It is necessary to eat healthily and maintain a balanced lifestyle while pregnant, but it is equally crucial to take care of your health postpartum. A woman's body passes through intense physical exhaustion during childbirth, including a tremendous change in hormones. Not only do childbirth and responsibilities towards the newborn baby make a woman physically sluggish but also take a toll on her emotional health. While prescribed medications alongside a nutritious meal and adequate rest for postpartum difficulties are extremely necessary, if you want to take it up a notch to bounce back to the earlier pre-pregnancy active state, then have your faith in the alternative approach of Ayurveda. This 5000-year-old remedial science brings forth a plethora of herbs and spices from the lap of Mother Nature to bestow you with an ultimate remedy for postpartum difficulties in the form of Dashamularishtam.
What Is Dashamularishtam?
Dashamularishtam, also termed Dashmularishta or Dashmoolarishta is an ayurvedic proprietary medication utilized as a powerful health tonic and pain reliever. Concocted through the process of fermentation of herbs, it mainly comprises 3- 7% self-generating alcohol. As the very name indicates, this is a magical concoction of ten dried roots of ten different plants, which have been vastly used in Ayurvedic remedies for ages due to their amazing health benefits. It is sanctified with those qualities that work in synchronization to effectively offer ultimate cures for numerous health conditions, especially the ones related to muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and lungs. The word Dashamoola in Sanskrit terminology is made up of two words, where ‘Dasha’ means ten and ‘moola’ means root.
Dashamularishtam provides vitality and reduces weakness. It is also extremely effective for gynaecological disorders and helps women to keep optimum health and wellness. In women, it is primarily used after the childbirth for the prevention of postpartum problems including infectious diseases of the bladder, uterus, kidneys, the pain of perineal area, backache, fatigue, body pain, excess menstrual flow, postpartum depression, swollen uterus, sore breasts etc. It also provides nourishment to the body by fortifying the muscles, bones and ligaments, thus enhancing overall immunity. Due to the benefit of Dashamularishtam, it is often prescribed as a common remedy for postpartum problems.
Additionally, this extraordinary herbal remedy is not only used for inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gouty arthritis but also frequently used as an enema as it helps to deal with constipation, abdominal lump, bloating, flatulence, anorexia, lower back conditions and inflammation in the pelvic and sacral areas. Owing to its dominant expectorant, analgesic, nervine, and febrifuge traits, it is incredibly beneficial since it helps to direct the air and space attributes, i.e., the Vata doshas in the body to flow downward which curtails most nervine disorders associated with weakness, debility and pain. It is also crucial in cases of tremors, sciatica and Parkinson's disease. Dashamularishtam plays a significant role in treating cases of dry coughs, persistent coughs, hoarseness (hoarse voice), breathing trouble, asthma, chronic fever, and other health anomalies associated with respiratory weakness.
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What Are The Ten Incredible Roots Used In Dashamularishtam?
This unique formulation comprises 10 incredible ayurvedic roots each of which showcases incredible properties of its own and forms the active constituents for the medication. This consists of ‘5 Brihat Panchamoola’ (i.e., Bilva, Kashmari, Shyonaka, Agnimantha, and Patala) which are obtained from large trees and ‘5 Laghu Panchamoola’, (i.e., Kantakari, Shalaparni, Sarivan, Prishniparni and Gokhru) which are obtained from smaller shrubs.
Although, in earlier times Dashamoola was only available in the form of churna (i.e., powders) of the 10 roots, with the advent of modern technologies to ease the intake of the herbs, the potential health benefits of the 10 roots are now available in the form of easily consumable arishtams (i.e., aqueous preparations), kalpa (i.e., paste), kwatha (i.e., decoction), vatis (i.e., tablets), tailam (i.e., oil) and even ghritam (i.e., jam-like formulations).
How To Prepare Dashamularishta?
Ingredients:
Brihat Panchamoola :
Bilva (Indian Bael) - Aegle marmelos
Agnimantha (Arani) - Premna serratifolia
Gambhari (Beechwood/ Kasmari) - Gmelina arborea
Shyonaka - Oroxylum indicum
Patala - Stereospermum suaveolens
Laghu Panchamoola :
Brihati (Indian Nightshade) - Solanum indicum
Shalaparni - Desmodium gangeticum
Kantakari - Solanum xanthocarpum
Gokshura or Gokhru - Tribulus terrestris
Prishnaparni - Uraria picta
Other Ingredients (Kwath Dravya):
Emblica Officinalis - Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Fagonia cretica - Dhamasa/Duralabha
Acacia catechu - Khadira
Pterocarpus marsupium - Vijayasar
Terminalia chebula - Haritaki
Saussurea lappa - Kuth/Kushta
Rubia cordifolia - Manjishta
Plumbago zeylanica - Chitrak
Inula racemosa - Pushkaramula
Symplocos racemosa - Lodhra
Tinospora cordifolia - Giloy/Guduchi
Cedrus deodara - Deodar
Embelia ribes - Vidanga (False Black Pepper)
Glycyrrhiza Glabra - Mulethi (Yashtimadhu) – Licorice
Clerodendrum serratum - Bharangi
Feronia limonia - Kaith/katha/Kapitha
Terminalia bellirica - Bhibitaki (behra)
Boerhavia diffusa - Punarnava
Piper retrofractum - Chavya
Nordostachys jatamansi – Jatamansi
Callicarpa macrophylla - Priyangu
Hemidesmus indicus - Sariva
Bunium persicum - Kala jeera (black cumin)
Operculina turpethum - Trivrit
Vitex negundo - Nirgundi
Pluchea lanceolata - Rasna
Piper longum - Pippali (long pepper)
Areca catechu - Puga (Betel nut)
Hedychium spicatum - Shati
Curcuma longa - Haldi (Turmeric)
Foeniculum vulgare - Saunf (Fennel Seeds)
Prunus cerasoides - Padmaka
Mesua ferrea - Nagkesar
Cyperus rotundus - Mustak (Nut grass)
Holarrhena antidysenterica - Indrayava
Piper cubeba - Kabab-chini/Kankola (Cubeb pepper)
Coleus vettiveroides - Jala
Santalum album - Chandan
Myristica fragrans - Jatiphala (nutmeg)
Syzygium aromaticum - Laung (Clove)
Cinnamomum zeylanicum - Dalchini (Cinnamon)
Elettaria cardamomum - Ela (cardamom)
Cinnamomum tamala - Tejpatta
Strychnos potatorum - Nirmali/KatakaPha
Pistacia integerrima kakar singhi/ Karkatashringi
Pueraria tuberosa - Jivaka
Microstylis wallichii - Rishabhaka
Polygonatum cirrhifolium - Meda
Asparagus racemosus - Shatavari
Withania somnifera - Ashwangandha
Dioscorea bulbifera - Zimikand
Vitis Vinifera - Draksha (Raisins)
Woodfordia fruticosa - Dhataki
Water for decoction
Honey or Madhu
Jaggery or Guda
Method:
Wash the herbals and sundry them completely to remove moisture particles
Powder each of the herbs seperately and sieve them to remove impurities and other solid particles
Douse the decoction herbs in a specified quantity of water and boil till it decreases to ¼ of its initial volume
Filter the concocted liquid by passing it through a sterile muslin cloth to eliminate the impurities and the residual herb part
Now, add jaggery to the clear decoction and keep swirling till everything mixes properly
Next, pour the solution into a wide-mouthed vessel smeared with cow ghee from the inside
Add the remaining powdered aromatic herbs to the decoction and tightly seal the opening of the container with a mud-smeared cloth
Keep the container untouched in the fermentation room and let it ferment for a month
On culmination of the fermentation process, filter the fermented liquid through a sterile muslin cloth to eliminate solid particles and impurities
Empty the herbal concoction into an amber-coloured, air-tight glass jar
Stock it in a cool, dry environment for maturing
Medicinal Properties Of Dashamularishta
Dasamularishta is sanctified with the following remedial properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-arthritic
- Mild natural Analgesic
- Muscle relaxant
- Mild anthelmintic (due to vidanga)
- Antioxidant
- Carminative
- Digestive Stimulant
- Haematinic
- Hematogenic
- Antibacterial
- Adaptogenic
- Anti-stress
- Antidepressant
Ayurvedic Indications Of Dashamularishta
This arishtam preparation of Dashamula has been quoted time and again in several ancient ayurvedic scriptures of Susruta and Charaka for the following indications:
- Balya (increase strength)
- Ama nashak (removes toxins)
- Svasha hara (treats asthma)
- Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
- Pachana (helps in digestion)
- Rochana (stimulates appetite)
- Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body)
- Anulomana (improves breathing)
- Kasahara (Relieves cough)
- Hikkanigrahana (controls hiccups)
- Kantya (relieves sore throat)
- Kanthya (improves voice)
- Kapha-Vata hara (treats Kapha and Vata imbalances)
- Shotha hara (treats pain and inflammation)
- Jwara hara (reduces fever)
- Triptighno (relieves pseudo-satiation)
Ayurvedic Benefits Of Dashamula
Restores Normal Health Post-partum
Infused with powerful herbal ingredients, Dashmularishtam has been used in post-partum (the period just after delivery) women for ages for replenishing normal health. According to Ayurvedic scriptures, after the birth of a baby, new mothers have aggravated Vata doshas in their bodies due to hormonal changes that induce various common problems like weakness and low energy levels. Consuming Dashmularishtam helps to bring back the aggravated Vata to normal levels and restore energy and optimum health of women owing to its Vata hara and Balya (strength provider) qualities. It contains a specific set of herbs, which comes together to provide vitality and boost physical strength in postpartum women. After going through huge physical exhaustion during the time of delivery, this magical concoction delivers relief from pain, and physical and emotional strain and assists joints, muscles and ligaments.
Also Read: Post Natal Care: Why Is It Important For A New Mom’s Recovery
Remedies Respiratory Troubles
The presence of influential expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, analgesic and anti-asthmatic traits in Dashamularishtam holds high significance in treating several respiratory anomalies like the common cold, cough and flu symptoms. Aggregation of catarrh particles in the nasal passage and chest get removed easily by using this formulation of ten roots. It is also highly beneficial in dealing with allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, whooping cough and asthmatic conditions.
Also Read: Respiratory Health: 5 Incredible Herbs To Boost Your Lung Power
Relieves Arthritis
Thanks to its powerful analgesic, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory characteristics, Dashamularishtam is quintessential in decreasing joint and muscle pain, thereby reducing the chances of chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, urinary infection, gulma, anaemia, and ailments of the liver which occurs due to the aggravation of Vata Doshas. It also decreases pain occurring in the lower back, sacral regions and lower limbs (i.e. thigh, legs, and feet).
Also Read: What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Learn How To Deal With It
Promotes Digestion
Agnimandya a.k.a Indigestion in medical terminology primarily arises due to an imbalance of the Pitta doshas in the body and portrays a state of an incomplete process of digestion. Being a potent digestive formulation, Dashamularishtam vigorously helps in treating a wide range of gastrointestinal abnormalities as well, like flatulence, peptic ulcer, Gerd or gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, heartburn, and stomach pain. Thanks to the strong carminative nature of the herbs in this arishtam concoction, prescribed usage considerably helps in detonating the food particles in the stomach and intestine. This action further facilitates the creation of digestive juices and thereby enhances the absorption of essential nutrients in the body cells. Dashamularishtam additionally helps to eliminate abdominal gas and in turn curtails abdominal distension, bloating, and gaseous cramps.
Also Read: Indigestion: Best Home Remedies To Treat Your Stomach Woes Naturally
Strengthens Bone Health
The surplus of dominant anti-inflammatory qualities in this formulation extensively assists in soaking up calcium in the bones and promotes bone mineral density. This helps in strengthening the bones and connective tissue and prevents them from breaking in the advanced years. It also plays a significant role in the generation of collagen in the bones, protecting the bones from damage and enhancing overall skeletal health. In prescribed doses, not only does Dashamularishtam helps in curbing osteoporosis and osteomalacia but also diminishes the risks of bone fractures in older age.
Ayurvedic Properties Of Dashamularishtam
Dashamularishtam is intrinsically bequeathed with the following Ayurvedic traits:
Rasa (taste): Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (i.e. sweet taste)
Guna (physical property): Guru (i.e. heavy), Rukshna (i.e. rough quality)
Virya (potency): Ushna (hot)
Vipaka (metabolic property after digestion): Katu (pungent)
Effects on Doshas
Owing to its Tridosha nashak properties, this incredible herbal remedy harmonizes all three doshas including the Vata doshas (i.e. air), Kapha (earth and water) doshas and Pitta (fire and air) doshas).
The presence of the fundamental properties and doshas, Dashamularishtam has an optimistic effect on the various Dhatus (i.e., body tissues) which are Rasa (i.e. Plasma), Mamsa (i.e. Muscles), and Asthi (i.e. Bones).
Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Dosage Of Dashamularishtam
The accurate therapeutic dosage of this formulation may alter from person to person depending upon the age, the stringency of the ailment, and the condition of the patient. One must review with an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner to know the best dosage necessary.
Adults: 15 - 20 ml, along with warm water, twice a day, after meals or as suggested by the ayurvedic doctor.
Side Effects
With the presence of a plethora of beneficial herbs, Dashsmularishtam records no adverse effects. But in case, you experience any allergic condition or side effects after taking this, seek medical help immediately from the treating doctor.
Precautions
Since there is no credible information regarding the side effects of this formulation, it can be taken by pregnant women and lactating mothers as a nutritious supplement, but it is extremely necessary to consult a doctor before consuming it to avoid overdosage.
Conclusion
The inclusion of 10 mighty roots alongside other beneficial herbs in this formulation is extremely effective in providing nutrition, boosting immunity, enhancing respiratory abilities, improving digestion, dealing with fever, lessening pain and inflammation and many more. Devoid of any alter indications or any side effects, this incredible ayurvedic formulation bestows a one-of-a-kind remedy for improving the general health of women postpartum, bolstering neural functions and curtailing several inflammatory conditions within the body.
