The word ‘arogya’ signifies ‘good health’ whereas ‘vardhini’ stands for ‘improver’, i.e. an ayurveda formulation that can completely eradicate diseases and improve or promote good health. This medicine has been formulated by Acharya Nagarjuna. Arogyavardhini is a magical herbal remedy used for treating a myriad of diseases mainly of the heart, liver, stomach, intestine, gall bladder, skin, teeth and gum.
VERNACULAR NAMES
- Arogyavardhini gutika
- Arogyavardhini rasa
- Sarvrogharvati
PREPARATION OF AROGYAVARDHINI VATI
REFERENCE – Rasendra Sarasangraha – Jwara Rogadhikara
INGREDIENTS
- ShuddhaParada – Herbal purified Mercury – 10 g
- ShuddhaGandhaka – Herbal purified Sulphur – 10 g
- LohaBhasma – Bhasma prepared from Iron – 10 g
- AbhrakaBhasma – Purified and processed Mica – 10 g
- TamraBhasma – Bhasma prepared from Copper – 10 g
- Haritaki – ChebulicMyrobalan fruit rind – Terminalia chebula – 20 g
- Vibhitaki – BelliricMyrobalan fruit rind – Terminalia bellirica – 20 g
- Amalaki – Indian gooseberry fruit – EmblicaofficinalisGaertn. – 20 g
- Shilajatu – Asphaltum – 30 g
- Pura – Guggulu – Indian bedelium (gum resin) – Commiphoramukul – 40 g
- Chitra – Eranda – Castor – Ricinuscommunis – 40 g
- Tikta – Katuki – Picrorhizakurroa – 220 g
- Juice extract of Nimba – Neem – Azadirachtaindica – Quantity Sufficient.
The fine powder of the above ingredient is ground with the neem juice extract, made into a paste, and pills are prepared.
METHOD
- The herbal ingredients, i.e. kutki, chitramool and triphala are powdered and stored in the separate air-tight vessels.
- Shilajit and guggulu are purified through swedana process using triphalakwath.
- Fresh nimbapatraswaras (i.e. neem leaf extract) are prepared by grinding and squeezing the leaves.
- The herbal powders are mixed with the neem extract and subjected to the bhavana process (i.e. infusion of powder with fluid) for 3-4 hours.
- The powder is then air-dried at a temperature of 60°C.
- Purified shilajit and guggulu are then mixed with the air-dried powder.
- The metallic ashes of loha, tamra, abhrak, parad and gandhaka are subjected to the mardana process (i.e. grinding) to obtain dhatukajjali (an alloy of mercury).
- All the above ingredients are mixed homogeneously in a mixer.
- Lastly, the binding agent is added to hold the powder particles together.
- Spherical tablets or vatis are prepared by rolling them onto your palm or using tablet making machine for large quantity of mixture.
THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS
Triphala: It is a powdered amalgamation of 3 potent myrobalans in equal quantity namely amlaki, haritaki and bibhitaki. The powders when added in any formulation acts as a potent remedy against a host of diseases like constipation, obesity, indigestion, flatulence, jaundice, anemia, asthma, throat infection, hair problems, and pyorrhea.
Shilajatu: When organic matter gets trapped under layers of rocks over hundreds of years and is subjected to extreme pressure and temperature conditions, a thick sticky exudate is obtained which is highly rich in minerals like triterpenes, fulvic and humic acid. This rejuvenating remedy is highly essential for kidney stones, dysuria, phthisis, breathing problems, anemia, epilepsy, piles, edema, mental inabilities, and skin infections.
Guggulu: This is a gum resin obtained from the bark extract of the mukul tree. The extract is then purified with triphala decoction to use in various ayurvedic formulations. It holds high significance in the treatment of cardiovascular problems, hypertension, obesity, arthritis, and atherosclerosis.
Chitramool: Chitramool is obtained from the sun-dried root of the Chitrak plant. The root extract is extremely essential in promoting digestion, stimulating appetite, and treating a multitude of diseases like abdominal pain, anorexia, hemorrhoids, rhinitis, cough, sprue, liver problems, menstrual problem,s and infertility.
Kutki: This powerful ayurvedic herb is highly effective in normalizing the tridoshas and has a katu rasa (i.e. bitter-pungent taste), hence the name. The bitter herb is good for treating liver problems, digestive issues, respiratory disorders, skin infections and also eliminates toxins from the body.
Nimba: The fresh neem leaf extract used in this formulation increases the therapeutic efficacy of the product. A powerful antioxidant, neem extract eliminates free radicals from the body thereby actively participating in treating intestinal worm infestation, vision problems, indigestion, ulcer, heart ailments, a blood disorder, liver problems, teeth, and gum infection.
Purified Metallic Ashes: The metallic ashes used in this formulation are completely purified through a series of steps called sodhana (purification), mardana (grinding), and swedana (vaporizing). These ashes are used for making the kajjali i.e. an alloy of parad which is effective in normalizing the tridoshas in the body. Among these various ashes, lohabhasma is highly effective for treating liver disorders, spleen disorder, anemia, hernia, and impotency whereas abhrakbhasma is used for treating severe headache, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, vertigo, etc. Additionally, tamrabhasma is potentially useful for indigestion, gall stones, liver, and spleen enlargement.
AROGYAVARDHINI VATI USES
- It is used in the treatment of acute and chronic fever, obesity, liver disorders, anorexia.
- It improves digestion power, clears waste products from the body.
- It acts as a cardiac tonic.
- It is also used as a co-prescription with other medicines in different conditions.
- It acts as a catalyst.
- Because it is useful in liver disorders and balances Pitta, it is widely used in skin diseases such as hyperpigmentation, acne, etc.
- Ayurvedic texts of Rasaratna samucchaya for the treatment of kustha i.e. Leprosy. • Bhaishajyaratnavali for treating yakritvikara i.e. liver disorders.
- Ayurveda also claims the use of this potent medication for jaundice, skin infections, fever, edema, indigestion, and obesity.
FOR SKIN DISORDERS with Vatakapha aggravation – ArogyavardhiniGutikaras is administered along with Mahamanjishtadikashaya. The formulation is a magical remedy for treating various skin infections. The abundance of Triphala in this formulation is very effective in removing the AMA toxins from the body. The anti-inflammatory and potent analgesic properties of this Vati are extremely beneficial in treating acne and eczema. Being loaded with antioxidants, Arogyavardhinivati scavenges free radicals from the body and its antipruritic nature alleviates the itching sensation caused due to allergic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, sunburn, etc.
POTENT DIGESTIVE STIMULANT – Arogyavardhinivati is an excellent digestive formulation. The anti-flatulent property of this product reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing flatulence, bloating, and abdominal distension. A higher concentration of the Kutki herb makes this vati a potent appetizer, which increases appetite, reduces indigestion, stimulates better absorption of nutrients in the body, and hence promotes a healthy digestive system.
IN CASES OF ANASARCA – It is administered along with digitalis leaf powder (60 – 120 mg) or Punarnavadikashayam.
IN CASE OF CONSTIPATION – It is usually administered along with Abhayarishta or Gandharvahastadikashayam. The laxative nature of this vati softens stools and relieves constipation. The presence of bioactive minerals like shilajit not only strengthens the intestinal muscles but also promotes the secretion of bile from the liver that improves peristalsis movement inside the intestines that ultimately facilitate the passing of fecal matter from the body. Regular intake of the herbal pill softens the stools and reduces excessive stickiness of the fecal matter thus prevents chronic constipation.
IN CASE OF KAMALA – It is administered along with Katukichoorna and Moolakaswarasa. Arogyavardhinivati having potent anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties is extremely effective in treating various liver problems like hepatitis, jaundice and fatty liver. The cholagogue nature of the herbal formulation stimulates the secretion of bile from the liver into the small intestine and also actively participates in washing out the excessive bile from the body before being absorbed, thus reducing risks of spleen and liver disorders.
CURES HEART AILMENTS – Arogyavardhinivati acts as a potent cardiac remedy. It reinforces the heart muscles, enhances the sarcoplasmic reticulum functions of the heart and minimises arrhythmias. By regulating the heart rhythms, it effectively lessens the risk of heart blocks, blood clots, heart attacks, ischemic cardiomyopathy, mitral regurgitation, etc. It also reduces hypertension and keeps blood pressure levels under control.
IN CASE OF OBESITY – It is administered along with Ayaskruti, Triphalachoorna or VaranadiKashayam Regular consumption of the vati improves body metabolism and cures liver ailments, abdominal issues and obesity. The essential nutrients in the formulation satiates the hungers pangs and prevent overeating and hence can play a pivotal role in one’s weight loss regimen.
EFFECT ON TRIDOSHA
The host of natural ingredients in this magical formulation increases its therapeutic value as it effectively balances the tridoshas, viz., Vata (air), Pitta (digestion), and Kapha (earth and water).
DOSES
The minimum effective dosage of Arogyavardhinivati is roughly 120 – 500 mg, taken once or thrice a day.