The freezing winter season marks a high rise of seasonal flu, cough, cold and sore throat while depreciating the body’s natural immune response to a significant extent. Yes, home remedies and herbal kadhas are sure to go a long way and provide relief from the above-mentioned symptoms, but if you want a surer antidote to improve your innate immunity, or to help deal with a whole lot of upper respiratory tract infections and also boost the functions of the lungs, then the age-old technique of Ayurveda brings you an incredible remedy in the form of Agasthya Rasayanam.
What Is Agasthya Rasayanam?
Agasthya Rasayana a.k.a Agastya Haritaki Rasayana is an Ayurvedic medicinal linctus that was concocted by the great sage named Agasthya and is deemed one of the best Rejuvenators owing to its multiple benefits for the body. It is sanctified with powerful anti-inflammatory and antitussive herbs that work in synch to help enhance the immune system.
It is primarily used as a good tonic for the lungs and is useful for diseases of the upper respiratory tract like the common cold, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinus infection (sinusitis), cough, sore throat, asthma, dyspnoea, tuberculosis, bronchitis etc. It is well-known to rid the body of mucus and diminish inflammation, and can help relieve coughing and wheezing as well. Moreover, it can be used to remedy hay fever and associated symptoms. Additionally, it is also beneficial in abdominal diseases including loss of desire to eat, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis and haemorrhoids, and even provides a significant remedy for hair fall, skin problems, hiccups, irregular fevers, heart diseases etc.
How To Prepare Agasthya Rasayanam?
Ingredients:
Praksepaka Dravya (main components):1 kudava (192gms) Pippali Choorna (Piper longum powder)
1 kudava (192gms) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
1 Adhaka (3.720 gms) Yava (Hordeum vulgare)
Sohatam (100 nos) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
5 adhaka (18.600 ml) Jala (Water)
Madhura Dravya (Sweetening Components):
1 tula (4.800 gms) Guda (Jaggery)
1 kudava (192gms) Madhu (Honey)
Drava Dravya (Liquid Components):
1 Kudava (192ml) Thila Thailam (Sesame Oil)
1 Kudava (192ml) Ghrutam (Cows Ghee)
Kashaya Dravya (Decoction components):
Dashamoola 2 pala (96 grams) each of:
- Bilwa (Aegle marmelos)
- Agnimantha (Premna obtusifolia)
- Gambhari (Gmelina arborea)
- Shyonaka (Oroxylum Indicum)
- Pathala (Stereospermum suaveolens)
- Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum)
- Prushnaparni (Uraria picta)
- Bruhati (Solanum Indicum)
- Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpous)
- Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
Hasti pippali (Scindapsus officinalis)
Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera)
Pippali moola (the root of Piper longum)
Swayamgupta/Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens)
Shankapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
Shati (Hedychium spicatum)
Bala (Sida cordifolia)
Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)
Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum)
Pushkaramoola (Inula racemosa)
Method:
Wash and sun-dry all the herbs seperately
Boil the herbs under Kashaya dravya in the specified quantity of water, until the grains of Yava (barley) become soft
Strain the decoction to remove the herb parts
Now, fry the extract of 100 haritaki fruits along with jaggery, ghee, sesame oil and powdered pippali until it turns golden brown
Add the fried pulp of haritaki to the decoction and heat it till it attains a thick consistency like a linctus
Once the avaleha cools, add honey and mix it properly
Preserve it in amber-coloured glass bottles for future use
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Medicinal Properties of Agasthya Rasayanam
Agasthya Rasayanam is consecrated with the following healing properties.
- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-allergic
- Immunomodulator
- Antitussive
- Mucolytic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Aam Pachak (Detoxifier)
- Antioxidant
- Carminative
- Digestive Stimulant
- Mild laxative
- Febrifuge
- Cardiotonic
- Rejuvenator
Ayurvedic Indications Of Agasthya Rasayanam
This extraordinary formulation has been used for treating various bodily problems since archaic times and is mentioned in several Ayurvedic scriptures like Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita, Sarangadhar Samhita, Raj Nighantu, etc for the following indications:
- Kapha-Vata hara (treats Kapha and Vata irregularities)
- Kasahara (Relieves cough)
- Kantya (relieves sore throat)
- Anulomana (improves breathing)
- Ama nashak (removes toxins)
- Svasha hara (treats asthma)
- Jwara hara (reduces fever)
- Amahara (treats indigestion)
- Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)
- Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties)
- Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
- Pachana (helps in digestion)
- Rochana (stimulates appetite)
- Kupachan (prevents bloating)
- Agnimandya (prevents indigestion)
- Gulma (treats abdominal tumours)
- Grahani (treats irritable bowel syndrome)
- Jvara (useful for fever)
- Shonitasthapana (prevents bleeding)
- Pandu (treats skin disorders)
- Raktadoshahara (blood purifying)
- Vran Ropana (heals wounds)
- Vamanopaga (treats emesis)
- Varnya (improves complexion)
- Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms)
- Hridaya (treats heart problems)
- Rochana (stimulates appetite)
- Hikkanigrahana (treats incessant hiccups)
- Triptighno (relieves pseudo-satiation)
- Balya (increase strength)
- Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body)
- Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorder)
- Ashmari (treats urinary calculi)
- Mutrakrichra (treats dysuria)
- Dahahara (treats burning sensation)
- Mutraghata (treats urinary obstruction)
- Udara (treats haemorrhoids)
- Vishama jwara (treats intermittent fever)
- Meha/Prameha (treats diabetes)
- Vali (prevents wrinkles)
- Palita (prevents untimely greying of hairs)
- Varna ayu bala vardhana (bequeaths colour, lifespan and strength)
Health Benefits of Agasthya Rasayanam
Relieves Common Cold
The change of seasons from autumn to winter comes with a list of health woes of its own. And one of the most dominant infections that arise during this time is fever and respiratory infection due to the common cold virus. Additionally, fever indicated with recurrent coughs can cause a lot of discomforts and prevent a peaceful good night’s sleep while making you feel weary and exhausted. Being rich in anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and expectorant traits, this ayurvedic proprietary formulation holds high importance in treating the common cold, fever, incessant cough and flu symptoms. It not only staves off the runny nose, sneezing, stridor, nasal congestion and irritation but also lessens inflammation and irritation of the nasal mucosa, which eventually provides relief from most of the common cold symptoms. It is also highly effective in dealing with asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, hay fever and other respiratory abnormalities.
Also Read: Respiratory Health: 5 Incredible Herbs To Boost Your Lung Power
Remedies Sore Throat
A sore, inflamed throat is one of the most familiar manifestations associated with the common cold. Prescribed doses of Agasthya Rasayanam, significantly reduce irritation, throat pain, and cough associated with a sore throat. It is also extremely useful to scourge away white deposition on the throat and tongue or when it becomes itchy and has no burning sensation.
Combats Infections
Fueled with influential antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic qualities, this incredible herbal linctus plays a key role to ward off various infectious conditions. The bio-active elements of the aromatic herbs in use work wonders in uplifting immunity and preventing bacterial infestation. It not only helps to ameliorate the risk of various bacterial and fungal infections like fever, tuberculosis, dengue, etc. but also wards off allergic conditions on the skin.
Also Read: Bolster Your Ojas: 5 Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs That Keep You Healthy & Fit
Appeases Fever
Enhanced with potent analgesic, antipyretic and temperature-reducing characteristics, Agasthya Rasayanam is significant in managing and treating different types of fever. The anti-pruritic nature not only lessens the body temperature and treats intermittent and high fever but is also useful against fever arising from the common cold, flu and influenza.
Aids In Cardiac Functioning
The extensive cardio tonic trait of the herbs present in this formulation plays a vital role in treating a host of heart ailments. It calms the cardiac system, by soothing the mind, which is extremely helpful for patients suffering from arrhythmias and palpitations. It holds high importance in fortifying the heart muscles, reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood and preventing lipid accumulation, which in turn diminishes the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, etc.
Also Read: Top 10 Superfoods For A Healthy Heart
Slows Ageing Process
Agasthya Rasayanam is well known for its regenerative effects. Not only does it assist in tissue restoration and regeneration but also owing to the potent antioxidant essence of the various herbs used in this formulation, it shields the body against cellular damage, and hence arrests the ageing process in the tissues of the heart, lungs, liver, and skin. The presence of powerful antioxidants guards the body against free radical damage and retains a balanced ratio of calcium in the bones making one stronger.
Skin Augmentation
Hallowed with antioxidant properties, Agasthya Rasayanam is a blessing to attain spotless radiant skin. It helps in protecting the skin from oxidative radical damage due to the harmful UVA and UVB rays, which in turn diminishes the risk of the various signs of ageing like wrinkles, spots, fine lines, dark circles, etc. The abundance of anti-inflammatory herbs in the concoction also decreases allergic conditions like acne, pimples, zits, fine lines, and blemishes and staves off various other skin infections.
Alleviates Hair Problems
Agasthya Rasayanam has been a boon for stimulating hair growth since ancient times. Owing to the intrinsic anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory traits, the formulation treats a host of scalp and hair infections like folliculitis, itching and dandruff. It also nurtures the hair follicles with essential nutrients, boosts blood circulation and fortifies the hair strands from the roots to the tips. By regulating the secretion of the stress hormone, it also staves off hair fall and breakage due to stress and anxiety.
Cures IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome, a.k.a Grahani in Ayurveda mainly occurs due to excessive consumption of food particles which are difficult to digest, unhealthy dietary choices, intake of foods low on nutrients, intake of foods that cause allergy, overeating, eating at irregular timings, and other physical and mental factors like emotional problems, stress, etc. IBS can induce both diarrhoea and constipation. The use of pippali, haritaki and other powerful herbs in Agasthya Rasayanam makes it a perfect choice for treating this painful disease. This herbal formulation not only deters constipation but also reduces bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain etc.
Also Read: Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 5 Incredible Ayurvedic Herbs To Relieve IBS
Averts Acidity And Gastritis
Secretion of an exorbitant amount of acids in the stomach might be extremely upsetting and cause discomfort throughout the day. Enriched with strong herbal ingredients, Agasthya Rasayanam is highly beneficial for treating acidity and gastritis. It significantly moderates the secretion of hydrochloric acid and other acids in the stomach and maintains the appetite at an optimum level. It also diminishes indications like heartburn, burning in the throat, stomach, and abdomen. Regular consumption of this ayurvedic linctus in prescribed doses remedies stomach acidity and other associated symptoms as well.
Also Read: Gastritis Diet: Here’s What You Should Eat And Avoid, To Ease Stomach Inflammation
Treats Piles
Piles or Haemorrhoids is a painful condition depicted by the formation of enlarged blood vessels inside or around the anus (the opening of your bottom). Because of the sedentary lifestyle adopted by most people in today’s times, this painful condition has become one of the most common issues arising due to chronic constipation. Agasthya Rasayanam helps to manage constipation effectively, by reducing strain around the anus and allowing easy flow of stool through it, thus preventing the formation of piles.
Alleviates Urinary Disorders
Imbued with a dominant anti-inflammatory and diuretic disposition, Agasthya Rasayanam is a powerful remedy for treating urinary disorders like painful micturition, urinary incontinence, and burning sensation while urinating. It boosts the production of urine by breaking the stones in the urinary tract and thus offers solace from painful urination. The presence of mild diuretics or Mutral herbs in this formulation also assists in treating dysuria and other urinary infections.
Effect On Doshas:
The bioactive components of the herbs present in this formulation pacify the Kapha (earth and water) doshas and Vata (air) doshas extensively and often an excess of it can aggravate the Pitta (fire and air) doshas. Depending upon the intrinsic properties and doshas, Agasthya Rasayanam has an optimistic effect on the lungs, stomach, liver, and respiratory tract.
Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Dosage Of Agasthya Rasayanam:
The effectual therapeutic dosage of Agasthya Rasayanam usually varies from one person to another depending upon their age, physical strength, effects on digestive fire, and stringency of the condition. It is strongly suggested to consult an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner as he or she would evaluate the patient’s indications, and past medical conditions and prescribe an effective dose for the specific period.
Adults: 10 – 20 gm, along with warm water or honey, twice a day immediately after meals or as suggested by the ayurvedic doctor or health care provider.
Side Effects Of Agasthya Rasayanam
Formulated using immense health-promoting herbal ingredients, Agasthya Rasayanam is effective in prescribed doses. But if it is consumed in excess or without prior consultation with a doctor, it can lead to side effects including loose stool, heartburn, gastric irritation, and a burning sensation in the abdomen due to the presence of Haritaki. When it is consumed with milk, heartburn and a burning sensation in the abdomen can be evaded, but loose stools can still occur.
Precautions
Although it can be used during pregnancy and lactation without proper research and credible information on the effects of the various herbs used in it during pregnancy or lactation period, it is strictly recommended that pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avert using this humble avaleha without medical supervision.
Conclusion
This amazing immune-boosting traditional concoction enriched with a plethora of natural herbal components has umpteen health incentives. Be it warding off cough and cold, asthma, boosting immunity, providing relief from sore throat and sinusitis or promoting digestion, remedying skin and hair problems, or deterring constipation, gastritis, or piles Agasthya Rasayanam does it all. Consume this powerful ayurvedic formulation during the flu season to safeguard your body from various infectious diseases.
