Heart diseases are on a rise in the modern day life. None of us are exempted from the external and internal attacks on heart. Our modern day life and lifestyle, erratic eating habits, stress, inadequate sleep, metabolic disturbances, inadequate exercise, smoking and drinking habits etc predispose to the manifestation of Hridroga or heart diseases.
According to Ayurveda, Hridaya or heart is not just an organ but is a vital organ (marma), the physical, physiological and emotional damage can lead to loss of life. If Hridaya doesn’t function properly, the other organs and tissues are also affected and damaged due to lack or inadequate supply of nutrition and oxygen.
Hridaya is a chetanasthana (site of life) and is an abode of Para ojus. This part of ojus located in the heart is the basis of life. Though all types of Vayu, Pitta and Kapha are related to Hridaya in terms of nutrition, Hridaya forms a specific site of Prana Vayu, Sadhaka Pitta and Avalambaka Kapha. The imbalance in these 3, leads to structural and functional failure of the Heart (Hridroga).
The medicines or herbs that give strength to Hridaya are called Hridhya Dravya’s / Hridhya Mahakashaya (Cardiac Tonics) Ex: Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Svarna (Gold), Mukta etc. Most of the Hridhya dravyas nourish and support the Avalambaka Kapha and Ojus. Since these 2 natural cardiac buffering agents available around the heart are cold in nature, the Hridhya Dravyas too possess Sheeta veerya (cold potency). These give local stability and strength to heart and enables heart to function smoothly as a pump.
On the contrary, some Ushna Veerya Dravyas (hot potency herbs / drugs) produce heat but provide dynamic energy and force to the heart Ex: Vanapalandu, Karaveeramoola etc.
The 10 best Hridhya Dravyas / Hridhya Mahakashaya’s are as below mentioned:
आम्राम्रातकलिकुचकरमर्दवृक्षाम्लवेतसकुवलबदरदाडिममातुलुङ्गानीति दशेमानि हृध्यानि भवन्ति।{च.सू.४/८/१०}
आम्र – Mangifera indica (Mango)
आम्रातक – Spondias pinnata
लिकुच – Atrocarpus lakoocha
करमर्द – Carissa carandes
वृक्षाम्ल – Tamarindus indica
अम्लवेतस – Garcinia pedunculata
कुवल – Zizyphus sativa
बदर – Zizypus jujube
दाडिम – Punica granatum (Pomegranate)
मातुलुङ्ग – Citrus decumana (Citrus lemon)
Closely viewing, all these are fruits which are enriched amlwith aras a (sour taste) and Vitamin C.
अम्लम् हिद्यानाम्।
Amla Rasa or Sour Taste is said to be good for heart in Ayurveda
The above said 10 drugs or fruits may not be an ideal solution or remedies for Heart related problems either individually or en-mass but are sure to provide strength and increase the efficacy of the heart. There are many formulations, drugs and treatments to combat Hridroga / Cardiac Disorders in Ayurveda. These are not a primary solution. The above said are good for heart and we need to see them in a preventive way.
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
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