In my city, Pune, there’s a famous hillock called Taljai Tekdi. With a dense forest, it’s a popular spot for trekking, jogging, and running among locals. Just outside the forest area, hawkers and food stalls cater to early morning walkers with breakfast options and some unusual surprises.
On one particular morning walk, I came across a hawker selling fresh juices made from potent Ayurvedic plants. Curious, I stopped for a chat. It got me thinking about how Ayurveda’s rising popularity has led to a surge in unprescribed use of these remedies, fuelled by the infamous “WhatsApp University,” where every herb suddenly becomes a magical cure-all.
While Ayurveda does work on treating the root cause of diseases, it requires a deep understanding. There’s a common misconception that Ayurvedic remedies have no side effects or that a single herb can cure everything. That’s simply not true. Just like modern medicine, Ayurveda requires proper guidance and knowledge.
One category of Ayurvedic treatments that’s particularly misunderstood is Rasayana, the ones that are popular these days. Often thought to be synonymous with rejuvenation, Rasayana actually plays a much bigger role.
What Is Rasayana?
Rasayana refers to remedies that help build and strengthen the seven dhatus of the body. Think of it like the transformation of milk into cream, yogurt, buttermilk, and eventually ghee—each stage becoming more refined and potent. Similarly, these dhatus are the building blocks of our body.
Rasayanas don’t just rejuvenate; they also strengthen weakened body parts after an illness and help prevent the disease from recurring. However, not all Rasayanas are the same. One Rasayana can’t fix everything, and some might not even suit certain individuals. Used correctly though, they can boost strength, vitality, and longevity.
Let’s bust some myths and uncover a few real uses of popular Rasayanas:
1. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Nature & Properties: Heavy to digest, cold in potency, and sweet in taste.
Benefits:
Promotes lactation in women (widely known). Helps in fetal growth.Helps in growth spurt of children when had with milk.
Boosts vitality and strengthens the body when digestion is strong.
Helps in healthy weight gain and longevity.
Misconceptions:
Often thought of as a “women-only” herb, Shatavari is actually beneficial for men too, especially for building strength and gaining healthy weight.
Precautions:
1. Obesity: Can worsen weight issues.
2. First Trimester of Pregnancy: Difficult to digest due to weak digestion.
3. Digestive Issues: Its heavy nature can aggravate conditions related to indigestion.
2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Often hailed as the “men’s favorite herb” for its reputation in treating erectile dysfunction and improving athletic performance, Ashwagandha isn’t just for men—women can benefit from it too.
Nature & Properties: Hot in potency, bitter and astringent taste, and a powerful Rasayana.
Benefits:
Strengthens muscles and boosts overall stamina.
Enhances cognitive functions and reproductive health.
Effective in Vata-Kapha conditions.
Misconceptions:
While it’s often linked only to men’s health, women can use Ashwagandha for mental clarity and energy.
Precautions:
Excessive use can cause heat-related issues, such as early greying of hair or increased body heat.
3. Triphala (Haritaki, Amalaki, Bibhitaki)
Triphala is like the Ron, Harry, and Hermione of Ayurveda—individually effective but much more powerful together.
Nature & Properties: Balances all three doshas, mildly laxative, and dry in nature.
Benefits:
Helps in fat metabolism and detoxification.
Supports eye health when taken with honey and ghee before bed.
Improves digestion.
Misconceptions:
Many see Triphala as just a laxative, but it offers far more benefits.
Precautions:
Overuse can dry out muscles, especially the pelvic floor, potentially leading to prolapse. For constipation, it’s better to treat the root cause and use alternatives like ghee or castor oil if digestion is strong.
4. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
Guduchi is like the TV show Friends—evergreen and versatile, always there when you need it.
Nature & Properties: Dry and bitter, with constipating properties (Grahi).
Benefits:
Reduces post-fever weakness.
Purifies blood and boosts immunity.
Enhances cognitive abilities for better decision-making.
Misconceptions:
Guduchi is often seen as a cure-all, but it’s drying in nature and needs to be combined with other medicines.
Precautions:
Better suited for individuals with higher body fat.
Should be prescribed by a doctor and combined with milk or ghee to counter its drying effects.
5. Gokshur (Tribulus Terrestris)
Nature and properties:
Sweet taste and cooling properties.
It’s a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its potential to increase libido and address various health concerns.
Benefits
Urinary Tract Health: It may help with urinary retention and kidney stones.
Gokshur may help reduce excess Vata and Pitta doshas, potentially relieving burning sensations in UTIs.
Other Potential Uses: Some traditional uses include managing bleeding piles.
Precautions:
Gokshur may increase urine production. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using it.
Final Thought:
These are just a few uses of these potent Ayurvedic medicines. In practice, physicians often prescribe them in carefully crafted combinations based on individual needs. The goal here is to clear up common myths and promote a more informed understanding of Ayurveda.
Remember, Ayurveda is powerful yet intricate. It’s not meant for trial and error based on hearsay. Always seek advice from a qualified expert before starting any herbal remedy to harness its true benefits safely and effectively.
So the next time you take a morning walk and stumble upon some “magic” herbal juice stall, pause, think, and remember: not all that’s natural is safe without knowledge!