Narasimha Rasayanam

Reference – Ashtanga Hridayam Uttarsthan 39/ 169-173

Abstract

Ayurvedic classics have numerous formulations for a variety of conditions, such as preparations can be in the form of tablets, oil, ghrita, asava, aristha, rasayana. Narasimha rasayanam is a herbal, semi solid preparation which is prepared by having butter as its base drug. It is used as a pre preparatory medicine in panchakarma procedures and for managing weakness, fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, etc. This formulation corrects physical weakness and degenerative changes in the body. So in this article we will discuss Narasimha rasayanam’s composition, method of preparation, properties, indications and dosage.

Introduction

As the name suggests, it is a rasayanam formulation having rejuvenating properties. Narasimha rasayanam is a poly herbal formulation mentioned in our classical texts. It is used as a preparatory procedure in snehan karma (oleation procedure) to improve muscle mass and strength. Among all dosha it pacifies them in sequence of pitta, kapha and vata dosha. In this herbal preparation herbs are infused in a medium of ghee along with herbs water decoction. It contains oil soluble and water soluble phyto active chemicals of herbal drugs used. The primary herb used in this formulation is khadira (Acacia catechu) which works on all dosha (vata, pitta and kapha) and seven dhatus (body tissue) of the body.

Classical Indication

According to classics, Narasimha Rasayanam is explained by Acharya Vagvhata in the rasayana chapter having rejuvenating properties. It has tridosha effects as it balances vitiated vata, pitta and kapha dosha. Some of the classical indications are given as follows-

  • Paaprahit (healthy)
  • Balwaan (improves strength)
  • Vaaji Vega (fertility)
  • Sthir anga (stability)
  • Keshya (improve hair quality)
  • Medhavi (intelligence)
  • Tivr jatharagni (Improve digestive fire)
  • Rasayana (rejuvenator)

Ingredients

The list of ingredients of Narasimha Rasayanam are given as following-

  • Gayatri/ khadir (Acacia catechu)
  • Shikhi/ chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica)
  • Shimshapa (Dalbergia sissoo)
  • Asana (Pterocarpus marsupium)
  • Shiva/ Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
  • Vidanga (Emblica ribes)
  • Akshaka/ Bibhitaki (Terminalia billerica)
  • Arushaka (Semecarpus anacardium)
  • Ayas/ iron plates
  • Kshirr (Cow’s milk)
  • Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)
  • Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
  • Haiyangaveena (Butter)

Benefits Of Ingredients

  • Gayatri / Khadir (Acacia catechu)– Khadira herb is most effective in dermatological conditions and prevents growth of bacteria and fungi. It helps to remove toxins from the body as it has detoxification properties and helps in worm infestations.
  • Shikhi / Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica)– Chitrak plant has a variety of properties like cardio protective, hepatic and neuro protective. It is also beneficial in digestive ailments like indigestion, constipation and calms the central nervous system.
  • Shimshapa (Dalbergia sissoo)– Among all doshas it helps in balancing kapha dosha. It is beneficial in obesity for weight loss, non healing wounds, ulcers like conditions. It reduces inflammation and prevents infections. It is beneficial for skin, hair health.
  • Asana  (Pterocarpus marsupium)– Due to its bitter taste it helps in balancing vitiated kapha and pitta dosha. It is very helpful in managing blood glucose level and obesity. It reduces skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, itching, etc.
  • Shiva / Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)– Harad helps in body detoxification, regulates metabolism and maintains immunity. It corrects digestive disorders like constipation, indigestion and bloating. It reduces hunger, toxins and inflammation.
  • Vidanga (Emblica ribes)– Itis hot in potency and has laxative properties. It helps to manage worm infestations and purification of blood. It calms the large intestine and increases blood circulation to control the metabolic system by balancing kapha and vata dosha.
  • Akshaka/ bibhitaki (Terminalia billerica)– Bibhitaki is a large tree having calming nature which promotes longevity and works as a rasayana (rejuvenator). It is used in purgation therapy and conditions related to eyes, hairs and voice. It helps in hair growth, soothing throat and digestive disorders.
  • Arushaka (Semecarpus anacardium)– Bhallataka seeds are mainly used for kapha disorder, managing digestive disorders and skin related issues. It has various properties like anti allergic, fertility, anti inflammatory and prevents microbes.
  • Ayas / Iron Plates- The ash of iron is used for quickly increasing iron levels in severe anaemic patients. It improves response in erythropoiesis patients, boosts immunity and with fatigue and insomnia. It is a rich source of iron, calcium and potassium.
  • Kshirr  (Cow’s milk)- Milk contains various nutrients which are good for bones such as calcium, vitamin D and protein. It helps in boosting energy level and reduces all inflammation. It has a great effect on the central nervous system so it calms stress, tension.
  • Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)– Bhringraj prevents hair fall, baldness, dandruff, hair greying and dry scalp. It aids healthy skin and prevents various skin infections. It maintains good digestion, appetite and overall health as it has laxative and rejuvenating properties.
  • Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)– It has rejuvenating properties with a rich source of vitamin C so it removes toxins from the body. It has an oxidant effect on skin and hairs, makes scalp free from infections and makes healthy hairs. It builds strong digestion, immunity.
  • Haiyangaveena (Butter)- It contains Vitamin D, calcium and various nutrients effective for bone health. It regulates hormonal balance and prevents infections. It gives energy, moistens the body and prevents oxidative stress.

Method Of Preparation

The steps for preparation of Narsimha Rasayanam are given as following-

  • Firstly, collect all the ingredients mentioned above and wash them properly.
  • Then collect kwatha/ decoction drugs and add 16 times water into it and add iron plates in the solution.
  • Keep decoction drugs soaked into the water and keep the vessel in sunlight for the following three days.
  • Stir the solution in between from time to time, remove iron plates.
  • After three days, cook the solution on mild heat till it gets reduced to one fourth of the quantity.
  • Filter the solution in a clean vessel, then add iron bhasma to the decoction prepared.
  • Then add cow’s milk, triphala powder and butter to the decoction.
  • Heat the solution in an iron vessel for sometime by continuous stirring, then the lehyam is prepared. 
  • Store the rasayana in a clean airtight glass container, to keep away from direct sunlight.

Properties

The various properties of Narasimha Rasayanam are given as follows-

  • It provides strength to the body
  • It boosts the immune system.
  • It acts as a dietary supplement.
  • Improves libido and physical strength.
  • Prevents degenerative changes.
  • Strengthens metabolic system.

Indications

The indications of Narasimha Rasayanam are given as following-

  • Weight gain
  • Hair loss
  • Rejuvenation
  • Infertility
  • Skin complexion
  • Fatigue, tiredness.
  • Used in panchakarma procedures.
  • less concentration
  • Memory loss
  • Muscle strengthening

Contraindications

The conditions when Narasimha rasayanam is not given are as follows-

  • No such conditions are there when it is not administered but must be taken under medical supervision.
  • High doses may cause diarrhoea, indigestion.
  • Prevention taken by diabetic, dyslipidemic, hypertensive patients.
  • Taken under the guidance of any physician.

Dosage / Usage

One pala (48 grams) / 1-2 tsf twice daily after meals.

Anupana

Madhu or Mishri (Honey, Sugar)

Taste

Kashya (Astringent)

Smell

Like Butter

Conclusion

Above mentioned Rasayana is a poly herbal formulation, mentioned in classics for rejuvenating the whole body. It provides strength, muscle mass, improves intellect, memory and is good for skin, hair growth. It corrects overall health of the body by working on the immunity and metabolic system. It is a jam-like preparation made of butter, honey, milk and many herbs. So one can use for the indications discussed above, if any severity you must concern the physician.