcible control of sneeze):

तत्रोर्ध्वजत्रुकेऽभ्यङ्गः स्वेदो धूमः सनावनः।

हितं वातघ्नमाध्यं च घृतं चौत्तरभक्तिकम्॥{चरकसंहिता सूत्रस्थानम् ७/१७}

तीक्ष्णधूमाञ्जनाघ्राणनावनार्कविलोकनैः।

प्रवर्तयेत्क्षुतिं सक्तां स्नेहस्वेदौ च शीलयेत्॥{अष्टाङ्गहृदय सूत्रस्थानम् ४}

•  अभ्यङ्गः – Abhyanga: Medicated massages {Abhyanga and Swedana are very important therapies in managing vitiated vayu as they are antagonistic to the nature of Vayu (&kapha)}
• स्वेदो – Swedana: Medicated steaming or Sudation
• स्नेहस्वेदौ (vagbhata) – Also indicates the combined use of medicated massages and sudation
• धूमः – Inhalation of medicated fumes / तीक्ष्ण धूम (vagbhata) – Strong or intense medical fumigation
• नावनः – Nasal instillation of medicines
• वातघ्नम् अन्नं  – Vata alleviating diet
• औत्तरभक्तिकम् घृतं – Consumption of medicated Ghee after the food
• तीक्ष्ण अञ्जन (vagbhata) – Strong or intense collyriums
• अर्कविलोकन (vagbhata) – Standing and seeing the sun

 

 

 According to Vagbhata: तीक्ष्ण धूम, तीक्ष्ण अञ्जन, अर्कविलोकन should be administered to initiate the sneeze reflex

Click to read the introduction of Adhaaraneeya Vegas

Ayurveda Concepts: Adhaaraneeya Vega’s – Admire the expressions of the Body to maintain Perfect Health…

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

For Health Awareness

By: Dr Raghuram Y.S. 

MD(Ayurveda)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

                                                                                                                                                                                               Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Straight from Samhita’s: Bhedaneeya Mahakashaaya – The Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Purgatives

Defecation is a normal process and it should be an easy affair on a daily basis. If the bowels get cleansed easily and in totality, the first thing in the morning we will feel fresh and the life seems to be easy. Normal defecation is a natural detoxification which keeps the body functions going easily and also keeps the mind and senses light, relaxed and de-stressed. Today’s lifestyle and erratic food patterns, lot of stress is making these natural mechanisms troublesome. Today most of the people need a laxative or a purgative to keep their bowels moving easily.

Virechana or therapeutic defecation or purging is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment. It is a part of Shodhana (cleansing measures) and Panchakarma (5 major therapies). It is much more than a bowel cleanser. Virechana as a course or on a daily basis is used in the treatment of many psycho-somatic illnesses wherein detoxification is mandatory. Virechana is also used as a preventive medicine. Thus Ayurveda advocates Virechana as a curative and also preventive medicine. Depending on the strength of the diseases and the condition of the patient, Virechana drugs of different strengths are used.

Generally Virechana is said to be a remedy for excessive Pitta and the diseases manifested due to pitta. But Virechana is also a best medicine / treatment for Vayu and Kapha also.

What is Virechana?

दोषहरणमधोभागं विरेचनसज्ञकम्।{चरकसंहिता कल्पस्थानम् १}

विपक्वं यदपक्वं वा मलादि द्रवताम् नयेत्।

रेचयत्यपि तज्ज्ञेयं रेचनं त्रिवृता यथा॥{शार्ङ्गधर}

According to Charaka: “Anything (drug/medicines) which removes or expels the Dosha’s (vitiated Dosha’s and excreta including the cellular toxins) in a downward direction (through the anal route) is called Virechana or Adhobhagahara.”

  According to Sharangdhara: “Rechana or Virechana dravya is that which liquefies the Pakva (formed) or apakva (unformed) Malaadi doshas (stools and other unwanted excreta and endotoxins) and expels them through the anal route. Example-Trivrit”

Mode of action of Virechana Drugs:

विरेचनद्रव्याणि पृथिव्यम्बुगुणभूयिष्ठानि, पृथिव्यापो गुर्व्यः ताः गुरुत्वादधो गच्छन्ति तस्माद्विरेचनमधोगुणभूयिष्ठमनुमानात्।{सुश्रुतसंहिता सूत्रस्थानम् १४}

The Virechana Dravya’s are predominant in the Prithvi (Earth) and Jala (Water) elements. By nature the Prithvi and Jala are heavy(gurutva) and tend to move downwards with gravity. Therefore, the Virechana dravyas also possess the quality of moving downwards. This justifies the mode of action of Virechana dravyas.

गुरुत्वम् चेह प्रभावविशेषाधिष्ठितं त्रिवृतादिसमवेतं ग्राह्यं न तु गुरुत्वमात्रम्, अन्यथा मत्स्यपिष्टान्न मसूरादीनां विरेचकत्वम् स्यात्।{चक्रदत्त}

Virechana is also considered to occur due to Prabhava (basic and specific nature of that drug to cause purgation or laxation along with the downward moving tendency) and not merely on the basis of Gurutva (gravity or downward movement due to heavy nature). Chakradatta clarifies that inspite of having the Gurutva property all the drugs do not cause Virechana. Example: Fish, dishes prepared from flour, etc are basically heavy in nature but do not cause Virechana. This indicates that Prabhava (basic purgative nature) is also required for the drugs like Trivrit etc to cause Purgation.

What is Bhedana?

मलादिकमबद्धं वा यद्बद्दं पिण्डितं मलैः।

भित्त्वाऽधःपातयतितद्भेदनं कटुकी यथा॥{शार्ङ्गधर}

Bhedana is one of the forms of Virechana. Bhedana is to break or split. Drugs which break the consistency of the stools and wastes (excreta) are called Bhedana dravyas. They break the consistency of the obstructed and adhered excreta and also that which is not adhered. They also cut through the Kapha and other doshas getting adhered in the body passages hampering the smooth functioning. They not only break the consistency of the stools and doshas, they also expel them from the anal route. Breaking the consistency of the wastes is essential because it facilitates their expulsion. Ex: Katuki.

Acharya Charaka in Chapter 4 of Sutra Sthana mentions 10 such purgative drugs under the heading Bhedaneeya Mahakashaaya. They can be used individually or in permutations and combinations as per the recommendation of an expert Ayurveda doctor.

The 10 Bhedaneeya Dravyas based on their excellence in their Purgative qualities are as said below:

सुवहार्कोऽरुबूकाग्निमुखीचित्राचित्रकचिरबिल्वशङ्खिनीशकुलादनीस्वर्णक्षीरिण्य इति दशेमानि भेदनीयानि भवन्ति।{चरकसंहिता सूत्रस्थानम् ४/८–२}

1. सुवहा – Operculina turpethum
2. अर्क – Caltropis gigantea
3. उरुबूक – Ricinus communis
4. अग्निमुखी – Gloriosa superba
5. चित्रा – Baliospermum montanum
6. चित्रक – Plumbago zeylanica
7. चिरबिल्व – Holoptelia integrifolia
8. शङ्खिनी – Canscora decussate
9. शकुलादनी – Picrorrhiza kurroa
10. स्वर्णक्षीरी – Argemone Mexicana

 

It is important to keep our bowel track clean and clear for the smooth functioning of the body and all the cells, for good immunity and energy. You can take a course of Virechana once in a while at your leisure. You can take it even when you are healthy and happy. Virechana detoxifies your system of many endotoxins and stress chemicals. It enhances the life span and working capacity of your cells. You will feel in rhythm with your age and enjoy the best essence of your health. Experience Viechana…and be healthy.

So when you are aiming about detoxification or purgation….think about natural ways…..& when you are going a natural way………..think about Ayurvedic way………..

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

For Health Awareness

By: Dr Raghuram Y.S. 

MD(Ayurveda)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Straight from Samhita’s: Lekhaneeya Mahakashaaya – The Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Weight Reducing Drugs / Revulsives

For extremely health and figure conscious people, weighing scale is one of the favourite things which show its presence in the vicinity. Many people are obsessed with their weight management and they keep mounting the scale every now and then. Over weight and obesity has become a global epidemic, thanks to the modern day luxuries, lifestyle, stress, food and sophistications at easy disposal. Things have been so easy that we need not do anything, things will happen. Overweight problems and obesity apart from being of utmost cosmetic importance, are a point of worry since they give origin to many metabolic & psycho-somatic disorders. Obesity management is also a trendy business for medical professionals and some profit seeking & experimenting non-professionals also.

Ayurveda has many good options towards total holistic approach of Obesity management. One among them is the classical reference of Lekhaneeya Mahakashayaa’s mentioned in Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana. They are 10 very effective drugs which have a tendency and efficacy of scraping down the excess of fat and muscle tissue which are contributing towards weight gain. They can be used either individually or in combinations. It goes in various permutations and combinations as per requirements of different personalities.

यत्किंचिल्लाघवकरं देहे तल्लंघनम् स्मृतम्।{चरक सूत्रस्थानम् २२}

Anything which debilitates your body or causes thinning and also brings about lightness in the body is called Langhana.

LEKHANA (to scrape) or Karshana (to cause thinning) are the synonyms of Langhana

धातून् मलान् वा देहस्य विशोष्योल्लेखयेञ्च यत्।

लेखनं तद्यथा क्षौद्रं नीरमुष्णं वचा यवाः।{शा}

That which removes or scrapes out the excessive tissues or wastes (toxins and excreta including those accumulated in the cells) is called Lekhana. Example: Honey, Hot water, Vacha (Acorus calamus) Yava (Barley) etc.

लेखनमनिलानलभूयिष्ठम्।{सुश्रुत सूत्रस्थानम् ४१}

The Lekhaneeya Dravyas (Emaciating or weight reducing drugs) are predominantly made up of Vayu (Wind) and Agni (Fire) elements. Both these can deplete the accumulated wastes and unwanted tissues. They are mainly antagonistic to the muscle tissue which is predominant in Prithvi (earth) and Jala (water) elements and thus scrape out the excessive muscle tissue bringing about thinness & lightness of the body resulting in weight reduction.

The 10 Lekhaneeya Dravyas based on their excellence in their Weight reducing qualities are as said below:

मुस्तकुष्ठहरिद्रादारुहरिद्रावचातिविषाकटुरोहिणीचित्रकचिरबिल्वहैमवत्य इति दशेमानि लेखनीयानि भवन्ति॥{चरक सूत्रस्थानम् ४/८–३}

1. मुस्त – Cyperus rotundus
2. कुष्ठ – Saussurea lappa
3. हरिद्रा – Curcuma longa
4. दारुहरिद्रा – Berberis aristata
5. वचा – Acarus calamus
6. अतिविषा – Aconitum heterophyllum
7. कटुरोहिणी – Picrorrhiza kurroa
8. चित्रक – Plumbago zeylanica
9. चिरबिल्व – Holoptelia integrifolia
10. हैमवती – Paris polyphylla

So when you are aiming about reducing your weight….think about natural ways…..& when you are going a natural way………..think about Ayurvedic way………..

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

For Health Awareness

By: Dr Raghuram Y.S. 

MD(Ayurveda)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Ayurveda Basics: Adhaaraneeya Vega 1: Apana Vayu or Flatus, Symptoms of forcible control, Treatment……

Symptoms of forcibly controlling or holding back the impending flatus:

सङ्गो विण्मूत्रवातानामाध्मानं वेदना क्लमः।

जठरे वातजाश्चान्ये रोगाः स्युर्वातनिग्रहात्॥{चरक सूत्रस्थानम् ७/१२}

आध्मानशूलौ हृदयोपरोधं शिरोरुजं श्वासमतीव हिक्काम्।

कासप्रतिश्यायगलग्रहांश्च बलासपित्तप्रसरञ्च घोरम्।

कुर्यादपानोऽभिहतः स्वमार्गे हन्यात् पुरीषः मुखतः क्षिपेद् वा॥{सुश्रुतसंहिता उत्तर ५५}

• Obstruction of stools (constipation), urine and flatus
• Distension of abdomen, Flatulence and Bloating: The function of lower vayu i.e. Apana Vayu (among many other functions) is to eliminate the stools, flatus and urine regularly without any difficulty. The vitiated Apana Vayu causes obstruction to the normal excretion. Due to this obstruction once again there is a reverse effect over the Apana Vayu. Since its normal passage is obstructed it tends to move in the opposite direction and hence moves upwards. This upward movement of Vayu causes Aadhmana or Distension / flatulence / bloating.
• Pain in the abdomen (belly) and in the region of urinary bladder (due to distension / flatulence)
• Tiredness even without exertion
• Other disorders due to disturbed vayu: Pain in abdomen, Gurgling sounds in the belly, variable appetite and digestion, gaseous distension etc.

 Symptoms according to Susruta:

• Distension of abdomen
• Pain in the abdomen
• Feeling of obstruction (pressure symptom) in the region of heart
• Headache
• Severe trouble in breathing
• Hiccup
• Cough
• Nasal discharges
• Feeling of choking in the throat
• Severe displacement of pitta and kapha
• Stools coming upwards towards mouth (in severe obstruction)

 Treatment principles in Apana vayu avarodhajanya vikara / Apana Vayuja Udavarta (Diseases caused due to forcible control of flatus):

स्नेहस्वेदविधिस्तत्र वर्तयो भोजनानि च।

 

पानानि बस्तयश्चैव शस्तं वातानुलोमनम्॥{चरक सूत्रस्थानम् ७/१३}

• Snehana-Swedana: Oleation (External and internal administration of medicated lipids, mainly ghee, oil or both) along with Medicated fomentation (therapeutic sweating). Snehana and Swedana are very important therapies in managing vitiated vayu as they are antagonistic to the nature of Vayu.
• Varti: Medicated suppositories to facilitate the free movement of Apana Vayu and thereby bring about easy elimination of flatus, urine and stools
• Vaatanulomana Bhojana-Pana: Food and Drinks which can expel the obstructed Vayu in the downward direction, hence relieving the obstruction. Here the food and Drinks are processed with drugs which are antagonistic to Vayu
• Basti: Medicated enemas

Click to read the introduction of Adhaaraneeya Vegas:

Ayurveda Concepts: Adhaaraneeya Vega’s – Admire the expressions of the Body to maintain Perfect Health…

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

For Health Awareness

By: Dr Raghuram Y.S. 

MD(Ayurveda)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

                                                                                                                                                                                               Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com