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K.P.Sampath Kumar et al./ Elixir Pharmacy 69 (2014) 23312-23315
23312
Introduction
Ayurveda, the oldest health science has eight
branches. Rasayana (rejuvenation) is one of them. Rasa has
different meanings like juice, taste, essence, flavor or emotion,
but is not limited to any of these in itself. In therapeutic process
Rasa is concerned with the conservation, transformation, and
revitalization of energy. Rasa nourishes our body, boosts
immunity and helps to keep the body and mind in best of
health.All therapies in Ayurveda aim to provide complete health
– physical, mental, and spiritual - so that people can engage in
achieving the real goal of life—self-realization.
The rasayana therapy makes it easily possible with its
remarkable benefits on health, immunity, and
longevity."Rasayana," an Ayurvedic medicine made of
rejuvenating herbs has, micro nutrients which improves health,
immunity, vigour, vitality, longevity as well as relieves stress.
All these benefits of certain Rasayana herbs are now
scientifically proved through various experiments as well as
clinical studies. With WHO (World Health Organisation)
acknowledging the contributions of ethnomedicine in tackling
several ailments; physicians too are having a second look at the
alternative therapies all over the world.
Advantages
There are many benefits of taking rasayana which are as
follows:
Increase in life-span.
Increase in memory and intelligence.
Freedom from diseases [i.e. immunity is increased].
Preservation of youth.
Excellence of luster, complexion and voice.
Optimum strength of the body.
Increase in body glow.
Types of rasayana:
Types of rasayana preparations which can be consumed
according to the needs./
1. Kamya Rasayanas : Kamya rasayanas are promoters of
normal health. These boost body energy levels, immunity and
general health.
2. Pranakamya – Promoter of vitality and longevity
3. Medhakamya – Promoter of intelligence.
4. Srikamya - – Promoter of complexion.
5. Naimittika Rasayana- : Naimittika rasayanas help to fight a
6. specific disease.
Types of Rasayanas on the basis of place of Therapy
1. Kuti Praveshika Rasayana – Indoor rasayanaTherapy .
2. Vatatapika Rasayana – Out door rasayana Therapy.
Types of Rasayanas On the basis diet and life styles.
1. Aushdha Rasayana – Drug based Rasayana.
2. Ahara Rasayana – Dietary Rasayana.
3. Achara Rasayana – Life style Rasayana.
A detoxified body and mind is a like a clean cloth which
readily absorbs the color in which it has been dipped unlike a
soiled cloth which looks soiled even after coloring with best
colors. But when a person is not eligible for samshodhana or is
not able to get samshodhana then he can also consume rasayana
preparations which still boost the qualities of rasa in his body.
Preparation For Rasayana Therapy
It is very essential for a person who wishes to undergo
rasayana therapy to undergo samshodhana (detoxification) as a
preparatory procedure. The samshodhana process detoxifies
both body and mind. A detoxified body and mind is a like a
clean cloth which readily absorbs the color in which it has been
dipped unlike a soiled cloth which looks soiled even after
coloring with best colors. But when a person is not eligible for
Tele:
E-mail addresses:
debjit_cr@yahoo.com
© 2014 Elixir All rights reserved
Indian Traditional Rasayana Therapy and its Health Benefits
K.P.Sampath Kumar
1,*
, Debjit Bhowmik
2
, S.Duraivel
3
and Rajalakshmi A.N
4
1
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Coimbatore Government Medical College, Coimbatore
2
Karpagam University, Coimbatore.
3
Nimra College of Pharmacy, Nimranagar, Vijayawada.
4
Mother Theresa Post Graduate and Research Institute of Health Sciences, Puducherry.
ABSTRACT
Ayurveda has two main aims one is to maintain health and the second is to cure disease.
The branch of rasayana or rejuvenation is one of the eight specialized branches of
Ayurveda that primarily deals with the maintenance of health. Rasayana is defined as any
herb, food, or activity which confers youthfulness and cures diseases. If taken in a proper
way, the rasayana prevents early aging and keeps you young and active both physically and
mentally. Rasayana is a special type of treatment containing various methods of
rejuvenation. It derives from 'Rasa' and 'Ayana.' The literal meaning of Rasa is the essence
of something. Anything ingested into the body in the form of food or medicine is first
resynthesized into Rasa Dhatu, the basic plasma tissue. Ayana is the method by which Rasa
is carried to all the body tissues for biochemical metamorphosis (Rasakriya). The concept
of Rasayana is based on these two principles of conservation and transmutation of energy.
Rasayana therapy strives to improve physical, mental and moral Qualities. It prevents old
age, restores youthfulness, improves the complexion and the voice, increases physical
strength and immunity. It strengthens memory and intelligence, gives happiness to oneself,
and a life which is beneficial to others.
© 2014 Elixir All rights reserved
.
ART I CL E IN F O
Art i c l e h is t o ry :
Received: 21 October 2013;
Received in revised form:
30 March 2014;
Accepted: 17 April 2014;
Ke y w or d s
Rasayana,
Restores youthfulness,
Physical strength and immunity.
Elixir Pharmacy 69 (2014) 23312-23315
Pharmacy
Available online at www.elixirpublishers.com (Elixir International Journal)
K.P.Sampath Kumar et al./ Elixir Pharmacy 69 (2014) 23312-23315
23313
samshodhana or is not able to get samshodhana then he can also
consume rasayana preparations which still boost the qualities of
rasa in his body.
Effect Of Rasayana Therapy
Rasayana therapy enriches nutritional quality of Rasa,
enhances digestion and metabolism by normalizing agni or body
fire, and promoting the competence of channels
Benefits of rasayana :
The main purpose of Rasayana therapy is to retard the aging
process and to delay the degenerative process in the body
It enhances the intelligence, memory, body strength, luster of
the skin, and modulation of voice
It nourishes the blood, lymph, muscles, tissues, semen, and
thus prevents Chronic degenerative disorders like Arthritis.
Improves metabolic process and quality of body tissues and
eradicates diseases of old age
Helps to attain optimal physical strength and sharpness of
sense organs.
Rasayana has marked action on reproductive organs and also
nourishesshukra dhatu (semen)
Rasayana nourishes the whole body and improves Immune
system and hence the natural resistance to infections will be
more.
By following Achara Rasayana one can be more Satwik and
surge ahead in the spiritual field by his pure daily routines like
speaking truth, not getting angry, by having control over his
sense organs and calmness .
Natural Foods Which Act As Rasayanas
Haritaki : (Embelica officinalis)
It is called as Haritaki because it cures all the diseases. It
has been alternatively named as Abhaya with appreciation on
its action since it bestows permanent long life to those who use
it always. It is also known as Vijaya since it is a conqueror of
all the diseases. A fresh , round and heavy fruits of haritaki are
always best. It should sink in water and also devoid of any
diseases. Such fruits are rich in taste and potency. The fruit
should be slit into two or three pieces and seed is removed .Such
fruit pieces are cooked with four parts of water till they soften.
Then they should be removed and allowed to cool. One part of
ghee and one part of honey is added to this and kept aside for
three days. It should be consumed later taking care of digestion
power. After this rasayana is digested shstika sahli rice with
cow’s milk is consumed. By using this rasayna one will be free
from wrinkles, baldness and premature graying of hair. This
gives very good memory power, eye sight and a long healthy
life.
Ghee (Clarified butter):
It is the best known Rasayana which is very good
rejuvenator and Longevity promoter. It also improves digestion,
has soothening effects on the nervous system, Iimproves the
glow of skin, enhances memory power, helps to retain the
grasped matters and increases ojus. Ghee has a very good rate of
absorption and it is a very good medium for transporting the
nutrients of the food to the tissue So make sure that you use a
spoon of to your daily food which is very easily and readily
available to one and all. (This is not applicable to people who
have high blood cholesterol).
Lemons:
These are the very rich source of Vitamin C and are known
for there unique action like improving the resistance to cold,
controlling the bleeding of gums, healing wounds and formation
of scar tissue. The lemon acts as purifier and nourishing agent.
Squeeze half lime in a glass of luke warm water and add two tea
spoons of honey to it. This helps to reduce weight when
consumed in empty stomach at early hours of day.
Ginger:
Ginger improves digestion, removes ama (body toxin which
causes diseases). Hence it is accepted world wide as medicine.
Always use dry ground ginger which is more concentrated in its
effects and flavor. Sprinkle little dry ginger powder on a spoon
of lemon juice and add little salt. This should be consumed
forty-five minutes before meals to have a very good appetite and
digestion.
Cumin Seeds:
Cumin seeds helps in digestion, digests and expels ama and
balances doshas. To expel body toxins start the day with
drinking Luke warm water with powdered cumin and ginger.
Green Gram :
Green gram is very light to digest and are best for people
who have digestion problems. They are among the best legumes
for there supreme digestibility and health giving qualities. Those
who prefer light food can opt for this food.
Dates and figs:
These are known excellent source of energy. They also help
to build the body tissues and improve the hemoglobin
percentage. Hence eat two to three dates or figs a day.
Almonds:
These are nourishing and life –supporting . Eat five to six
Almonds a day to build energy and strength. It is proved that
Almonds helps in reducing the blood Cholesterol levels.
Lassi
It is beverage prepared by mixing two part of water and
one part of yogurt. It can be made a sweet beverage by adding
little sugar or honey and little ground cardamom. For people
who do not like sweet taste it can be made as a delicious salt and
sour beverage by adding roasted cumin seeds and little salt. It is
an excellent nutritive, digestive beverage and can be used
during meals or taken as a desert after meal.
Rasayanas In Ayurveda
Ashwagandha Rasayana
The key ingredient of Ashwagandha Rasayana is
ashwagandha, the Indian ginseng. The herbal medicine has a
very soothing and harmonizing effect on the body. When
consumed according to the recommended dose, Ashwagandha
Rasayana can help the body rejuvenate the reproductive organs
and help in revitalizing action on the nerves and the bone
marrow. The rasayana can be consumed as a food supplement, if
it is recommended by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Vacha Rasayana
Prepared by mixing herbs and spices in a base of honey,
clarified butter and rice syrup, Vacha Rasayana is a herbal
supplement, which provides mental harmony and peace of mind.
It is beneficial for enhancing the pranic energy. People suffering
from headache will find consuming the rasayana as beneficial. It
also reduces anxiety and dizziness. It is believed that spasms,
cramps, tremors and even drug addiction can be cured by Vacha
Rasayana.
Shilajit Rasayana
Consumption of Shilajit Rasayana can be beneficial for the
pancreas. The herbal supplement improves digestion and
ensures better metabolism. It can be consumed to reduce fatigue
as well. It ensures good pancreas and spleen health and helps
purify blood. People looking for weight loss remedies can find
the rasayana effective. The key ingredient of Shilajit Rasayana is
shilajit, a 'wonder mineral' obtained from the rocks in the lower
Himalayas.
K.P.Sampath Kumar et al./ Elixir Pharmacy 69 (2014) 23312-23315
23314
Brahmi Rasayana
Brahmi Rasayana is an Ayurvedic herbal supplement that
concentrates at reducing stress levels, anger, depression,
restlessness and impatience. The regular consumption of Brahmi
Rasayana (as per the recommended dose) can help one acquire
more concentration and intelligence. The rasayana is believed to
reduce psychic disturbances. Drug addiction can be controlled
by consuming the rasayana, largely. It is also beneficial for
increasing Haemoglobin.
Guduchi Rasayana
It is believed that the consumption of Guduchi Rasayana on
a regular basis (as per the recommended dose) can help enhance
the body's immune system. In addition to this, the rasayana
improves blood circulation and helps the purification of blood.
One can stay away from common cold and various kinds of
allergies, by consuming Guduchi Rasayana. It is believed that
the rasayana can also be used to treat acne. It ensures better
metabolism and digestion.
Health benefits of rasayana :
To increase body tissues
To increase digestive power
To increase the metabolic process at a tissue level or to
improve endocrine gland function
To remove waste products or to remove excess tissues in the
body
To increase the functional capacity of the brain
To increase the strength and immunity of the body
To destroy disease and establish homeostasis of energy, which
prevents early aging.
Rasayana with specific purpose:
For improving longevity
For improving brain function
For improving action of the tissues
For improving action of the channel systems
For improving action of the senses
The rejuvenative programs of ayurveda:
Rhythmic massages that relax each tendon. Medicated baths
revitalize every nerve. Diets that restore you to sound health.
The rejuvenation programs of Ayurveda are designed to
improve your vitality, enhance immunity and increase longevity.
Besides, good health goes a long way in bringing out the best in
you. Adding a healthy glow to your skin, it will awaken the
sleeping beauty within. Adding years to life, and life to your
years.
Rejuvenation therapy (rasayana chikitsa):
Tones up the skin and rejuvenates & strengthens all the
tissues, so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. Increases
'Ojas' (primary vitality) and improves 'Sattva' (mental clarity)
and thereby increases the resistance of the body. Includes head
and face massage with medicated oils and creams, body
massage with herbal oil or powder, by hand, internal
rejuvenative medicines and medicated steam bath. Herbal baths
are also used.
Body immunisation and longevity treatment(kayakalpa
chikitsa):
Prime treatment for retarding the ageing process, arresting
the degeneration of body cells and immunisation of the system.
Includes intake of Rasayana (special Ayurvedic medicines and
diet) and comprehensive body care programs. Most effective for
either sex if undertaken before the age of 50.
Benefits of Ayurveda Rejuvenation Therapy
Ayurveda Rejuvenation therapy has many benefits. So of
the benefits of an ayurvedicrejuvenation and revitalization
therapy are listed below:
Rejuvenation keeps body young and agile
Preserve health and longevity
Increase physical and mental capabilities
Improves skin complexion
Increase in memory power
Increase immunity and Resistances to diseases
Increase the sensing capacity of sense organs
Conclusion
Rasayan therapy enriches rasa with nutrients to help one
attain longevity, memory, intelligence, health, youthfulness,
excellence of luster, complexion and voice, optimum
development of physique and sense organs, mastery over
phonetics, respectability and brilliance.
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