Vajraka Ghrita

Reference – Ashtanga Hridayam Chikitsa 19/ 18

Abstract

Ayurveda aims to maintain healthy life and manage diseased ones. It believes in correcting chronic and lifestyle disorders, so most skin conditions are chronic in nature. Vajraka gyrate is herbal ghrita formulation for various types of skin disorders. It can be used externally as preparatory procedures in panchkarma and internally as medicine. So in this article we will discuss Vajraka ghrita composition, method of preparation, benefits and dosage.

Introduction

Vajraka Ghrita is a medicated formulation which is formed by using ghee as base drug infused with other herbal drugs. The main aim of this ghrita is to manage hepatic and dermatological conditions. According to classics it is very beneficial in ‘kushta roga’, it is a wide spectrum of skin diseases which includes leprosy, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc. It is prepared from a total of ten ingredients, which acts on inflammation, purifies blood and reduces toxins from the body. It is helpful in skin dryness, itching, pigmentation, and burning sensation like conditions.

Classical Indication

According to classical texts, Vajraka ghrita is mentioned by Acharya Vaghvhat in kustha chikitsa (managing leprosy) and other skin related issues. Among all three dosha (vata, pitta and kapha) it acts on vitiated pitta dosha. Some of the indications mentioned in classics are as given below-

  • Visarp (herpes zoster)
  • Jawar (fever)
  • Kamala (jaundice)
  • Rakta vikara (impure blood)
  • Kushta roga (leprosy)

Ingredients

The list of ingredients of Vajraka ghrita are listed below-

  • Vasa (Adhatoda vasica)
  • Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia)
  • Nimba (Azadirachta indica)
  • Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
  • Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
  • Bibhitaki (Terminalia billerica)
  • Patola (Trichosanthes dioica)
  • Vyaghri/ kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum)
  • Karanja (Pongamia pinnata)
  • Cow’ ghee

Benefits Of Ingredients

  • Vasa- It acts as a natural blood purifier and removes all toxins, impurities from the body. It prevents bacterial and fungal infections like fever and of skin. It reduces pain, inflammation and worm infestations.
  • Amrita- It improves blood circulation and brings natural glow to skin. It corrects rheumatic fever, autoimmune diseases and skin disorders. It helps in blood detoxification and fight against germs and bacteria.
  • Nimba- It makes skin healthy by preventing leprosy, skin ulcers. It reduces fever, heals wounds quickly and skin allergies. It improves skin complexion and prevents rashes, itching, redness, etc.
  • Amalaki- It is a natural blood purifier and makes very healthy skin. It boosts immunity, removes acne scars and helps in wound healing. It prevents acne, blemishes and wrinkles from skin.
  • Haritaki- It removes free radicals from skin and helps in oxygenation. It removes toxins from internal skin layers and manages rashes, acnes, boils, etc.
  • Bibhitaki- It has good healing properties due to the presence of ethanol and tannins. It has an antimicrobial effect so it prevents scalp infections like dandruff, itching, folliculitis, etc.
  • Patola- It helps in hydrating skin and purifying blood by removing toxins from the body. It promotes liver health and is rich in various vitamins and minerals. It reduces swelling from skin and liver.
  • Vyaghri/ kantakari- It reduces inflammation, swelling and protects the liver from damage. It prevents hair fall and has antimicrobial, antibacterial properties.
  • Karanja- It is helpful in conditions like, itching, pain, bleeding from eczema due to its healing property. It heals all chronic skin disease and improves skin texture.
  • Cow’s ghee- It softens, hydrates skin, lightens dark spots. It prevents dry, damaged skin, cracked lips during winter, etc. It nourishes skin, hairs as it is a rich source of vitamins, minerals.

Method Of Preparation

The steps for preparation of Vajraka ghrita are as given below-

  • Firstly, collect all the drugs mentioned above and wash them properly.
  • Then all kalka dravyas are dried and fine powder is made.
  • Then prepare kalka (paste) from the kalka dravyas in a clean stainless steel vessel.
  • Then add cow ghee to the kalka prepared and mix it properly. 
  • Prepare decoction of drava dravya by reducing it to one fourth to the solution.
  • Then add this decoction to the kalka-ghee mixture and keep stirring continuously.
  • Cook this solution on a mild fire and reduce it till there remains a quantity of ghee.
  • Now the Vajraka ghrita is obtained and stored in an airtight wide mouth glass container to keep away from direct sunlight.

Properties

The properties of vajaraka ghrita are given as following-

  • It has an antihistamine property and an allergic effect.
  • Effective in dermatological conditions. 
  • It has wound healing properties.
  • It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on skin.
  • Helps in liver detoxification.
  • It has hydrating and nourishing properties.

Indications

The indications of Vajraka ghrita are given as following-

  • Chronic abscess
  • Skin diseases
  • Jaundice
  • Herpes zoster 
  • Fever
  • Leprosy
  • Skin allergies
  • Dermatitis
  • Psoriasis 
  • Depigmentation

Contraindications

There are no such contraindications mentioned but people with diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia must be concerned to the physician. It is to be avoided in diarrhea and indigestion like conditions.

Dosage / Usage

10-20 ml twice a day after meals.

Anupana

With lukewarm water, milk.

Taste

Katu (Pungent), Tikhta (Bitter).

Smell

Like Ghee

Conclusion

These days as skin reactions are very common so vajraka ghrita plays an efficient role in maintaining immunity of skin disease patients and immuno compromised. Due to its cold potency it helps in burning sensation, itching, and rashes like conditions. It also acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Gradually it pacifies vata, pitta and kapha dosha from the body. So, one can use Vajraka ghrita for above mentioned indications, if any severity you may consult to the physician.