Clinical Significance of Rasa preparation in management of disease
Introduction
Ayurveda is a science which originated 5000 years ago, which is known for its holistic approach to words treating, curing & preventing aspects. It comprises a unique branch which mainly deals with the preparation of Ayurvedic medicine, i.e. Rasa shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana. Rasa shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana comprise two identities. First Rasa shastra i.e. study of Parada (Mercury) along with those metals and minerals and its preparation is called Rasa aushadhis which are indicated in many diseases. The other is Bhaishajya Kalpana, which mainly deals with pharmaceutics, i.e. preparation of Curna, Kasaya, Vati etc. Which include herbal or Herbo mineral products. Rasa shastra illustrates many metals and minerals, including poisonous plants like Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox), Bhallataka (Seme carpus anacardium), Gunja (Abras precatorius) etc. There are mainly 4 types of Rasa kalpas i.e. Kharaliya, Parpati, Kupipakwa, Pottali Kalpana along with that a Bhasma, incinerated product of metals and minerals. These play an important role in treating diseases. The significance of rasa preparation in the management of disease lies in its ability to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic action, this can be achieved by proper purification & preparation makes them easy for assimilable by the body for better absorption and utilization for its healing activities.

Importance of Rasaushadhis
अल्पमात्रोपयोगित्वात् अरूचेरपसंगतः ।
क्षिप्रमारोग्यदायित्वात् औषधेभ्य़ोअधिको रसः ।।
- Rasaushadhis show quick action even in a minimal dose.
- Targeted drug delivery.
- Efficient drug release.
- Ability to cross the blood brain barrier.
Significant action of Rasaushadhis in diseases
Metabolic disorders like Diabetes millets, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Obesity, these are root causes for many other diseases. Rasaushadhis like Vanga, Tamra, Swarna makshika bhasmas, Shiva gutika etc. Play a significant role by correcting the metabolism of the body providing long term relief by managing the symptoms. Endocrine disorders like Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, PCOD etc. Rasaushadhis help to regulate hormonal imbalance giving the desired effects. Best example Shilajatu, containing fulvic acid increases the absorption of iron which is essential to metabolize thyroid hormone. Other examples like Swarna vanga, Chandraprabha Vati, Praval pishti, Vasant Kusumakar rasa etc.
Neurological disorders like Sciatic, Epilepsy, Alzheimer, Bell’s Palsy, Neuralgia Neuromuscular related conditions like Myasthenia gravis, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease etc. Rasaushadhis help to restore nerve conduction, promoting and enhancing the process of endogenous remyelination, act as an immunomodulator and neuroprotective by further reducing the disability. Example; Tamra Bhasma, Brihat Vata Chintamani Rasa, Rasa Raja Rasa, Ekanga Veera Rasa, Swarna Bhasma, Abhraka Bhasma etc.
Respiratory diseases like Asthma, Bronchitis, chronic cough etc. Rasaushadhis act as bronchodilators and expectorants by expelling the phlegm, congestion. Rasaushadhi has antihistamine properties which helps to relieve cold, runny nose and strengthens the respiratory system. Rasaushadhis like Swasa Kutara Rasa, Haratala Bhasma, Rasasindura, Shata Puti Abhraka Bhasma, Samira Pannaga Rasa, Kapha Ketu Rasa etc. Helps in the management of respiratory disease.
Skin diseases like Eczema, Psoriasis, SLE, Acne Voulgaris, Dermatitis, etc. Rasaushadhis have antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties, these help to relieve from itching redness, burning sensation, inflammation and helps to improve the skin condition by promoting wound healing action and restoring the normal texture of the skin. One best Example is Gandhaka Rasayana which contains purified Sulphur along with medicated herbs helps in reducing itching redness and has distinct keratolytic property that is why it is very much effective in treating psoriatic conditions.
Chronic diseases like Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis etc. Rasaushadhis act as anti-inflammatory which helps to relieve pain inflammation condition also helps in preventing further deterioration of joints and helps to rejuvenate by strengthening the joint structure. Example; Simhanada guggulu, Yoga raja Guggulu, Kaishora Guggulu etc.
Rasaushadhis also act as
- Boosting Immunity; Rasaushadhis helps to strengthen immunity by enhancing the body’s defense mechanism, improve the resistance power against the infection and various diseases and act as immunomodulator in chronic diseases.
- Strengthens the digestive system; Rasaushadhis are believed to be Deepana i.e. it increases the Agni (Digestive fire), which is important for digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
- Rejuvenation and Anti-aging; Rasaushadhis helps to slow down the aging process by restoring the tissue damage, improving cellular function. Overall promoting human wellbeing.
- Strengthens mental health; Rasaushadhis strengthens memory power by improving mental stability, focusing, by calming the mind, which is most useful in anxiety, depression, insomnia etc.
Ayurvedic home remedies
They play an adjuvant role in enhancing the activity by increasing its assimilation and absorption of rasa preparation and also help in detoxification of the rasa preparation. The best example is Dugdha (Milk) which is given along witha Gandakha rasayana which helps to enhance its activity and also detoxify. Amalaki and Haridra churna with honey along with Swarnakshika Bhasma is the most useful in diabetic conditions. Darbha juice is taken along with Gokshuradi guggulu used in Renal stones. Gumutra taken along with Navaka guggulu is useful in Hyperlipidemia, Obesity conditions. This home remedies useful in many conditions when taken along with rasa preparation gives desired effect in diseases.
Apart from intake of medicine it important to modify our lifestyle by following Ayurvedic principle
- Dinacharya is a basic routine step that includes yoga and meditation, exercise – strengthens the body. Insomnia, depression, anxiety,
- Massage (abhyanga) with herbal oil which nourishes the skin. Which helps to prevent skin diseases.
- Kavala and Gandusha i.e. gargling & oil pulling which helps to strengthen the jaw & teeth. Which is useful in Trigeminal neuralgia, dental cavity, and also helps to strengthen the face muscles.
- Diet and Nutrients; balanced diet plays a very important role in maintaining health and management of diseases through proper diet. It’s very important to include all Shad rasa i.e. sweet, sour, salt, astringent, pungent, bitter. Which helps to balance the doshas bringing out normalcy.
Classical Therapies
Panchakarma, includes Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Rakta Mokshana.
- In case of endocrinal disorders that are kaph Gatha vyadhis, Vamana is the major line of treatment.
- Pitta janya vyadhi, respiratory disease virechana is the best line of treatment.
- Vata janya vyadhi, Chronic diseases like Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis etc. Basti is the best line of treatment.
- In the case of Dushita Rakta, Rakta Mokshana is the choice of treatment.
- Mental disorders like anxiety, depression, insomnia shirodhara is the best line of treatment.
Conclusion
Conclusion can be drawn as rasaushadhis is the best choice for the management of diseases. Rasaushadhis are also best used in emergency conditions because rasaushadhis are independent of Dosha, Dushya, Kaala, Rogi. Shodhana therapy and Samanaushadhis should go hand in hand along with Pathya (Diet) in disease conditions which gives a desired effect.
January 21, 2019
What is The Treatment and Prevention of Hypothyroidism in Ayurveda?
Overview
Thyroid disorders are very common and tend to occur in persons of all age groups. The global incidence of thyroid disorders are increasing as the thyroid gland easily responds to the factors such as- stress and anxiety.
According to World Health Organization, about 2 billion people are iodine deficient worldwide. The iodine deficiency causes goiter and severe iodine deficiency causes Hypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland is a small and butterfly shaped gland that is situated in front of the neck. The function of thyroid gland is to produce two hormones: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxin) and calcitonin. But, strictly speaking, T3 and T4 are proper thyroid hormones.
What are the functions of thyroid gland?
It is a vital hormone gland which plays a role in metabolism, growth and development of human body. It helps in regulating many body functions by secreting steady amounts of thyroid hormones into the blood stream.
- The thyroid gland is responsible for providing energy to every organ of the body.
- It controls the heart rate.
- It also controls metabolism. Therefore, it is also responsible for the functioning of digestive system.
What is Hypothyroidism?
- Hypothyroidism refers to any state that results in the deficiency of thyroid hormone including hypothalamic or pituitary disease. It refers to generalized tissue resistance to the thyroid hormone. It is also known as underactive thyroid. It affects women more frequently than men.
What are the causes of Hypothyroidism?
The balance of chemical reactions in the body gets upset when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
Risk factors
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or type 1diabetes.
- Heredity
- History of exposure to radiation to the neck or upper chest
What are the signs and symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
In the early stages, there are no noticeable symptoms of hypothyroidism. Its signs and symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the disease as this problem tends to develop slowly.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Muscle weakness
- Pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints
- Irregular or heavier menstruation in women
- Thinning hair
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Impaired memory
- Goiter (Enlarged thyroid gland)
- Elevated blood cholesterol level
- Muscle ache, tenderness and stiffness
What are the causes of Hypothyroidism according to Ayurveda?
- If we try to have a keen insight to the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism according to the principles of Ayurveda, it is basically caused due to the dysfunctioning of Agni. It is caused due to the weak metabolic fire (Jatharagni), which in turn affects Dhatavagni and brings out pathological sequence and ultimately the diseased condition develops.
- Looking into dosha imbalance, all the doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha are vitiated with the predominance of Rasa-vaha, Medo-vaha and Mamsa-vaha doshas which are considered as the root cause of disease.
- Treatment: In spite of many advances in modern medicine, the management of Hypothyroidism still remains unsatisfactory. There is a need to search out safe, effective and natural remedies. Such remedies could be explored from the huge treasure of Ayurveda.
Home Remedies for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism
Turmeric Milk:
- Turmeric milk is an effective home remedy for hypothyroidism. Take boiled milk with turmeric regularly.
Bottle Gourd’s Juice:
- Take 1 glass of bottle gourd juice regularly on an empty stomach in the morning.
Tulsi and Aloe vera
- Mix 2 spoons of juice of Tulsi leaves and half spoon of aloe Vera juice and take this mixture regularly. This remedy is quite effective for hypothyroidism.
Red Onion:
- Cut red onion into two halves and massage on thyroid gland before going to bed but do not wash the neck region after massaging.
Coriander:
- Coriander water is an effective remedy for treating hypothyroidism. Take fresh coriander leaves and grind them. In a glass of water, add 1 spoon of grinded coriander leaves and drink this water.
Ashwagandha Powder:
- Add 1 spoon of ashwagandha powder in a glass of warm milk and drink it before going to bed.
Pranayam
- Ujjayi Pranayama is quite effective in hypothyroidism. This pranayama calms the mind and relieves mental stress as well.
Avoid:
- Common salt should be avoided. It is a common myth that common salt contains iodine but the fact is that common salt does not contain iodine. Use only rock salt or black salt in the diet.
What are the Best Herbal Remedies for hypothyroidism?
Planet Ayurveda offers best combination of effective herbal remedies for the treatment of hypothyroidism such as Hypothyroid Care Pack. These herbal remedies are prepared according to the principles of Ayurveda and are safe to use.
Hypothyroid Care Pack of Planet Ayurveda consists of:
- Chandraprabha Vati
- Hakam Churna
- Gugullipid
- Gotukola
1.Chanderprabha Vati:
- Planet Ayurveda’s Chandraprabha Vati is prepared using the ingredients as prescribed in Ayurvedic classical texts. Chandraprabha Vati helps in the proper functioning of thyroid gland and also helps in maintaining healthy weight as well. This medicine helps in reducing swelling in the thyroid gland. Thus, this tablet helps to maintain thyroid gland in a natural way without causing any side effects.
Dose: 2 tablets twice daily.
2.Hakam Churna:
- Hakam Churna is a wonderful combination of herbs which is useful in all the inflammatory conditions and helps in indigestion as well. It is considered as a “Tridoshic Rasayana”. It balances all the three doshas of the body. This combination of herbs help in boosting the digestive fire thus works on the root cause of hypothyroidism. It also improves energy thus relieves fatigue as well.
Ingredients of Hakam Churna
Sr. No. |
Botanical Name | Common Name | Quantity |
1. | Lepidium sativum | Chandershoor | 25 gm |
2. | Nigella sativaa | Kalonji | 25 gm |
3. | Trigonella foenum graecum | Methi | 25 gm |
4. | Trachyspermum ammi | Ajwain | 25 gm |
Dose: 1 tablespoon twice daily with plain water.
3.Guggullipid:
- Planet Ayurveda’s Guggullipid Capsules are prepared from the standardized extracts of Guggul (Commiphora mukul). It is known to have a strong effect on the thyroid gland. It regulates the functioning of thyroid gland and also increases the metabolism of fats thereby helps in managing weight gain also.
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water.
4.Gotukola Capsules
- Planet Ayurveda’s Gotukola Capsules are prepared from the standardized extracts of the herb Centella asiatica. This herb is known for reducing stress and anxiety and also useful in circulation. Thus, this herb is useful in restoring the hormonal imbalance.
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily.