Category: Digestive Health

May 10, 2023

Arvindasava (Aravindasavam) – Benefits, Uses, Indications and Dosage

INTRODUCTION

Arvindasava is a classical Ayurvedic liquid formulation prepared by fermentation. This formulation is categorized under the Asava-Arista category. Asavas and arishtas are medicinal formulations made by soaking the herbal drugs, in a solution of sugar or jaggery, for a specified period, during which it undergoes a process of fermentation generating alcohol. The main ingredient of Arvindasava is Arvind, commonly known as kamal or lotus, all parts of which have some therapeutic values. Arvindasava is used as a digestive tonic for children,  increases physical and mental strength, Graha doshas (psychological problems of children), and in problems of adolescence.

INGREDIENTS

  1. Aravinda (Nelumbo nucifera) – 48 gm
  2. Usheera (Vetiveria zizanioides) – 48 gm
  3. Kashmari (Gmelina arborea) – 48 gm
  4. Utpala (Nymphaea stellata) – 48 gm
  5. Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) – 48 gm
  6. Bala (Sida cordifolia) – 48 gm
  7. Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) – 48gm
  8. Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) – 48 gm
  9. Musta (Cyperus rotundus) – 48 gm
  10. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) – 48 gm
  11. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) – 48 gm
  12. Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) – 48 gm
  13. Vacha (Acorus calamus) – 48 gm
  14. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) – 48 gm
  15. Shathi (Hedychium spicatum) – 48 gm
  16. Shyama (Ipomoea turpethum) – 48 gm
  17. Neelini (Indigofera tinctoria) – 48 gm
  18. Patola (Trichosanthes dioica) – 48 gm
  19. Parpata (Fumaria parviflora) – 48 gm
  20. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) – 48 gm
  21. Madhuka (Madhuca indica) – 48 gm
  22. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – 48 gm
  23. Mura (Selinum tenuifolium) – 48 gm
  24. Draksha (Vitis vinifera) – 960 gm
  25. Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) – 768 gm
  26. Water  – 24.576 liters
  27. Sugar – 4.8 kg
  28. Honey – 2.4 kg

DESCRIPTION OF INGREDIENTS

  1. Aravinda (Nelumbo nucifera)  – belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family, commonly known as kamal or lotus, and is the most sacred plant in Hinduism. Properties of flower  –  Rasa –  Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter),  Guna –  Shita (cold),  laghu (light), Virya –  Shita (Cooling), Vipaka –  Madhura (Sweet), Karma – Kaphahara pacify (Kapha dosha), Mutra Virajaniya, Pittahara (pacify Pitta dosha), Santapahara, Varnya. All parts of the lotus plant have therapeutic use. It has antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidepressant, cardiovascular, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipolytic, anti-obesity properties and is used in the management of many diseases.
  2. Usheera (Vetiveria zizanioides) – belongs to the Gramineae family, also known as khus khus grass. Properties –  Rasa – Tikta (bitter),  Madhura (sweet),  Guna – Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Virya – Sheet (cold), Vipaka – Katu (pungent), and balances Vata and pitta doshas.  It has cardioprotective, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, anti-asthmatic, antioxidant, expectorant, diuretic, antispasmodic,  anti-arthritic properties.
  3. Kashmari (Gmelina arborea) –  belongs to the Verbenaceae family, commonly known as Gambhari. Properties – Rasa – Tikta (bitter), kashaya (astringent), Madhur (sweet), Guna – Guru (heavy), Virya – Ushna (hot), Vipaka – Katu (pungent), balances Vata and Pitta doshas. It has antimicrobial, anti-aging, anthelmintic, analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-epileptic, hepatoprotective properties.
  4. Utpala (Nymphaea stellata)  –  belongs to the Nymphaeaceae, also known as Neel kamal. Properties –  Rasa – Madhur (sweet), Kashaya (astringent), Guna – Snigdha (unctuous), Picchila (slimy), Virya – Sheeta (cold), Vipaka – Madhura (sweet),  balances pitta and Kapha doshas. It has anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, antidepressant properties.
  5. Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) –  Properties – Rasa – Tikta (bitter), kashaya (astringent), Madhur (sweet),  Guna – Guru (heavy), Ruksha (dry), Virya – Ushna(hot), Vipaka – Katu (pungent), pacifies pitta and Kapha doshas. It is a good blood purifier and mainly used in skin disorders.
  6. Bala (Sida cordifolia) – comes under the Malvaceae family. Properties –  Rasa – Madhura (sweet), Guna – Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous), Pichila (sticky), Virya – Sheeta (cold), Vipaka – Madhura (sweet), and balances tridoshas. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, blood purifier, and CNS depressant.
  7. Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) –  belongs to the Valerianaceae family. Properties – Rasa  – Tikta (bitter), kashaya (astringent), Madhur (sweet), Guna – Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous), Virya – Sheeta (cold), Vipaka – Katu (pungent), and balances Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). It has sedative, aromatic, hypotensive, hepato-protective, antifungal, and antispasmodic properties.
  8. Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) – belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, commonly known as Choti Elaichi.  Properties – Rasa – Katu (pungent), Madhur (sweet), Guna – Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Virya – Sheet (cold), Viapaka – Katu (pungent), balances Kapha and Vata doshas. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, diuretic, and appetizing properties.
  9. Musta (Cyperus rotundus) – belongs to the Cyperaceae family. Properties – Rasa – kashaya (astringent), tikta (bitter), katu (pungent), Guna – Laghu (light), ruksha (dry), Virya – sheeta (cold), Vipaka – Katu (pungent), balances Kapha and Pitta doshas. It has antibacterial, antispasmodic, laxative, contraceptive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties.
  10.  Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) –  belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Properties – Rasa – Madhur (sweet), Tikta (bitter), Guna – Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous), Virya – Sheet (cold), Vipaka – Madhur (sweet), balances all the three doshas. It has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, blood-purifying, antidepressant properties.
  11. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) –    belongs to the Combretaceae family. Properties- Rasa- Katu (pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (astringent), Madhur (sweet), Amal (sour),  Guna – Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry),  Virya – Ushna (hot), Vipaka- Madhur (sweet), balances all three doshas. It has antipyretic, antihelminthic, aphrodisiac properties and acts as a cardiac tonic, purgative, carminative, and also helps in digestive problems.
  12. Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) –  belongs to the Combretaceae family. Properties – Rasa – Kashaya (astringent), Guna – Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Virya – Ushna (hot), Vipaka – Madhur (sweet), balances Pitta and Kapha doshas. It has antipyretic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, laxative, and aphrodisiac properties.
  13. Vacha (Acorus calamus) – belongs to the Acoraceae family. Properties – Rasa – Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), Guna – Laghu (light), Tikshna (sharp), Virya – Ushna (hot), Vipaka – katu (pungent), balances Vata and Kapha doshas. It has antitoxic, nerve tonic, properties and is used in nervous disorders, digestion problems, piles, dysmenorrhea.
  14. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) –  belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family. Properties- Rasa – Katu(pungent), Guna – Laghu (light), Ruksha(rough), Tikshana(sharp), Guna- Guru (heavy), Sheeta(cool),  Virya – Sheet (cool), Vipaka- Madhur(sweet), balances Tridoshas. Amla has anti-aging, antioxidants, aphrodisiac, diuretic, and laxative properties.
  15. Shathi (Hedychium spicatum) – belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. Properties – Rasa – Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), kashaya (astringent), Guna – laghu (light), Teekshna (pungent), Virya – Ushna (hot), Vipaka – Katu (pungent), pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas. It has antibacterial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and aromatic properties.
  16. Shyama (Ipomoea turpethum) – belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, also known as Trivrit. Properties – Rasa – Tikta (bitter), katu (pungent),  Guna – laghu (light), ruksha (dry), theekshana (piercing), Virya – Ushna (hot), Vipaka – katu (pungent), balances Pitta and Kapha doshas and increases the Vata dosha. It has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, purgative, anti-helminthic, and anti-diabetic properties.
  17. Neelini (Indigofera tinctoria) – belongs to the Fabaceae family. Properties – Tikta (bitter), Guna – Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Virya – Ushna (hot), Vipaka – Katu (pungent), balances Kapha and Vata doshas. It has purgative, anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties.
  18. Patola (Trichosanthes dioica) – belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. Properties – Rasa  – Tikta (bitter), Guna – laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Virya – Ushna (hot), Vipaka – Katu (pungent), balances Kapha and Pitta doshas. It has antihelminthic, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, laxative, anti-hyperlipidemic, and sedative properties.
  19. Parpata (Fumaria parviflora) – belongs to the Fumariaceae family. Properties – Rasa- tikta (bitter), Guna – laghu (light), Virya – Sheeta (cold), Vipaka – katu (pungent), balances Kapha and Pitta doshas. It has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, detoxification, and antimicrobial properties.
  20. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) –  belongs to the Combretaceae family. Properties – Rasa – kashaya (astringent), Guna – laghu (light), ruksha (dry), Virya – sheet – Sheeta (cold), Vipaka –  Katu (pungent), balances Pitta and Kapha doshas. It has antioxidants, cardiac tonic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic properties.
  21. Madhuka (Madhuca indica) – belongs to the Sapotaceae family. Properties – Rasa – Madhur (sweet), kashaya (astringent), Guna – guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous), Virya – Sheeta (cold), Vipaka – Madhur (sweet), pacifies Vata and pitta doshas and increases Kapha dosha. It has anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and blood purifier properties.
  22. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – belongs to the Fabaceae family. Properties – Rasa – Madhura (sweet), Guna – guru (heavy), pichilla (sticky), Virya – sheeta (cold), Vipaka – Madhura(sweet), balances Vata and Pitta doshas. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, aphrodisiac, and immuno-modulator properties.
  23. Mura (Selinum tenuifolium) – belongs to the Umbelliferae family. Properties – Rasa – Madhur (sweet), katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), kashaya (astringent), Guna – laghu (light), Virya – Sheeta (cold), Vipaka – Madhura (sweet), pacifies Pitta and Vata doshas. It has sedative properties and is used in various respiratory and digestion problems.
  24. Draksha (Vitis vinifera) – belongs to the Vitaceae family. Properties – Rasa – Madhur (sweet), Guna – guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous), Virya – sheeta (cold), Vipaka – Madhur (sweet), balances Vata and Pitta doshas. It has aphrodisiac, purgative, antioxidants, immuno-modulator properties.
  25. Dhataki (Woodfordia  fruticosa) – belongs to the Lythraceae family. Properties – Rasa – kashaya (astringent), Guna – Laghu (light), ruksha (dry), Virya – katu (pungent), balances Kapha and pitta doshas. It has immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal properties.
  26. WATER – Water is used as a solvent. According to Ayurveda, Properties of water are-  Jeevana (enlivening), Tarpana (satiating), hrudya (good for the heart), hlaadi (pleasing the mind or refreshing), buddiprabhodana (stimulate the mind), mrushta (pure), and balances all the three doshas.
  27. Honey – also known as Madhu. Properties – Rasa – Madhur (sweet),  Guna – laghu (light), vishada (clarity), ruksha (dry), Veerya – ushna (hot), Vipaka – Madhura (sweet),  balances Pitta and Kapha doshas. Honey has bactericidal, mild laxative, antiseptic and sedative properties.

Benefits of Arvindasava

METHOD OF PREPARATION

  1. Dhataki and draksha are washed and dried. All other herbal ingredients are filtered through sieve no. 44 and powdered.
  2. Now water is added to the coarse powder of all ingredients, then sugar is mixed, dissolved, and filtered through a muslin cloth.
  3. Now, this mixture is filtered into another container. Powdered forms of herbs like dhataki and draksha are added along with honey and mixed well.
  4. This preparation is kept sealed in a mud pot for one month for fermentation.
  5. After fermentation, it is filtered and packed in an air-tight container.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF ARVINDASAVA

Arvindasava is an ancient ayurvedic formulation widely used in children for various disorders. The ingredients used in this formulation are highly nutritious and have properties like anti-viral, antioxidants, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, antipyretic, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-diarrhoeal, sedative, and antispasmodic.

Arvindasava

Herbal Syrup for Indigestion - Arvindasava

CLASSICAL INDICATION

Bal-roga ( health problems of children)

REFERENCE – Bhaishajya Ratnavali, balrog adhikar, 161-165

INDICATIONS

  1.  Graha roga (psychological disorders of children) –  arvindasava works on the nervous system and also has sedative properties.
  2. Digestion problem – it helps in digestion and absorption in children as it has astringent properties. Arvindasava has anti-bacterial and antiparasitic properties due to which it helps in the management of infections of the digestive tract.
  3. Immunity enhancer-  Arvindasava has immunomodulatory properties and is a good immunity booster.

Other indications are

  1. Cough
  2. Rickets
  3. Weakness
  4. Diarrhea
  5. Laziness
  6. Delayed milestone
  7. Fever
  8. Anorexia

DOSAGE

  • In infants – 10 – 20 drops, twice or thrice a day
  • Above one year of age – 3 to 12 ml, orally, with an equal amount of water, twice a day.

SIDE EFFECTS

No known side effects, however in high doses it can cause abdominal irritation. It is advised to take this after food and after consultation with an ayurvedic doctor.

CONCLUSION

Arvindasava has been used in various problems of adolescence for thousands of years. We hope the above-mentioned details and benefits of Arvindasava will be beneficial for you.

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April 22, 2023

Mesalamine Side Effects and Better Options in Ayurveda to Replace It

ABSTRACT

Gut health and digestion are considered as the most important processes of the human body. Anything that hampers the process of digestion and elimination disturbs the basics of the entire body. Inflammatory bowel disease or disorders are a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation of the tissues of the digestive tract. In this article, we will look at IBD, modern treatment of mesacol in IBD and the better safer alternatives of mesacol by Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION – WHAT IS IBD?

IBD or Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of disorders that cause prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract and majorly affects the most active period of one’s life i.e. 20-30 years of age.

Ulcerative Colitis and IBD

The two most common one are

1. Ulcerative Colitis

This condition involves inflammation and formations of sores/ulcers in the large intestine, colon and rectum. This is more common in males.

2. Crohn’s Disease

This type of IBD can affect the entire digestive tract (from mouth to anus) and causes inflammation penetrating into the deeper layers of the digestive tract. This kind is more common in females.

COMMON SYMPTOMS IN IBD

  1. Bloody Diarrhea
  2. Weight loss
  3. Tenesmus
  4. Urgency
  5. Fatigue
  6. Weight loss
  7. Night Sweats

COMMON CAUSES OF IBD

The exact cause is unknown however these factors are found to play a role in the occurrence of IBD

  1. Smoking
  2. Overactive Immune system
  3. Family History
  4. Excessive consumption of NSAIDS and antibiotics
  5. Consumption of highly saturated fats.

DIAGNOSIS OF IBD

Your physician may refer you to a gastroenterologist, who may then order some tests such as:

  1. Stool test
  2. Colonoscopy and Biopsy
  3. MRI & CT

TREATMENT AS PER MODERN METHODS

  1. Corticosteroids
  2. Aminosalicylates
  3. (MESALAMINE)
  4. Thiopurines
  5. Immunomodulators

In this article, we will take a deeper look into a kind of Aminosalicylates called Mesalamine (also known as mesalazine).

WHAT IS MESALAMINE?

Mesalamine (also called mesalazine), is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat the inflammation of the digestive tract caused by ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s and inflammatory bowel disease. It works by suppressing the chemical messengers called prostaglandins that cause inflammation of the intestine. This reduces ulceration, bleeding, flare-ups of the IBD. Mesalazine is sold under the brand name Mesacol which is a common prescription drug given by doctors. Mesacol (mesalazine) is majorly used in patients of Ulcerative colitis.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MESALAZINE (also called as Mesalamine)

While there are many benefits of Mesalamine (also known as mesalazine), long term usage can result in certain side effects of mesacol. Let us take a quick look at the side effects caused by the medicine mesacol:

  1. Flatulence
  2. Headache
  3. Vomiting
  4. Dyspepsia
  5. Rashes
  6. Nausea

Long Term usage can cause

  1. Worsening of colitis
  2. Renal toxicity
  3. Hypersensitivity reactions

AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Ayurveda, a 5000 year old holistic system of medicine from India considers IBD as PITTATISARA and RAKTA ATISARA. When the digestion is hampered and there is formation of AMA in the body, it leads to the accumulation of toxins in the intestine and eventually leads to the vitiation of Pitta. Post this, when the blood in the intestine or the GI tract is vitiated by Pitta, it leads to the inflammatory change that leads to diarrhea and bloody stools. When the Pittaja Atisara is not treated, it eventually leads to Raktaja Atisara.

CAUSES AS PER AYURVEDA

As per Ayurveda, the causes for IBD are

  • Consumption of excess spicy, sour foods.
  • Consumption of heavy, raw products.
  • Irregular eating habits
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption.

AYURVEDA TREATMENT

Ayurveda treatment has a holistic approach that majorly focuses on the root cause. The treatments used are aimed at pachan (Digestion, Agni deepana (Increasing the metabolism), Vrana Ropana (to heal the ulcers) and Stambhana (to stop diarrhea). The commonly used herbs are Dadima (Punica granatum), Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Bilwa (Aegle marmelos), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) and vasa (Justicia adhatoda). All these herbs are herbal alternatives to mesacol (also called mesalazine). Along with the shaman treatment (oral), certain procedures can also be done in Shodhana treatment (Panchakarma procedures) such as Vaman, virechana and pittahar vasti, nabhi lepa and shirodhara.

AYURVEDA DIET PATHYA AND APATHYA (Dos and Don’ts)

Along with the medicines, Ayurveda also recommends a strict diet with certain do’s and don’ts that help in the complete recovery from IBD and prevent remission.

1. PATHYA (Dos

These are the things you should add in your diet.

  1. Ghee
  2. Curd
  3. Banana, Apple, Bel and papaya
  4. Bottle gourd and ash gourd
  5. Turnip, radish, carrots

2. APATHYA (DON’T’S)

These are the things that you should avoid in your diet

  1. Spices like red chilli, black pepper.
  2. Processed packed food.
  3. Dairy products
  4. Non vegetarian products
  5. Kidney beans, chickpeas and black gram

HERBAL ALTERNATIVES OF MESALAMINE BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda, a GMP certified company, prepares pure ayurveda formulations which are safer alternatives as compared to mesacol or mesalazine (Mesalamine). Planet Ayurveda prepares 100% pure, preservative free products .Ayurveda texts have some of the best alternatives to mesalazine (mesacol). All the ingredients in the products are aimed at providing healthy intestines and balance of the tridoshas.

The Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack includes

  1. Capsule Arjuna
  2. Vatsakadi Churna
  3. Pitta Balance
  4. Kutajghan Vati

Alternative Medicines for for Ulcerative Colitis, IBD, Crohn's Disease

Herbal Remedies for ulcerative colitis

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Arjuna Capsule

Arjuna Capsules are prepared with standardized extract of Arjuna herb (Terminalia Arjuna).This formulation is soothing, nurturing and healing. Arjuna herb is cardio protective but also helps in relieving the gastric issues and burning sensations which is why it is useful in ulcerative colitis. It is also anti allergic and anti oxidant which also helps in dealing with all kinds of body pains, swelling and ulcers.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals.

3. Vatsakadi Churna

Planet Ayurveda’s Vatsakadi Churna is a potent and safe formulation that has a combination of various herbs. The prime ingredients of this formulation are Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) and Bilwa (Aegle marmelos) which are great for anti dysenteric action and also helps in reducing the inflammation in the body which makes this formulation a prime choice for IBD issues.

Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily after meal with plain water

3. Pitta Balance

A vegetarian capsule by Planet Ayurveda made with Pitta balancing herbs with the purest extracts of the ayurveda herbs. This capsule will support digestion, maintain the intestinal mucosa. It is made with Praval pishti, mukta pishti and kamdudha ras. This formulation provides a cooling effect to the body and helps in dealing with ulcers. This herbal formulation helps in balancing the aggravated Pitta from the body which makes it a perfect choice for IBD.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily after meal with plain water.

4. Kutajghan Vati

Kutajghan Vati is a tablet formulation made from the classical Ayurveda texts with the prime ingredient as Kutaj herb. Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) as an herb has cold potency and pacifies Pitta and Kapha dosha both of which are aggravated in IBD cases. It also has dry nature with astringent taste and helps remove ama (toxins) from the body.

Dosage: 2 Tab twice daily after meal with plain water

CONCLUSION

To achieve a healthy body, every individual needs to have proper digestion and elimination. Disorders like IBD can affect these processes and thus the normal lifestyle. While one can always go for modern treatment but considering the side effects of mesacol (which contains mesalazine/Mesalamine), there are much safer ayurveda alternatives to mesalazine. These herbal alternatives along with diet and lifestyle corrections help in dealing with inflammatory bowel disease and associated complications.

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