The liver is a spectacular organ in the human body, one that efficiently carries out numerous roles like assisting in breaking down food, digesting nutrients, metabolizing medications, and chemicals and storing energy. Liver health is of utmost importance and often an indication of overall well-being. But unfortunately, since most liver aberrations do not show visible manifestations in the initial stage, in many cases, ailments related to this organ usually go unnoticed and undiagnosed till the advanced stage.
Owing to the sedentary style of life adopted by most people that characterizes little to no physical activity, unhealthy dietary choices, irregular sleep and food timings and overly hectic schedules, many people are gradually getting diagnosed with liver anomalies like jaundice, hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, fatty liver, damage to hepatic tissues, deteriorated bile synthesis, and liver cancer. While an advanced stage of liver disease might require immediate medical intervention, if you prefer taking the natural route and just want to keep this incredible organ in the best of health, look no further, your search ends here. The holistic approach of Ayurveda brings you an absolute remedy for all sorts of liver abnormalities in the form of Kumaryasava.
What Is Kumaryasava?
Kumaryasava also referred to as Kumari Asava, Kumari Asav, or Kumaryasavam is a classical ayurvedic proprietary medication with aloe vera or Kumari as the main ingredient. Belonging to the Asava Arishta category, this formulation is mainly prepared by soaking the herbs in powder form in a solution of jaggery or sugar or honey or all three for a definite period. This helps the formulation to undergo the fermentation process by generating alcohol on its own which further stimulates the extraction of the active components from the herbs.
Kumaryasava is primarily used for the treatment and management of liver problems, menstrual disorders in women and abdominal diseases in general. Its prabhab or main action appears on the liver, spleen, stomach, intestine, uterus, ovaries and other organs in the abdominal cavity and pelvic region. It holds high significance in treating liver enlargement, fatty liver, indigestion, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, piles, spleen enlargement, respiratory woes, flatulence, epilepsy, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and other menstrual oddities.
How To Prepare Kumaryasava?
Ingredients:
1.2 Kg Haritaki – Terminalia Chebula
12.28 Kg Kumari Rasa – Aloe Vera Juice
768 grams Dhataki flowers – Woodfordia Fruticosa
48 grams Bibhitaki – Terminalia Bellerica
48 grams Pushkarmool – Inula Racemosa
48 grams Jaiphal (Nutmeg) – Myristica Fragrans
48 grams Laung (Clove) – Syzygium Aromaticum
48 grams Sheetal Mirch (Kebab Chini) - Piper Cubeba
48 grams Jatamansi – Nardostachys Jatamansi
48 grams Chavya (Java Long Pepper) – Piper Chaba
48 grams Chitrak – Plumbago Zeylanica
48 grams Javitri (Mace) – Myristica Fragrans
48 grams Karkatshringi – Pistacia Chinensis
24 grams Loha Bhasma
24 grams Tamra Bhasma
4.8 Kg Guda (Gur) – Jaggery
3 Kg Shahad – Honey
12.28 Kg Water
Method:
Wash, dry and powder the herbal components and pass each of them seperately through sieve number 44 to get a coarse powder
Boil haritaki powder in the required quantity of water till it reduces to ¼ of its initial quantity
Screen the mixture by passing it through a clean muslin cloth to get rid of the impurities and the residual herb part
Add jaggery, sugar and honey to the clear decoction and keep stirring till everything mixes properly
Next, pour the decoction into a wide-mouthed vessel lubricated with ghee from the inside
Add aloe vera gel and the remaining powdered herbs to the vessel
Lock the mouth of the container with a mud-smeared cloth tightly
Keep the container untouched in the fermentation room and allow it to ferment for a month
On culmination of the fermentation process, screen the fermented liquid through a clean muslin cloth to abolish solid particles and impurities
Pour the herbal concoction into an amber-coloured, air-tight glass jar
Keep the jar in a cool, dry environment for maturation
Medicinal Properties Of Kumaryasava
Kumaryasava is blessed with the following medicinal qualities:
- Antihyperlipidemic
- Carminative
- Cholagogue
- Digestive Stimulant
- Detoxifier
- Anti-toxin
- Antiepileptic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antirheumatic
- Cardioprotective
- Emmenagogue
- Fat Burner
- Haematinic
- Mild laxative
- Mild Diuretic
Ayurvedic Indications Of Kumaryasava
Since the Vedic period, Kumaryasava has been illustrated by the ancient Indian sage and physician, Charaka, as a powerful "rejuvenative liver tonic" that confers potent detoxifying effects. Several ayurvedic scriptures and journals mention this formulation for various indications which includes:
- Yakrit Vikara (prevents liver infections)
- Kamala (prevents jaundice)
- Raktadoshahara (blood purifying)
- Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
- Pachana (helps in digestion)
- Rochana (stimulates appetite)
- Kupachan (prevents bloating, and indigestion)
- Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms)
- Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties)
- Anulomana (improves breathing)
- Kantya (relieves sore throat)
- Kasahara (Relieves cough)
- Amahara (treats indigestion)
- Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)
- Shonitasthapana (prevents bleeding)
- Vran Ropana (heals wounds)
- Ashmari (treats urinary calculi)
- Vibandha (treats constipation)
- Shoola (treats abdominal colic)
- Mutrakrichra (treats dysuria)
- Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorders)
- Prameha (manages diabetes)
- Balya (improves muscle strength)
- Triptighno (relieves pseudo-satiation)
- Vamanopaga (treats emesis)
Health Benefits Of Kumaryasava
Wards Off Liver Anomalies
Endowed with prominent hepatoprotective and hepatostimulative properties, this perfected aloe-rich formulation offers a magical remedy for treating liver abnormalities like jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis etc. Kumaryasava not only decreases the bilirubin levels in the blood but also detoxifies the liver and boosts overall liver functions. Thanks to its lipolytic facets, it is also beneficial in treating fatty liver disease by eliciting lipolysis action. Also, this herbal formulation plays a vital role in remedying haemolytic jaundice, and cirrhosis and reduces the risks of liver cancer.
Also Check out: Liver Health: 5 Superb Foods That Helps To Boost Liver Function-Infographic
Ameliorates Digestive Anomalies
Agnimandya a.k.a Indigestion in medical terminology mainly occurs due to exacerbated Pitta doshas within the body and depicts a state of an incomplete process of digestion. Being a strong digestive formulation, Kumaryasava vigorously helps in dealing with a wide range of gastrointestinal irregularities as well, like heartburn, flatulence, Gerd or gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, peptic ulcer, and stomach pain. The abundance of Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestion) qualities in Kumaryasava enhances Pachak Agni (digestive fire) which helps to lessen Ama and manage the symptoms of indigestion. Thanks to its influential carminative essence, prescribed usage of Kumaryasava extensively assists in demolishing the food particles in the stomach and intestine. This action accelerates the production of digestive juices and thereby augments the absorption of essential nutrients in the body’s cells and tissues. It also readily helps to eliminate abdominal gas and in turn curtails bloating abdominal distension and gaseous cramps.
Also Read: Indigestion: Best Home Remedies To Treat Your Stomach Woes Naturally
Prevents Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa termed Aruchi in Ayurvedic literature is a serious eating disease which primarily involves individuals enduring self-starvation or diminished intention to eat food. Some scientific studies also associate it with mental health as the individual suffers from intense weight issues, fear of becoming gaining weight, poor self-esteem and a violent desire to reduce weight in any way possible, sometimes even provoking forceful vomiting to get rid of eaten food. According to Ayurveda, Anorexia mainly arises due to Agnimandya (weak digestion) and is majorly elicited by a disruption of the normal Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha levels in the body. Kumaryasava being a genuine digestive and appetizer enhances the digestion of food, increases appetite and ensures that the person eats healthily.
Remedies Gynecological Problems
Kumaryasava is a supreme remedy for all sorts of hormonal problems. It plays a crucial role in regulating periods, treating postnatal ailments, and even helping to deal with excessive abdominal pain/bleeding. Additionally, the Ushna or hot potency of the herbs in use also helps in managing menstrual abnormalities like dysmenorrhea ( painful periods), amenorrhea (absent menstruation), menorrhagia (abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding), menometrorrhagia (excessive and prolonged uterine bleeding occurring at irregular and/or frequent intervals), metrorrhagia (abnormal bleeding from the uterus in between regular menstrual cycle) and also delivers enormous comfort from abdominal cramps during monthly menstrual flow.
Also Read: Menstrual Worries: 5 Different Period Problems And Their Ayurvedic Remedies
Alleviates Urinary Disorders
A urinary tract infection (UTI), ascertained as Mutrakrichha in Ayurveda is a type of disease where ‘Mutra’ stands for ‘ooze’ and ‘krichra’ implies ‘pain’. Thus, medical dysuria and painful urination both exemplify Mutrakriccha. This condition may influence any part of the urinary system; right from the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, to the urethra. Kumaryasava empowered with powerful anti-inflammatory and diuretic traits is one of the most useful Ayurvedic medications proposed for a wide range of urinary disorders. In case of urinary tract infection, due to its Pitta normalising property, Kumaryasava recedes the symptoms of UTI, like painful urination, and a burning sensation during urination.
It also procures a strong cure for treating urinary disorders like painful micturition, urinary incontinence, and burning sensation while urinating. It increases the production of urine by demolishing the stones in the urinary tract and thus provides relief from painful urination. The plethora of diuretic or Mutral herbs is used to formulate Kumaryasava and treats different types of urinary infections.
Kumaryasava Dosage
The significant remedial dose of Kumaryasava deviates from person to person depending upon their age, stability of their body, influences on their appetite, and the severity of the anomaly. It is suggested to consult an ayurvedic doctor or specialist for the required dosage.
Adults: 10 – 20 ml, along with water, twice a day, immediately after meals or as suggested by the health care provider. But make sure that the maximum intake of this medication doesn’t exceed 60 ml per day.
Kumaryasava Side Effects
Kumaryasava is chiefly considered safe in prescribed amounts but it may lead to certain allergic reactions if taken in excess or without the consent of the doctor. These sides effects include bleeding piles, nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), abdominal cramps, green discolouration of stool and a feeling of discomfort in the urinary bladder and urethra.
Kumaryasava Contraindications
Kumaryasava is not primarily not prescribed and recommended for individuals already suffering from the following health conditions:
- Dysentery
- Diarrhoea
- Bleeding piles
- Crohn’s disease
- Gastritis
- Peptic ulcer
- Ulcerative colitis
- Fissures
- Mouth ulcers
Precautions
Owing to its emmenagogue action, Kumaryasava should strictly be avoided during pregnancy as it may cause sudden bleeding and may lead to miscarriage.
Also, without credible knowledge of the effects of Kumaryasava during the lactation period, it is strictly suggested that breastfeeding mothers should deter from consuming it without the consent of the lactation specialist or treating doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Use Of Kumaryasava?
Kumaryasava is an Ayurvedic formulation used to treat several health anomalies. It is a herbal medicine made from aloe vera and other highly valued ingredients. It is mainly used to heal
- Kumaryasava is often used to improve digestion, relieve constipation, and treat other gastrointestinal disorders
- It helps in detoxifying the liver and improving liver function
- It is used to manage respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis
- Kumaryasava is beneficial for treating menstrual disorders, such as irregular periods and menstrual pain
- It is valuable in boosting overall vitality and energy levels, improving appetite, and enhancing metabolism
Who Should Avoid Kumaryasava?
Kumaryasava should be used cautiously and under proper medical supervision, especially for certain individuals.
It is generally advised to avoid Kumaryasava during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless prescribed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Kumaryasava contains sugar and may not be suitable for individuals with diabetes.
Though it is used to support liver health, individuals with severe liver conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using it.
Generally, it is not recommended for young children unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Individuals with known allergies to any of the ingredients in Kumaryasava should avoid its use.
Is Kumaryasava Good for Fatty Liver?
Kumaryasava is a powerful formulation valuable for managing fatty liver owing to its liver-detoxifying and hepatoprotective qualities. It helps enhance liver function, trigger metabolism, and decrease fat accumulation in the liver.
Before using this formulation for remedying fatty liver, it is essential to consult with an Ayurvedic physician as they can advise if it is appropriate for specific health conditions and determine the correct dosage and duration.
Conclusion
Kumaryasava has been illustrated in several ayurvedic scriptures and journals as an ultimate cure for liver problems owing to its incredible therapeutic benefits. This asava arista formulation is classified as a powerful liver tonic and also guarantees better digestion, relieves kidney anomalies, treats anorexia, remedies respiratory woes, relieves gynaecological problems and thus boosts overall health and immunity.
( This article is reviewed by M Sowmya Binu Health And Nutrition, Expert)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
Hepatoprotective potential of kumaryasava and its concentrate against CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity in Wistar rats
Mohammad Ahmed Khan, Arun Gupta,1 J. L. N. Sastry,1 and Sayeed Ahmad
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4678989/
EXPLORING THE PHARMACO-THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF KUMARI (ALOE VERA L.) ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
January 2021World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 10(4):1593
