Updansha Gajakesari Ras – The Lion of Ayurvedic Remedies for Chronic Infections and Skin Disorders

In the profound tradition of Rasa Shastra (Vedic Alchemy), certain formulations are revered not just for their healing properties, but for their power to tackle diseases that seem insurmountable. Updansha Gajakesari Ras is one such legendary formulation. Its name—derived from Gaja (Elephant) and Kesari (Lion)—symbolizes a remedy so potent it can conquer the “elephant-sized” difficulty of chronic infections.

The Scriptural Foundation: Original Sanskrit Shloka

The authenticity of this medicine is rooted in the Rasayogasagar and Brahyogatarangini. Below is the original Sanskrit text as preserved in the provided images:

लवङ्गं पारदं शुद्धं मरिचं करहाटकम् ।
जन्तुघ्नं मस्तकीश्चैव प्रत्येकं कर्षसंमितम् ॥
चतुष्कर्षो यवानीं च गुडं तद्विद्विः क्षिपेत् ।
भल्लातकानां च शुभां विंशतिं द्विगुणां बुधः ॥
चूर्णयित्वा तु तत्सर्वे गुटिकां कारयेद्भिषक् ।
निष्कमात्रां ततः खादेदेकां प्रातर्हि मानवः ॥
ताम्बूलं भक्षयेत्पश्चात्पथ्यं दुग्धौदनं हितम् ।
सप्ताहान्मुच्यते जन्तुः फिरङ्गाख्योपदंशतः ॥
सन्धिशोफास्थिशोफास्थिशूलं सन्धिरुगोऽपि च ।
उपदंशेऽत्र सिंहाख्यो रसोऽसौ शम्भुनेरितः ।
सोपदंश नृणां चैव कुष्ठिनां च सुखाय वै ॥

Classical Interpretation: This “Lion-like” medicine, ordained by Lord Shambhu (Shiva), is a mixture of Clove, Purified Mercury, Black Pepper, Akkalkara, Vidanga, and Rumamastaki, processed with Jaggery and Bhilawa. It is designed to cure Firang-Updansha (Syphilis) and joint/bone pains within seven days of proper use.

Decoding the Ingredients: A Synergistic Blend

Each ingredient in Updansha Gajakesari Ras plays a specific role in purifying the blood and neutralizing toxins.

The Alchemy of Preparation: Traditional vs. Modern Methods

The text highlights a fascinating transition from classical shlokas to practical traditional wisdom (Parampari Parivartan).

The Role of Rasasindur

The commentary mentions that while the shloka calls for Parada (Raw Mercury), practitioners often use Rasasindur (Red Sulfide of Mercury). Rasasindur is a Kupipakwa Rasayana, meaning it has undergone intense heat processing in a glass bottle, making it safer for the body and more effective in treating chronic blood-borne infections.

The Bhilawa Challenge

Bhallataka (Marking Nut) is notoriously caustic. The text suggests using Bhilawa Oil directly. This is a crucial practical tip—handling raw Bhilawa can cause skin blisters. By using the oil and incorporating it into the Gutika (pill), the medicine targets deep tissues without harming the skin of the pharmacist.

In-Depth Therapeutic Benefits (Guna)

This formulation is not a general tonic; it is a targeted intervention for severe pathology.

Treatment of Firang-Updansha (Syphilis)

In Ayurvedic terminology, Firang refers to diseases of foreign origin, historically associated with syphilis. The medicine is particularly effective when the patient presents with:

• Red Rashes (Chakte): Small, itchy, or painful red spots across the body.
• Ulcerations: Lesions on the genitals or skin surfaces.

Bone and Joint Health

Untreated infections often “settle” in the bones. The text mentions:

• Sandhishotha: Swelling of the joints.
• Asthishotha: Inflammation of the bone tissue.
• Asthishula: Piercing pain within the bones.Updansha Gajakesari Ras penetrates these hard tissues to flush out the infection.

Clinical Observations: Insights from the Marathi Texts

The second image provided offers invaluable clinical experience (Anubhav).

The Penicillin Alternative

One of the most striking claims in the text is its use for patients who are sensitive to Penicillin. It mentions that patients who experience “Shock” (Marmathat) or Hives (Sheetapitta) after Penicillin injections find relief with this Ayurvedic alternative. It also addresses the “rotting” or “decaying” sensation (Anga Sadlyasarkhe) that can occur in advanced stages of infection.

Cardiac Protection

The text warns of a condition called Hrutkapatvikruti (Mitral Regurgitation). Modern medicine recognizes that certain untreated bacterial infections can lead to heart valve damage. Ayurveda suggests that by treating the root Updansha with this Ras, one can prevent these life-threatening cardiac complications.

The Importance of Anupana (Carrier) and Timing

In Ayurveda, the carrier (Anupana) is as important as the medicine itself.

• Dosage: The text recommends a dose of 4 Gunja (approx. 500 mg).
• Timing: Typically taken in the morning and evening.
• Anupana: It must be taken with Cold Water.
• The Betel Leaf Ritual: After taking the pill, the patient is advised to chew a Betel Leaf (Tambool/Vida). The alkaline nature of the betel leaf helps neutralize the intense heat of the Bhilawa and Mercury, protecting the digestive lining.

The Pathyapathya: Essential Dietary Protocols

Because this medicine is “Ushna” (hot) and “Teekshna” (sharp), the diet must be “Sheeta” (cooling) to prevent internal inflammation.

What to Consume (Pathya):

• Milk (Dugdha): The primary antidote to the heat of the medicine.
• Dughdhodan: A simple, nourishing meal of rice mixed with milk.
• Honey and Water: To assist in blood purification and detoxification.
• Neem Baths: Bathing in water boiled with Neem leaves (Kadunimba) provides external antimicrobial support and soothes the skin.

What to Avoid (Apathya):

• Curd (Dahi): Known to block body channels (Abhishyandi).
• Hot/Spicy Foods: These can aggravate the rashes and increase internal heat.
• Salty/Sour items: Which can worsen skin conditions.

Safety, Precautions, and Modern Relevance

While Updansha Gajakesari Ras is a marvel of ancient chemistry, it comes with strict warnings.

Warning Note

The text notes that doctors (Chikitsak) must be careful when dressing the wounds of such patients, as there is a high risk of contracting the infection through skin contact. Using this medicine during the early stages is highly beneficial.

1. Strict Supervision: This is a Prachanda (intense) medicine containing heavy metals. It should never be self-administered.
2. Kidney and Liver Health: Due to the mineral content, a physician must monitor the patient’s renal and hepatic function throughout the course.
3. Modern Utility: Today, this formulation is often used as a “last resort” for chronic skin diseases that do not respond to standard antibiotics or for patients with multi-drug resistant infections.

Summary table of Symptoms

Updansha Gajakesari Ras represents the pinnacle of Ayurvedic specialized treatment. By combining the original Sanskrit wisdom with modern safety modifications like using Rasasindur instead of raw mercury, this medicine continues to offer hope for complex, deep-seated ailments. It highlights the sophistication of ancient medicine in identifying the link between skin infections and systemic complications like heart valve issues long before modern diagnostics were available.