Vidangarishta, also known as Vidangarist, Vidangarishtam, or Vidangarishta is a polyherbal formulation that is used for destroying and eradicating parasitic intestinal worms from the body. It also helps in preventing the recurrence of parasitic and bacterial infestation. This ayurvedic vermifuge (anthelminthic) medicine comprises 5-10 per cent of autogenic alcohol in it owing to the presence of the herbs. This self-generated alcohol and water present in the formulation mainly act as an intermediary to transport water and active alcohol dissolving herbal substances to the bodily tissues.
Vidangarishta being a powerful digestive and carminative product also replenishes normal appetite and enhances the absorption of nutrients from the food. Additionally, Vidangarishta is also prescribed in case of bloating, abscess, urinary disorders, prostate enlargement, loss of appetite, thigh cramps, urinary calculi, wry neck and anal fistula.
Vidangarishta comprises a whopping 18 herbal ingredients including Vidanga, Pippali, Rasna, Kutaj, Amla, Dhataki, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Kachnar, Ginger, Kalimirch, Patha, Lodhra, Priyangu and Madhu.
How To Prepare Vidangarishta?
Ingredients:
Kwatha Dravya (herbs for decoction)
384 g Pippali - Piper longum Fruit
240 g Vidanga - Embelia ribes
240 g Pippalamool - Piper longum Root
240 g Patha - Cyclea peltata
240 g Ela /cardamom - Eletteria cardamomum
240 g Dhatri /Indian gooseberry - Emblica officianalis
240 g Rasna - Pluchea lanceolata
240 g Kutaja - Holarrhena antidysenterica
Prakshepa Dravyas (Herbal Additives For aroma and Fermentation)
960 g Dhataki - Woodfordia fruticosa
96 g Twak /Cinnamon - Cinnamomum verum
48 g Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegata
48 g Lodhra - Symplocos racemosa
384 g Shunti /Dry ginger - Zingiber officinale
96 g Patra - Cinnamomum tamala
96 g Ela /Cardamom - Eletteria cardamomum
48 g Priyangu - Callicarpa macrophylla
384 g Maricha/Black Peper - Piper nigrum
Sandhana Dravya (Fermentative Agent)
14.4 kg Madhu/Honey
Method:
Wash and sun-dry the herbs for decoction
Powder the decoction herbs and sieve to remove impurities and solid particles
Separately, clean, dry, powder and sieve the aromatic herbs and keep them aside
Immerse the decoction herbs in 98.3 litres of water and boiled till it reduces to 12 litres
Filter the decoction by passing it through a muslin cloth to eliminate impurities and herb part
Add jaggery to the clear decoction and stir it properly
Next, pour the decoction into a wide-mouthed vessel smeared with ghee from inside
Add the powdered aromatic herbs to the decoction and seal the opening of the container with a mud-smeared cloth
Keep the vessel aside in the fermentation room and allow it to ferment for 30 days
On completion, filter the fermented liquid through a muslin cloth to eliminate solid particles and impurities
Pour the herbal concoction into amber-coloured, air-tight containers
Store it in a cool, dry place for maturation
Ayurvedic Indications
Ayurveda, the holistic science of herbal remedies has extensively mentioned the use of this time-tested ayurvedic formulation multiple times in several ayurvedic scriptures and journals of Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita. It is primarily prescribed for the following health conditions:
- Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms)
- Jantujit (treats worm infestation)
- Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
- Pachana (helps in digestion)
- Rochana (stimulates appetite)
- Amahara (treats indigestion)
- Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body)
- Vayasthapana (prevents ageing)
- Jvara (useful in fever)
- Pandu (treats anaemia)
- Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)
- Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst)
- Shopajit (reduces swelling)
- Ruchi (improves taste)
- Agnimandyahara (relieves indigestion)
Medicinal Properties
Vidangarishta showcases the following medicinal properties:
- Anthelminthic (Vermifuge or anti-parasitic)
- Appetizer
- Digestive
- Carminative
- Antispasmodic
Health Benefits Of Vidangarishta
Remedies Worm Infestation
Ayurveda describes the worms as Krimi. Worm growth usually occurs in the stomach due to low Agni or Mandagni (weak digestive fire). This low digestive fire makes the stomach favourable for the growth and multiplication of worms. Vindagarishata having a unique ingredient named Vidanga or Amla has a strong Krimighna (anti-worms) quality that provides promising results in the case of worm infestation when consumed regularly in prescribed amounts.
Also Read: Parasitic Infections Can Affect Kids With Weaker Immunity
Prevents Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which an individual suffers from self-starvation. It is also connected to mental health as the person suffers from low weight issues, the anxiety of gaining weight, poor self-esteem and a fierce desire to reduce weight. Additionally, the person also faces a loss of hunger or reduced desire to eat any food. In Ayurveda, Anorexia chiefly occurs due to Agnimandya (weak digestion) and is majorly provoked by a turmoil of the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. Vidangarishta being a natural digestive and appetizer augments the digestion of food, upgrades appetite and guarantees that the person eats healthily.
Relieves Digestive Anomalies
Indigestion a.k.a Agnimandya in Ayurveda usually occurs due to an imbalance of the Pitta dosha and characterizes a state of an incomplete process of digestion. Being a traditional digestive remedy, Vidangarishta assists in treating a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders as well, like gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, heartburn, flatulence, peptic ulcer, and stomach pain. Thanks to the potent carminative nature of the herbs in use, Vidangarishta extensively helps in tearing down the food particles in the stomach and intestine. This action promotes the production of digestive juices and thereby increases the absorption of essential nutrients. It also helps to remove abdominal gas and in turn curtails abdominal distension, bloating and gaseous cramps.
Also Read: Indigestion: Best Home Remedies To Treat Your Stomach Woes Naturally
Promotes Skin Health
Vidangarishta plays a pivotal role in treating various skin infections and issues. The abundance of antioxidants in this polyherbal formulation is extremely effective in eliminating harmful free radicals from the body and its antipruritic nature alleviates itching sensation caused due to allergic conditions like patchy skin, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, acne, sunburn etc. Several studies show that Vidangarishta has potent anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic traits that are extensively used for removing bacteria from the body. The bioactive compounds present in this traditional herbal medication not only prevent worm infestation but also treats wounds and improve healing.
Treats Anal fistula (Fistula-in-ano)
An anal fistula, medically denoted as fistula-in-ano, is a small tunnel-like structure that attaches an infected gland inside the anus to an entrance on the skin around the anus. It is often depicted by symptoms like pain and swelling in and around the anus. In Ayurveda, an Anal fistula is termed as Bhagandara, where the word ‘Bhaga' implies the region between the anus and genitals (i.e., perineum) and ‘Darana' signifies to tear apart or to destroy. Hence, the term Bhagandara exemplifies a wound or tear in the perianal or perineal area around the anus and is chiefly a result of chronic constipation.
Infused with Rechana (laxative) character, Vidangarishta assists in keeping constipation at bay and effectively eliminates the symptoms of anal fistula.
Also Read: Rectovaginal Fistula: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Effect On Doshas:
This incredible ayurvedic formulation mainly pacifies Kapha Dosha and balances Vata Dosha.
Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Vidangarishta Dosage
The effective therapeutic dosage of Vidangarishta may differ from person to person on account of their age, body strength, effects on appetite, severity, and condition of the patient. It is strongly recommended to consult an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner before taking the medication.
Adult: 10-30 ml, twice a day, after meals with an equal quantity of water or as directed by your physician
Vidangarishta Side-effects:
The polyherbal formulation is extremely beneficial in treating umpteen health conditions in the prescribed amount as suggested by the ayurvedic practitioner or doctor. There are primarily no reported side effects. However, it should be immediately reported to the doctor in case a person has any allergic reactions while taking the medicine.
Precautions
Vidangarishta is contraindicated in the case of pregnant women due to the unavailability of proper scientific evidence. Additionally, without much credible information about using the pills during the breastfeeding period, doctors and medical professionals mainly instruct to avoid taking them without consultation with a lactation expert.
