Arjunarishta is an ayurvedic herbal concoction of the Arjuna bark along with some other natural ingredients aimed at maintaining a healthy heart and keeping optimum blood pressure levels. It is also an effective remedy for chest pain, cardiac problems like congestive heart failure, heart blockage, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiac myopathy, mitral regurgitation (which is a backflow of blood caused by the failure of the heart's mitral valve to close tightly) and asthma.
As the plant is named after the warrior prince “Arjuna”, the formulation is also known as Parthadyarishta, where the term ‘Partha’ is another name of ‘Arjuna’. The holistic science of Ayurveda and several ayurvedic textbooks like Sarangadhar Samhita, Charaka Samhita strongly vouch by this magical tonic as a remedy being used for Hridaya (i.e. heart problems), Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (helps in digestion), Rochana (stimulates appetite), Anulomana (improves breathing), Mutrakrichra (i.e. dysuria), Anaha (i.e. bloating), Mutraghata (i.e. urinary obstruction), Kusthohara (treats skin disease), Shothahara (reduces inflammation).
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Fermented Ayurvedic Formulation For Arjunarishta:
Ingredients:
4kg Arjuna tvak (Terminalia arjuna bark)
800 gm Dhataki pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa flowers)
800 gm Madhuka pushpa (Madhuca indica flowers)
2 kg Mridvika or draksha i.e. dry grapes (Vitis vinifera)
4kg Guda or jaggery
Water for decoction
Method Of Preparation Of Arjunarishta:
The main ingredient arjuna is washed and sun-dried.
It is then powdered and sieved to remove impurities and solid particles.
Separately, the aromatic herbs i.e. madhuka, dhataki and draksha are cleaned, dried, powdered, sieved and kept aside.
The powdered arjuna bark is then immersed in a specific quantity of water and allowed to soak overnight.
In the morning, the decoction is then boiled and reduced to ¼ quantity and passed through a muslin cloth to eliminate impurities.
Add jaggery to the clear decoction, stir it properly and filter to remove solid particles.
Now, pour the decoction in a wide-mouthed vessel, add the powdered aromatic herbs to the filtrate and seal the opening of the container.
Keep it aside in the fermentation room and allow it to ferment.
Keep a check on the fermentation process.
Once the fermentation is done, filter the fermented liquid through a muslin cloth to eliminate solid particles and impurities.
The concoction is then poured in air-tight containers, stored in a cool, dry place and kept for maturation.
Therapeutic Benefits of the Ingredients:
Arjuna:
Coined as the “Guardian of the heart” and named after the famous hero of the epic saga of Mahabharata, the arjuna plant holds immense health benefits. In the Ayurvedic texts of Ashtanga Hridaya, Vagbhata introduces arjuna as a potent remedy for treating wounds, improving cardiac functioning and preventing haemorrhages and ulcers. Also Read: Arjuna: This Herbal Hero Protects Your Heart Health
The spiritual texts of Acharya Nityanandam Shree portray that “Just like how a snake sheds off his skin from time-to-time, the Arjuna tree too sheds small pieces of the wooden bark which can prove to be extremely beneficial for us humans. It strengthens the nerves and boosts the heart’s functioning.”
Arjun which goes by the botanical name Terminalia arjuna belongs to the Combretaceae family. The tree is basically a large-sized evergreen tree that grows to a height of 70-85 ft. It has oblong leaves, pale-yellow flowers, globous woody five winged fruit and a buttressed trunk. Also known as ‘Arjun tree’ in English, ‘thella maddi’ in Telugu ‘marudha maram’ in Tamil, ‘neer maruthu’ in Malayalam, and ‘kumbuk’ in Sinhalese, the tree widely grows in different parts in India and also along the dry river beds of Bangladesh.
According to Theravada Buddhism, the oldest existing school of Buddhism, arjuna is also fabled as the ‘Tree of Enlightenment’, as it is believed to be the tree under which the tenth Anomadassi Buddha achieved wisdom in life.
Also known as Dhavala, Nadisarja, Kakubha, Phalguna, Indradru, Partha, Dhoortha, Bhuruha, Svetavaha, Veerantaka, Veeravruksha in Sanskrit, arjuna is famed as one of the few herbal medicines that have been recognized in not only ayurvedic remedies but also homeopathy and modern-day medications.
With a host of active chemical constituents like arjunic acid, arjunollic acid, arjunetin, arjunones, and other glycosides and tannins, apart from promoting heart health, this plant holds high significance in treating Kshayahara (i.e. chronic respiratory disorders), Prameha (i.e. diabetes), Kshata (i.e. wounds), and Medohara (i.e. removes fats).
Dhataki:
The medicinal herb has potent therapeutic benefits. The immune-modulatory action helps it to boost the immune system and promote overall health. It is used for healing skin infections and wounds. It plays a key role in treating piles, diarrhoea, dysentery, leucorrhoea, headache, and diabetes. The flowers and roots of this herb are used for treating rheumatism, foot and mouth diseases and lumbar and rib fractures.
Madhuka:
Also known as ‘butter tree’, Madhuka is a nutritious source for maintaining the healthy functioning of the human organ system. The floral extracts from the Madhuca indica tree soothe skin inflammatory conditions and provide relief from itching and burning sensation from burns, scalds, and eczema. It is also useful in removing catarrhal matter as well as phlegm from the bronchial tubes and thus prevents respiratory diseases.
Mridvika or Dry grapes:
Mridvika, also known as draksha is actually a dry form of grapes. Being a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, grapes are useful for the treatment of heart ailments, eye problems and cancer. They are also known to help relieve constipation, hypertension, diabetes, anaemia, fever, acidosis, weight gain etc. Also Read: 5 Reasons Why You Should Relish The Queen of Fruits
Guda or Jaggery:
The addition of gur or jaggery to this formulation not only gives a sweet taste to the syrup but also helps the formulation undergo the fermentation process. Known to be a powerful health booster, guda helps in bolstering immunity, preventing constipation, aiding in digestion, providing relief from joint pain, anaemia, etc. It also eases menstrual cramps and promotes healthy blood pressure and heart functioning.
What Are The Benefits And Therapeutic Uses Of Arjunarishta?
Arjunarishta For Promoting Cardiac Functioning
The main ingredient arjuna is renowned for improving heart efficacy. The potent bio-active constituents present in the arjuna bark extracts improve the left ventricular function of the heart. The tonic hence is extremely effective in treating various heart ailments due to its strong antioxidative nature. It strengthens the heart muscles, prevents the deposition of plaque in the blood vessels and also averts the formation of atherosclerosis (i.e. hardening of the arteries), and hence reduces the risk of heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, mitral regurgitation, ischemic cardiomyopathy etc. It also plays a key role in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the body.
How To Administer Arjunarishta For The Following Heart Problems?
Cardiac Arrhythmia:
The hypotensive and inotropic effects of the bark extract of the arjuna plant increases coronary arterial flow. The cardiotonic property enhances the sarcoplasmic reticulum functions of the heart and minimises arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders. Ayurveda suggests administering the tonic along with either of the herbal formulations like Jawahar Mohra, Kamdudha Ras, or Yakuti Rasayana for treating irregular heartbeat. Also Read: Arrhythmia: Don’t Ignore Irregular Heartbeats, Get Help
The tonic is highly effective for both bradycardia and tachycardia.
In the case of bradycardia, which refers to a slowing of heartbeat, arjunarishta can be taken alongside Yakuti Rasayana or Jawahar Mohra in an appropriate dosage for faster treatment.
And In the case of tachycardia, which refers to a faster pace of heartbeat, the magical tonic can do wonders when ingested along with Jawahar Mohra Pishti, Mukta Pishti, Prabal Pishti or Gulkand.
Arjunarishta For Relieving Urinary Disorders
The formulation is a potent remedy for treating urinary disorders like urinary incontinence, painful urination, and burning sensation while urinating. When the medicine is taken by infusing it with cow’s milk, it not only reduces the pain and burning micturition but also stimulates proper urination. Being a mild diuretic, it also treats dysuria. The host of anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties prevents urinary infections. Also Read: Urinary Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Arjunarishta For Improving Kidney Functions:
The traditional formulation promotes the healthy functioning of the kidneys by aiding in the excretion of excess uric acid and upholding proper uric acid level in the kidneys, thereby preventing or treating gout. The anti-lithiasis property of this decoction prevents the formation of kidney stones, helps to break or reduce the size of the formed ones and thus prevents various underlying health conditions like polycystic kidney disease, kidney stones, and cystitis. It is also beneficial in managing diabetes and hence combats underlying symptoms like frequent urination.
Arjunarishta For Treating Respiratory Anomalies:
Arjunarishta is an effective ayurvedic remedy for all sorts of Kapha aggravating disorders. Infused with aromatic herbs, this tonic is an ultimate medication for treating respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, COPD, cough and cold symptoms. It also helps in removing phlegm deposits from the respiratory tract and provides relief from cough and congestion. Regular intake of this tonic strengthens the lung tissues and improves lung health.
Arjunarishta For Male Fertility:
This powerful concoction obtained from arjuna bark and other aromatic herbs play a crucial role in improving male fertility. The powerful spermatogenic properties that are extremely beneficial for treating oligospermia (i.e. low sperm count), asthenozoospermia (i.e. sperm motility), and enhances spermatogenesis (i.e. sperm production). The tonic, being a natural antioxidant improves the production of male hormones like testosterone and luteinizing hormone and treats conditions like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It also boosts male stamina and libido.
Arjunarishta For Managing Blood Pressure:
Arjunarishta syrup acts as a natural antihypertensive agent which normalises the blood pressure levels and keeps it under check. It is extremely pivotal in both high and low blood pressure conditions. By improving the heart functions, it enhances cardiovascular endurance which brings the blood pressure to a stable level and maintains balanced readings.
How To Administer Arjunarishta For The Different Blood Pressure Conditions?
High Blood Pressure/ Hypertension:
Arjunarishta holds high importance in managing systolic blood pressure. Thanks to the cardio-tonic property of arjuna, the tonic alone is beneficial enough in treating mild to moderate hypertension conditions and also prevents pre-hypertensive activity.
But in severe conditions, when administered along with either Sarpagandha powder, Jahar Mohra Pishti, Mukta Pishti or Pana Pishti, the combined effect provides quick relief.
Low Blood Pressure/ Hypotension:
In case of a fall in blood pressure for an extended time period, the tonic shows higher efficacy when consumed along with either Ashwagandha Powder, or Vishamushti Vati, infused with milk. Also Read: Hypotension: 5 Best Home Remedies To Maintain Blood Pressure
Effect On Doshas:
Arjuna showcases Kashaya (astringent) and Madhura (sweet) Rasa. It is blessed with Laghu (light) and Rukshna (dry) gunas. It has Shita Virya (cold potency) and Katu Vipaka (pungent metabolic property). The herbal ingredients in the powerful tonic aggravate the Vata (air) doshas and balance the Pitta (fire and air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas. Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Therapeutic Dosage:
The effective therapeutic dosage may vary from person to person depending upon the age, severity, and condition of the patient. Consultation from an ayurvedic doctor is a must, as he or she will thoroughly examine the indications and prescribe the correct dosage for a specific time period.
The herbal concoction is safe enough to be taken by children, adults and the elderly. The minimum effective dosage may vary between 12-24 ml once or twice a day, preferably after having a meal. It can be taken raw or administered along with luke-warm milk or water.
Adverse Effects Of Arjunarishta:
The herbal concoction is an absolute remedy for a host of ailments. Thanks to the goodness of arjuna and the aromatic herbs, the tonic doesn’t portray any side effects.
It is strictly advised for pregnant women and lactating mothers to consult an ayurvedic doctor before taking any other ayurvedic medications as it may interact with other ongoing medicines and affect the foetus or may get secreted along with milk. Overdosage without doctor’s consultation can also cause abdominal pain, indigestion, vomiting, high blood pressure, low blood sugar, acidity, burning sensation, headache, dizziness and drowsiness.
People consuming diabetes supplements should ask their doctor before taking this syrup as it contains jaggery and overconsumption can spike the blood sugar levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arjunarishta Include Alcohol?
Arjunarishta being an arishtam type ayurvedic formulation is known to contain alcohol which is self-generated, or it comes out of the ingredients being used during the fermentation process.
Is Consumption Of Arjunarishta Safe For Children?
Since Arjunarishta contains self-generated alcohol, it should be strictly considered to consult an ayurvedic practitioner or doctor before using it on children.
Do You Need To Follow A Particular Diet While Taking Arjunarishta?
Although there are no special instructions to be observed while taking this medication unless notified by the treating physician, it is advised to curtail the consumption of spicy food, junk food, and aerated drinks as all of these tend to increase heart issues.
Can Arjunarishta Reduce Cholesterol?
Imbued with anti-hyperlipidemic (cholesterol controlling) quality, Arjunarishta may help diminish the levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
Can Arjunarishta Cause Acidity?
The presence of self-generated alcohol in Arjunarishta can sometimes exacerbate the Pitta dosha and cause acidity and other gastric anomalies if taken in excess. One can take this formulation by diluting it with water to minimize the chances of gastric troubles.
Conclusion
Arjunarishta is a traditional herbal remedy sanctified with umpteen health benefits. It holds high significance in treating chest pain, cardiac problems like congestive heart failure, heart blockage, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiac myopathy, etc. The extensive health benefits of the various herbs used in this formulation also increase its therapeutic efficacy in treating respiratory issues. If taken in the proper dosage, one can steer clear of the side effects and enjoy the countless health benefits.
