Keyword | Rasaayana |
Type | C. |
Etymology/ Definition | लाभोपायो हि शस्ताना रसादीनां रसायनम् च.सू.१/१/७ |
Reference | C.Chi.1/16, S.Su 1/7, A H.U.39/1-2 |
Literary Meaning | M / W – a medicine supposed to prevent old age and prolong life, a measure, which when used stabilizes the life process, retards aging and repairs the damages caused to the body constituents by the disease process. |
Implied Meaning | The Rasaayana drugs have beneficial action on all the ingredients of human life viz. The S`hareera , Indriya ( sense organ ), Sattva and Aatman ( soul ). It improves Rasa substantively, qualitatively and functionally, which ultimately results in stability of age, improves functionality of sense organs and mind. It also gives a sense of wellbeing and even emancipation after a fruitful and healthy life. Entity facilitating generation, passage of Aahaara Rasa from Kosht`ha to Dhaatu for their conversion. |
Elaboration | Rasaayana is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda . Rasaayana Dravya nourishes ( Apyaayanam ) each and every body tissue ( Rasaadi Dhaatu ). This results in extended lifespan, good health, good memory and intellect as well as toned up Dnyaanendriya and continued youthfulness. Rasaayana are of two types 1. Vaataatapika 2. Kut`eepraaves`hika Vaataatapika Rasaayana is one, which is administered to an individual even when he is exposed to Vaata ( wind ) and Aatapa ( sun ). It can be taken while continuing with other daily schedule. Classification as per D`alhan`a Kaamya – One which boosts Praan`a and Medhaa ( intelligence ) 2 Naimittika – As per status of disease or for a certain period e. g. S`hilaajatu , Chitraka 3. Aajastrika ( Ksheera , Ghrita ) – To be taken regularly for nourishment of all Dhaatu . Naimittika Rasaayana is more focused in its action. It could be disease specific. It is useful to strengthen the weaker tissue ( Dhaatu ). It improves Dhaatubala by purifying or pacifying Dosha. Examples of Rasaayana in particular diseases are: Udara ( Ascites )( Pippali Rasaayana Madhumeha ( Diabetes )( S`hilaajatu S`hotha ( Generalized oedema )( Punarnavaa It acts at various levels by boosting Dhaatu , by stabilizing Vaya , by developing functions of various organs, and by nurturing Dhaatvaagni . |
Synonyms | Jaraanaas`hana , Vyaadhi Naas`hana |
Contemporary Colloquial | Tonics, Adaptogens, Immunomodulators, Mood elevators, Rejuvenators |
Last updated on June 16th, 2021 at 09:29 am