Rasayana Chikitsa.pdf

Rejuvenation therapy of modern science had its root in Rasayana Chikitsa, a well-known and flourished branch of Ashtang Ayurveda. It constituted fundamental aspects of Rasayana and its practical utility in the present era in the form of effective herbs and formulations.

1. RASAYANA CHIKITSA
Rejuvenation therapy
Rasāyanaisdefinedasatherapeuticmeasurethatpromoteslongevity,
preventsaging,providespositivehealthandmentalfaculties,increases
memory, and gives resistance and immunity against diseases.
Theliterarymeaningof‘Rasāyana’is‘obtainingtheoptimumnourishmentto
theDhātu’.ThustheRasāyanaisabranchofĀyurvedicmedicinethatimproves
the fundamental tissues like Dhātu, Agni, Srotas, etc. of the human body.
Forthebestresults,itisnecessarytodoŚodhanatherapy(Pañcakarma)
beforegivingtheRasāyanadrugs.However,thereareexamplesoftheṚiṣhi
Cyavanawhoseage-wornphysiquewasconvertedintoyouthfulbytheuseof
Rasāyana.
Rasayana is a part of Ashtang Ayurveda.
RasayanadrugsarethosemedicinescapableofgivingsuperiorRasasand
Dhatustothebodyandbalancingthesystemofhealthypersons.Also
increasesnaturalimmunity,enhancinggeneralhealth,improvingthe
functioning of organs of the body and keeps away the signs of early aging.
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2. Themainpurposeistodelaytheagingprocessandthedegenerative
process occuring in the body.
Rasayanaisthetermgiventospecialherbs,fruitsoranyotherformof
medicinethatareknowntopromotepositivehealthandlongevity.After
takingRasayanawecanlearnhowtomaintainabalancebetweenthematerial
andspiritualaspectsoflifeandhelpothersalsotounderstandit.Thiswill
help in establishing peace, happiness and love.
Introduction
Rasayana Chikitsa is also known as Rejuvenation Therapy.
ItisoneofeightbranchesofAyurveda,describedunderJara-Chikitsa,
whichaimsatachievingalongandhealthylife.Ayurvedahasa
philosophy to establish good health rather than just curing diseases.
Rasayanaisanactivesteptowardsachievingthis.Rasayanaclaimsthatit
retardstheprocessofaging.ItbasicallybooststheOja(vitalforceoflife)and
theimmunesystem.Ithelpsthepersontomaintaingoodhealth.Mostofthese
rasayanacanbeusedregularlyasafoodformaintainingbalancedmentaland
physicalhealth.Theymaybeusedeitheraloneoralongwithothermodesof
treatment as an adjuvant.
Definition
The word'Rasayana'is composed of two words i.e.RasaandAyana.
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3. 'Rasa'means fluid or juice and'Ayana'means pathway.
Hence,theword'Rasayana'means'pathofthejuice'.Italsomeansby
which one gets the excellence of Rasa is known asRasayana.
Literally,thetechnicaltermRasayanareferstothemeansofobtainingthe
optimumnourishmenttotheDhatus.AccordingtoAcharyaSushruta,the
substancewhichdecreasestheagingprocess,increasesthelongevityand
increasesthementalaswellasphysicalstrengthandwhichdestroysthe
diseaseprocessiscalledRasayana.AccordingtoAcharyaCharaka,the
substancewhichinvigoratesahealthypersonbyproducingthebestquality
of Rasa, Rakta dhatu and other dhatus are called as Rasayana.
In the Ayurvedic text books, the definition of Rasayana is described as:
"Drugs,dietandregimenswhichdestroyoldageanddiseaseare
called Rasayana.”
That means by taking Rasayana we always remain healthy and young. This did not
mean that you will not die. It means that even in 80's or 90’s age you are able to
perform your normal duties and you don't have to depend on others.
Ayurvedasays,rejuvenationtakesplacesothatapersoncanbecome
healthy and explore the spiritual aspect of life.
Classification of Rasayana
TherearevariousclassificationsforRasayanatherapy.Someofthemareas
follows-
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4. 1.Kamya Rasayana
KamyaRasayanaisusedtofulfilawishordesireortoserveaspecialpurpose
(Kama - desire). It is also used to promote general physical & mental health.
It is of three types:
a)PranakamyaRasayana–Itisusedforachievingormaintainingthe
best quality of Prana (life energy) in the body.
b)MedhakamyaRasayana-Itisusedforenhancingmemoryand
intellect.
c)Srikamya Rasayana- Promoter of complexion
2.Naimittika Rasayana
NaimittikaRasayanaisgiventocombatorbalanceaspecificcause,
whichiscausingadiseaseinthebody.Examples;DhatriRasayan,
Mandukaparni Rasayana, Brahmi Rasayana and Triphala Rasayana.
As per method of use -
1.Kuti-praveshika Rasayana (In-door therapy)
It is administered by keeping the individual inside a cottage.
Itismadeupoftwowordsi.e.Kutimeaning“Ahutorcottage”and
Praveshika means“To enter”.
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5. Construction:
●Inthismethod,thepersonhastoresideinaspeciallyprepared
cottageforalongperiodwhilereceivingvariousRasayanaherbs.
Elaborate arrangements are made there.
●Themostimportantpointintheconstructionis'RituSukha'that
meansheat,coldandlightshouldbeadequate.Theseasonal
changes outside should not affect the Kuti inside.
●TheKutishouldbesurroundedbycompoundwall,havinglotofuseful
treesandmedicinalherbsgrowninthecompound.TheouterGriha
shouldhaveitsentranceineast,thecentreGrihashouldhavethe
entranceinwestandtheinneroneshouldhavetheentrancein
north. Also one can easily enter the inner house clockwise.
●Whatevermaybethestyleitshouldbeinsuchawaythatthere
will be only minimum exposure to light and wind.
●Noneotherthanthephysicianandpatientshouldbeallowedto
enterthekutiduringthecourseoftreatment.Toiletandwashing
facilitiesshouldbethereinsidethekuti.Onlywarmwatershouldbeuse
forallneeds.Ifneeded,abelievableattendantcanbeemployed.The
physicianshouldeitherstaythereorcomeandvisitthepatientquite
often.
Therefore,thistypeisnotsuitableforapersonwhohastocarryonhisprofessionor
familyresponsibilities.Thismethodstrictlyfollowsthelawsofnature;positiveresultscanbe
obtained in shorter period of time.
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6. Precautions:
Beforetakingthisformofrejuvenationtherapy,thepersonhasto
undergo Panchakarma therapy.
Thepersonhastostrictlyfollowtheprescribeddietsandother
instructionsgivenbythephysician.HeshouldundergoPanchakarma
therapy before taking the rejuvenation.
2.Vatatapika Rasayana(Open air therapy or Out-door therapy)
Thiscanbeadministeredeveniftheindividualisexposedtothewindand
thesun.SomespecialpreparationsusedasaVatatapikaRasayanaareas
follows;
Chyavanaprasha,AmalakiRasayana,HaritakiRasayana,PippaliRasayana,
VidangaRasayana,ShilajituRasayana,BrahmaRasayana,Lohashilajitu
Rasayana.
Contraindications:
Intemperance,
Laziness,
Indigence,
Triflers of medicine
VatatapikaRasayana,ontheotherhand,doesnothavestrictrulesand
can be practiced in your routine life.
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7. Thisisrightlyindicatedinthename“Vatatapika”,where“Vata”meansair,
and “atapa” means heat or sun.
So,thisisamethodoftakingRasayana,whileapersonremainsexposedto
airandheatandthistypecanbetakenwhileworkinganddoingyournormal
routinework.Becauseofscarceavailabilityoftime,resourcesandfinances,
stayinginhealthresortsmaynotbesuitableforsomepeople.Therefore,
thismethodisbestandsuitableforthosepeople.Itcomprisesofdifferent
types Ayurvedic herbal preparations.
VatatapikaRasayanacanbegivenforevenwithoutundergoingthe
Panchakarma therapy.
Importance of Shodhana
ItisveryessentialforapersonwhowishestoundergoRasayanatherapy
toundergo“Samshodhana”.Rasayanaismoreeffectivewhenitisgivenafter
Panchakarmatherapy.ThepersonisstronglyadvisedtoundergoSnehana,
Swedana&Panchakarma i.e.Vamana,Virechana,Basti,Nasya,
Rakta-mokshana.
Thesamshodhanaprocessdetoxifiesbothbodyandmind.Adetoxifiedbody
andmindisalikeacleanclothwhichreadilyabsorbsthecolorinwhichit
hasbeendippedunlikeasoiledclotwhichlookssoiledevenaftercoloring
with best colors.
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8. Butwhenapersonisnoteligibleforsamshodhanaorisnotabletoget
samshodhanathenhecanalsoconsumeRasayanapreparationswhichstill
boost the qualities of rasa in his body.
Benefits of Rasayana Therapy
AccordingtoAcharyaCharak,apersonundergoingRasayanatherapyattains
enhances
●Intelligence,memorypower,willpower,bodystrength,skinluster,
sweetness of voice and physical strength.
●Itnourishestheblood,lymph,flesh,adiposetissueandsemenand
thus prevents chronic degenerative changes and illness.
●ItgivesfreedomfromchronicdegenerativedisorderslikeArthritisand
senile diseases.
●Rasayanaisthoughttoimprovemetabolicprocesses,whichresults
inthebestpossiblebiotransformationandproducethebest-quality
bodily tissues and eradicates senility and other diseases of old age.
●Helpstoattainoptimalphysicalstrengthandsharpnessofsense
organs.
●Rasayanahadagoodactiononreproductiveorgansandalsonourishes
ShukradhatuRasayananourishesthewholebodyandimprovesnatural
resistance against infection by increasing Immunity power.
●Rasayanainvigoratesthebodyingeneralbysustainingtherequired
balance between anabolism and catabolism.
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9. ●Rasayanatherapyregulatesthecirculationofvitalfluidandeliminates
thewastematerials,rejuvenatesthenervoussystemandkeepvigour
and stamina.
●Preventswastingofmuscles,delaystheageingprocess,keeps
strongbones,tendonsetc.Preventsosteoporosis,improveswhole
bodycirculation,preventsgrayingofhairandprovidesgoodsleepand
appetite.
●Rasayana therapy keeps the body and mind pleasant.
Some Commonly Used Rasayana Herbs
Rasayanabringsaboutastrikingimprovementinthementalandphysical
health. Here is list of herbs used for Rasayana therapy and their actions.
Balyam (Childhood) Vacha, Swarna bhasma
Vriddhi (Growth & Development)Ashwagandha, Bala,
Chhavi(Luster/Complexion):Amalaki,
Lauha bhasma
Medha (Sharpness In Perception)Shankhapushpi,Jyotismati
Twak (Skin) Bhringraj, Priyal, Jyotismati
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10. Drishti (Visual Acuity) Triphala, Shatavari,
Jyotismati, Saptamrut lauha
Shukra (Potency & Fertility)Atmagupta, Ashwagandha
Buddhi (Memory) Brahmi
SpecificRasayana[Herbaldrugs&metallicpreparation]for
specific tissues
Rasa Draksha, Shatavari, Kharjura
Rakta Amalaki, Bhringaraja, Suvarna-makshik Bhasma
Mamsa Masha, Ashwagandha, Bala, Kupilu, Rajat bhasma
Meda Guggulu, Shilajit, Haritaki, Guduchi,
Asthi Shuktibhasma,Kukkutandatwak bhasma,
Vamsharochana,
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11. Majja Shankhapushpi, Loha bhasma, Swarna bhasma
Shukra Kapikacchu,Vidarikanda,Shatavari,Ashwagandha,
Swarna bhasma, Ghee and Cow milk.
Rasayana [Drugs & Formulations] for specific channel-systems
Respiratory System Chyavanaprasha, Vardhaman pippali
Water Metabolism SystemFreshGinger,CardamomDigestive
System Pippali, Bhallataka, Haritaki.
CirculatorySystem(lymphatic
portion)
Draksha, Shatavari, Dates
CirculatorySystem (blood
portion)
Amalaki,Dhatrilauha,Bhringaraj,
Suvarnamakshik Bhasma
Muscular System Masha,Ashwagandha,Bala,Kupilu,
Rajat bhasma
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12. Adipose System Guggulu,Shilajit,Haritaki,Guduchi
SkeletalSystemShuktibhasma,
Kukkutandatwak bhasma, Va
mshalochana,
Nervous System Ashwagandha, Loha bhasma
Shankhapushpi, Swarna bhasma
Reproductive System Ashwagandha,Kapikacchu,Shweta
Mushali,Shatavari,Vidarikanda,Swarna
bhasma, Go- Ghrita and Cow milk
Urinary System Punarnava, Gokshura
Excretory System Kutaj, Vidanga, Triphala
Sweat System Basil, Kupilu
Menstrual System Ashoka, Lodhra, Shatavari
Lactation System Shatavari, Jeeraka, Milk
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13. Rasayana [Drugs & Formulations] for senses and other organs
Eye Triphala, Shatavari
Nose Nasya of Anu oil
Skin Tuvarak, Khadir, Bakuchi
Brain Calamus Heart Guggulu, Swarna bhasma
Neuro-Muscular SystemBala, Nagbala, Garlic
Rasayana according to dosha
Vata Bala, Ashwagandha
Pitta Amalaki, Shatavari, Guduchi
Kapha Bhallataka,Guggulu,Pippaliand
Garlic
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14. Medhya Rasayana
Medhaistohavepropercorrelationandunderstandingabouttheknowledge
oftheexistingobjects.DuetoMedhaapersonwillbeabletoobtainthe
knowledge of existing object and hence person becomes learned.
MajorityofMedhyaRasayanadrugspossessvariedproperties.Hence,it
appears difficult to explain the effect of all the Medhya drugs.
NagarjunahasmentionedthatmedhyadrugsmainlyactbytheirAchintya
Veeryai.e.Prabhava.Theeffectisalsoatdifferentlevelssuchasatlevelof
Rasa,Agni,andSrotsa.AtthelevelofAgnithesedrugactbystimulating
andimprovingthefunctionofAgni.AtlevelofSrotsa,thesedrugs
improvethecirculationofRasabyopeningandcleaningthemicrochannel
and then ultimately improve the function of Medha.
These drugs have beneficial effect on body as well as on mind.
VariousMedhyaRasayanadrugsusedareMandukparniSvarasa,
ShankhpushpiKalka,GuduchiSvarasaandMulethiChurnadescribedin
Charaka Samhita.
SomeoftheRasayanadrugsactbyPanchbhautikacomposition,someby
Rasa,GunaVeerya,andVipaka.Pharmacologicalpropertiesofdrugsarethe
resultantofdifferentcombinationofBhoota.Panchamahabhootaaresaidto
havecharacteristicofthreeMahaguna:Satva,Raja,andTama.Medhaare
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15. attributedtopredominanceofSatvaGuna,HenceAakashiya,Taijus,Aapya
drugs having Satva guna predominance improve Medha.
OnthebasisofRasa,TiktaRasahasdirectactiononthepromotionof
Medha.ItperformstheirfunctionbyitsLaghupropertyand
Deepana-PaachanaandSrotoshodhakaaction.MadhuraRasaalsoby
promotingtheformationofOjanourishesfivesense,mindandmedha.
Hence,MedhyaRasayanadrugsappeartobepredominantlyTikta-Madhura
Rasa.Amla,LavanaandKatuRasaarehavingleastimportancein
Medhya action.
Similarly,UshanaVeeryadrugsstimulateSaadhakPittawhichpromotes
Medha.UshanaVeeryadrugsimproveGrahanShakti(powerofreception)
andSamriti(Power of recalling).
MajorityofdrugsarehavingMadhuraVipakawhichnourishesMedhaby
formationofOja.SoalltheMedhyaRasayanadrugsimprovementalfaculties,
improve mental function and intellect.
Achara Rasayana
Achara Rasayana is described in various texts.
It means good conduct.
AcarefulanalysisofqualitiesofAcharaRasayanarevealthatmostof
themarerelatedwithMana,Dhi,Dhritialongwithgoodconductand
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16. theseresultsinmaximumbenefit.Apersonmustbetruthful,freefrom
anger,whichisdevoidofalcohol,sexindulgence;apersonmustnotindulgein
violence or exhaustion.
ApersonmayregularlyofferprayerstoGods,Teachers,Preceptorsand
oldpeople.Apersonmustbeabsolutelyfreefrombarbarousacts,his
periodofawakeningandsleepisregular,musttakemilkandGhee
regularly,shouldbefreefromego,whoseconductisgood,mustnotbe
narrowminded,ShouldhaveloveforspiritualKnowledge,musthave
excellentsenseorgan,havingselfcontrol,whoregularlyreadscripture,
musthaveregardforelderlypeople.Ifapersonendowedwiththese
qualities takes rejuvenation therapy they get all the rejuvenation benefit.
Current Features of Rasayana Therapy
RasayanaChikitsameansrejuvenationtherapy.Rejuvenationliterally“means
toreturntoyouthfulconditionsortothenormalfromdiseasedstate”.It
helpstopromoteandpreservehealthandtoCurediseaseinsick.Thetherapy
enhanceone’senergyandisevenknowntohavecuredthesick.Italso
increasesahealthyperson’smentalandphysicalcapabilities.Itisknownto
haveimprovedskincomplexionandtexture,modulatesthevoiceand
increasessensingcapacityofsenseorgans.Theyreplenishthevitalfluids
of our body thus keeping us away from diseases.
ThepossiblemechanismsbywhichactionofRasayanacanbeinterpreted
with modern aspects are as follows:
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17. ●Antioxidant action
●Immuno-modulatory action
●Hemopoetic effect
●Adaptogenic action
●Antiaging action
●Anabolic action
●Nutritive function
●Neuroprotective action
●Antioxidant Action
RasayanadrugsactsasAntioxidantsi.e.substancesthatreduceoxidative
damagesuchasthatcausedbyfreeradicals.Freeradicalsarehighlyreactive
chemicalsthatattackmoleculesbycapturingtheelectronsandthus
modifyingchemicalstructures.Wellknownantioxidantsincludeanumber
ofenzymesandothersubstancessuchasvitaminC,vitaminEandbeta
carotene(whichisconvertedtovitaminA)arecapableofcounteracting
the damaging effect of oxidation.
WithanolideinAshwagandhaalsoactsasAntioxidantsbyincreasinglevels
ofthreenaturalAntioxidantslikesuperoxide-dismutase,Catalase,
Glutathioneperoxidase.ImmunomodulatoryActionRasayanadrugsalsoacts
as immunomodulator.
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18. DISCUSSION
Rasayanadrugsareusedforpreservationofpositivehealth.Sushruta
definesahealthymanasonewhohasequilibriumofDoshas,normal
functioningofAgni,normalconditionofsevenDhatus,besidehissoul,
thesenseorgansandmindshouldbehappyandcheerful.Rasayanastands
asananswertosolvetheproblemofhealthfullongevityincludingmental
developmentandresistanceagainstdisease.Rasayanaisaspecialized
typeoftreatmentinfluencingthefundamentalaspectofbodyi.e.Dhatu,
AgniandSrotasa.ItisapossiblethatdifferentRasayanadrugsmayact
withpredominanceeffectatdifferentlevels.Thesecomprehensiveeffects
arebroughtaboutwiththehelpofthevariedPharmacodynamicproperties
of these drugs.
Rasayanaeffectisnotaspecificpharmacologicalactionbutisacomplex
phenomenonoperatingthroughaComprehensivemechanisminvolvingthe
fundamental factors like Rasa-Samvahan, Dhatus, Agni and Srotsa.
Itmayultimatelybeleadingtotheachievementofthecomprehensiveeffect
asstatedbyCharaka“LabhopayoHiShastanam-Rasadinam
Rasayanum”ItproducestheRasayanaeffectsmentionedintermof
VayasthapanaandAyushkara,Medhakara,UrjaskarasothatRasayanadrugs
acting at level of Rasa by improving Specific nutritional values of Poshak Rasa.
ProbablyRasayanadrugsarehavingMadhura,Guru,Snigdha,andSheeta
propertiesactasRasayanaatlevelofRasabypromotingthenutritionalvalue
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19. oftheRasawhichintermhelpsinobtainingthebestqualitiesofDhatus.
TheexampleofsuchdrugsmaybeShatawari,Madhuyashti,Bala,Dugdha,
Ghrita etc.
RasayanadrugshaveafundamentaleffectatlevelofAgniordigestionand
metabolism.TheRasayanadrugspossessingtheUshana,Laghu,Rukshaand
Katu,Tikta,KashayaRasamaybeactingatlevelofAgni,Vitalizingtheorganic
metabolismleadingtoanimprovedstructuralandfunctionpatternof
Dhatus and Production of the Rasayana effects.
At the level of AgniPippali, Guggulu, Rasona, Bhallataka, Rudanti.
At level of JatharagniVidang, Chitraka, and Haritaki
Dhatus Amalaki, Amrita, Pippali, Kumari
Sroto-shodhana Katu,Tikta,KashayaRasa,Vishada,Ruksha,
Laghu Guna, Ushana Veerya and Katu Vipaka
Oja Jivaniya Gana drugs, Swarna and Pippali.
Medhakara effects
CertainRasayanadrugsalsoincreasenumberofimmunecellsknownasT
cells&Bcellshelpingtofightinfections.AntiagingActionAgingis
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20. progressivechangerelatedtopassageoftime.Byage50-60agerelated
changestobegintoreflectlikereducedpowerofmuscle,reducedvision,
memory,locomotionfunction,thereisgradualdeclineinhomeostasisand
immunefunctionpredisposesthemtoinfection,digestiveproblemand
malignancy.
Single Drugs and Simple preparations:
1.Juice(Svarasa)ofwholeplantofBhṛṅgarāja–14to28ml.tobetakentwiceaday
for one month. During this therapy patient should take only milk as his diet.
2.Takepowderedfruitrindof2Vibhītaka(belericmyrobalan)beforemeal,4Āmalakī
(embolicmyrobalan)aftermealandof1Harītakī(chebulicmyrobalan)after2to4
hours of meal with ghee and honey, regularly for one year.
3.Juice(Svarasa)ofMaṇḍūkaparṇī–7to14ml.orpowderedrootofMadhuyaṣṭi–1
to2g.orJuiceofGuḍūcī–7to14ml.orKalka(paste)ofwholeplantofŚaṅkhapuṣpī
– 12 g. to be taken with milk twice a day.
4.PowderedrootofAśvagandhā(wintercherry)–1to3g.orpowderedfruitof
Pippalī (long pepper) – 1 g. to be taken with honey followed by 100 to 250 ml. milk.
5.TriphalāCūrṇa–3to6g.tobetakenwith100to250ml.milkor4to6g.honey
twice a day.
6.ĀmalakīRasāyana–1to3g.tobetakenwithmilktwiceaday.Itisspeciallyuseful
for peptic ulcer.
7. ŚuddhaGuggulu – 1 to 2 g. to be taken with water twice a day.
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21. Compound Preparations:
1.Cyavanaprāśa:12to24g.tobetakenwith100to250ml.milkthriceaday.Itis
useful in chronic cough and tuberculosis, and to increase the weight.
2. BrāhmīGhṛta: 12 to 24 g. to be taken with 100 to 250 ml. milk twice a day.
3.ŚatāvarīGhṛta:12to24g.tobetakenwithhoneyfollowedby100to250ml.milk
twice a day.
4.Vasanta-Kusumākara:60to120mg.tobetakenwithhoneyfollwedby100to250
ml. milk twice a day.
5. Mahā-Lakṣmī-Vilāsa Rasa: 60 to 120 mg. to be taken with honey thrice a day.
6. Makara-Dhvaja: 30 to 60 mg. to be taken with honey thrice a day.
7. DhātriRasāyana: 12 to 24 g. to be taken with 100 to 250 ml. milk thrice a day.
8.Amṛtaprāśa:12to24g.tobetakenwith100to250ml.milkthriceaday.Itis
useful for increasing the weight.
9.Agastya-Harītakī12to24g.tobetakenwith100to250ml.milkthriceaday.Itis
useful for decreasing the weight of fatty persons.
10.AbhrakaBhasma:60to120mg.tobetakenwithhoneyfollowedby100to250
ml. milk.
11.PūrṇaCandraRasa:60to120mg.tobetakenwithhoneyfollowedby100to250
ml. milk.
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