Nagavallabha Rasa – Indication, Ingredients & Dosage

REFERENCE – A.F.I. Part 1 – 20:22
(Yogaratnakara, Kasa Chikitsa verse 155-157)

ABSTRACT

Air pollution, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles diminish lung capacity and increase respiratory disorders like chronic cough (Kasa), bronchitis, and wasting diseases (Kshaya), arising from Vata dosha aggravation with Kapha blocking Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channels), resulting in tissue wasting and metabolic imbalances such as Prameha (diabetes). Nagavallabha Rasa, a classical herbo-mineral remedy, delivers Ushna (hot potency), Tikshna (penetrating), Kapha-Vata shamaka (dosha-balancing), and Balya (strengthening) effects to clear pathways, rejuvenate lungs, counter emaciation, and harmonize metabolism. Purified minerals alongside herbs are triturated with Nagavalli svarasa (Piper betle leaf juice) to make this effective formulation. A detailed overview of this formulation follows.

INTRODUCTION

Nagavallabha Rasa is a potent herbo-mineral formulation renowned for invigorating respiratory function and alleviating Kasa (cough) along with its complications like Kshaya (wasting diseases). The name “Nagavallabha” reflects its cherished affinity with Nagavalli (betel leaf), combining musk, cinnamon, purified borax, saffron, cinnabar, long pepper, akarkara, nutmeg, mace, and aconite triturated in betel leaf juice for profound Kapha-Vata clearance and vitality restoration. Primarily indicated for cough, pulmonary wasting, metabolic disorders (Prameha), and Vata-dominant conditions, it promotes robust lung health and metabolic harmony.

This preparation acts on Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channels), addressing Srotorodha (channel block), tissue depletion, and dosha vitiation. It effectively dispels chronic cough, emaciation, urinary-metabolic disturbances, and neurological-musculoskeletal issues. By penetrating obstructions, balancing Vata and Kapha doshas, and strengthening without aggravating Pitta, Nagavallabha Rasa serves as a key remedy for respiratory debility and associated systemic disorders.

नागवल्ल्भनामाअयं रसो विश्वोपकारकः।। १५८।।
(Yogaratnakara, Kasa Chikitsa)

The shloka praises Nagavallabha Rasa, declaring it beneficial for the entire world.

CLASSICAL INDICATION

Chronic cough (Kasa)

INGREDIENTS

  1. Kasturi (Musk) – 1 part
  2. Tvak (Cinnamon bark) – 1 part
  3. Tankana shuddha (Purified Borax) – 1 part
  4. Kumkuma (Saffron) – 1 part
  5. Shuddha Hingula (Purified Cinnabar) – 2 parts
  6. Pippali (Long pepper) – 2 parts
  7. Akarakarabha (Anacyclus pyrethrum) – 4 parts
  8. Jatiphala (Nutmeg) – 4 parts
  9. Jatipatri (Mace) – 4 parts
  10. Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconite) – 4 parts
  11. Nagavalli rasa (Betel leaf juice) – Quantity sufficient for trituration

INGREDIENT DESCRIPTION

1. Shuddha Kasturi (Purified Musk)

Shuddha Kasturi (Purified Musk) exhibits tikta-kashaya rasa, laghu-ruksha guna, and ushna virya, balancing Kapha and Vata dosha. Its muscone nano-particulates kindle pran agni, combat cough by liquefying bronchial kapha, and stabilize pulmonary mucosa against endotoxin-induced spasms in wasting disorders.

2. Shuddha Tvak (Purified Cinnamon bark)

Shuddha Tvak (Purified Cinnamon bark) exhibits madhura-tikta-katu rasa, laghu-ruksha guna, and ushna virya, balancing Vata and Kapha dosha while acting as deepana and kaphahara. Its cinnamaldehyde compounds kindle digestive fire and help in metabolic disorders such as Prameha.

3. Shuddha Tankana (Purified Borax)

Shuddha Tankana (Purified Borax) exhibits tikta-kashaya rasa, snigdha-laghu guna, and ushna virya. It acts as lekhana and kshara, helping resolve tissue wasting and metabolic imbalances.

4. Shuddha Kumkuma (Purified Saffron)

Shuddha Kumkuma (Purified Saffron) exhibits tikta-kashaya rasa, snigdha-laghu guna, and ushna virya. It acts as varnya and rasayana, rejuvenating lung tissues and reducing inflammation in chronic cough.

5. Shuddha Hingula (Purified Cinnabar)

Shuddha Hingula (Purified Cinnabar) exhibits madhura rasa, snigdha guna, and ushna virya. It acts as rasayana and yogavahi, enhancing vitality and supporting tissue nourishment.

6. Shuddha Pippali (Purified Long pepper)

Shuddha Pippali (Purified Long pepper) exhibits katu rasa, snigdha-laghu guna, and mild heating potency. It works as rasayana and bioenhancer, expelling Kapha in cough and promoting lung healing.

7. Akarakarabha

Akarakarabha exhibits katu-tikta rasa, laghu-sara guna, and ushna virya. It acts as medhya and balya, supporting nerve strength and metabolic clearance.

8. Shuddha Jatiphala (Nutmeg)

Shuddha Jatiphala (Nutmeg) exhibits madhura-katu rasa, snigdha guna, and ushna virya. It acts as grahi and vishaghna, calming Vata-induced cough spasms.

9. Shuddha Jatipatri (Mace)

Shuddha Jatipatri (Mace) exhibits katu-madhura rasa, snigdha guna, and ushna virya. It works as dipana and balya, strengthening tissues and improving digestion.

10. Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconite)

Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconite) exhibits tikta-katu rasa, laghu-ruksha guna, and tikshna ushna virya. It acts as srotoshodhana and vedanasthapana, clearing respiratory channels and relieving pain.

11. Nagavalli rasa (Betel leaf juice)

Nagavalli rasa (Betel leaf juice) acts as the trituration medium, showing katu-tikta rasa and ushna virya, helping balance Kapha-Vata dosha and enhancing the overall efficacy of the formulation.

METHOD OF PREPARATION

Nagavallabha Rasa is prepared using the classical Kharaliya Rasayana method in a Khalva Yantra (mortar and pestle). The ingredients are taken in specified proportions and sequentially triturated beginning with minerals and followed by herbal ingredients. Bhavana is performed repeatedly using Nagavalli rasa (betel leaf juice) until a fine homogeneous paste is obtained. The paste is then rolled into tablets of 62.5–125 mg, dried in shade, and stored in airtight glass containers.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Nagavallabha Rasa is commonly administered with honey and warm water as anupana for Kapha-Vata pacification, enhancing respiratory function and clearing mucus accumulation.

For cough management it may be given with Sitopaladi Churna, while in wasting conditions it can be combined with Chyawanprash. In metabolic disorders and Vata roga it may be used with Chandraprabha Vati to support metabolic balance.

IMPACT ON DOSHA

Nagavallabha Rasa primarily pacifies Kapha and Vata through ushna, tikshna, and srotoshodhana properties that stimulate respiratory fire and clear obstructed airways. It mildly balances Pitta through its madhura and snigdha components.

INDICATIONS

  • Cough (Kasa)
  • Wasting disorders / Pulmonary tuberculosis (Kshaya)
  • Metabolic disorders including diabetes (Prameha)
  • Neurological and musculoskeletal disorders (Vata roga)
  • Respiratory weakness with Kapha accumulation
  • Emaciation and low vitality
  • Chronic cough with dyspnea

DOSAGE

62.5 mg to 125 mg

ANUPANA (ADJUVANT)

  • Ardraka rasa (fresh ginger juice)
  • Honey
  • Tambula patra svarasa (betel leaf juice)

CONTRAINDICATION

  • Pitta-dominant conditions such as hyperacidity or burning sensation
  • Pregnancy and lactation
  • Children under 12 years without supervision
  • Acute renal or hepatic impairment

CONCLUSION

Nagavallabha Rasa stands as a time-tested herbo-mineral formulation in Ayurveda, combining purified minerals and potent herbs to clear respiratory channels, dissolve Kapha toxins, and restore vitality. It is particularly effective in cough, wasting diseases, metabolic disorders, and Vata-related conditions when used under proper Ayurvedic supervision.