Vatsnabh
Vatsnabh
Vatsnabh “the king of poisons‟ is a poisonous herb and widely used in therapeutics of Ayurveda and other traditional medicine, after the elimination of toxic components. Vatsnabh is pungent, bitter and astringent in taste. A majorly used part for therapeutic benefit is tuberous root. The therapeutic potency of Vatsnabha is more potent during the winter season. Pharmacological studies shown according to recent studies are anesthetic, antiarthritic, de-obstruent (Shroto-Vishodhana), diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative, a nerve stimulator, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidote, and cardiac stimulant. These properties help to manage diseases like pyrexia, indigestion, anorexia, spleen disorders, gout, cough, Asthma, vision problems, night blindness, eye infections, inflammation, otitis, headache, sciatica, backache, and joint disorders[2].
What are the synonyms of Vatsnabh?
Aconitum ferox, Monk’s hood, Wolfsbane, Bachnag, Meetha vish, Meetha teliya, Bachnag, Vachnag, Kath vish, Vasnoobhi, Vish, Vichnag[1].
What is the source of Vatsnabh?
Plant Based
Benefits of Vatsnabh
1. Indigestion
Indigestion means the state of incomplete digestion of the ingested food. The main reason for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Vatsnabh helps improve digestion by enhancing the Agni (digestive fire) due to it’s Pitta balancing, Deepan and Pachan properties.
2. Piles
Due to today’s sedentary lifestyle, Piles have become a common problem. It occurs as a result of chronic constipation. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata leads to low digestive fire, leading to persistent constipation which might result in pain and swelling around the anal region. If ignored or left untreated, it might further result in pile mass. Vatsnabh helps in the management of Piles due to its Tridoshahar (balancing of all the three doshas) property which helps to balance the Vata dosha. This leads to proper digestion due to it’s Deepan and Pachan properties. It also helps in reducing the pain and swelling due to it’s Vata balancing property.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea, known as Atisara in Ayurveda, is a condition in which a person suffers from watery stools more than 3 times in a day. This condition occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha which disturbs the functioning of the digestive fire (Agni) and results in Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). The other factors which are responsible for Diarrhea are improper food, impure water, toxins (Ama) and mental stress. Vatsnabh helps in the management of Diarrhea due to its Vata balancing property. It also helps in the management of weak digestive fire due to it’s Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties.
4. Asthma
Asthma is a condition of inflammation in the respiratory passages due to the formation and accumulation of toxins in the form of mucus which makes it difficult for a person to breathe. In this condition, a person faces repeated attacks of breathlessness and wheezing sound from the chest. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in Asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated Vata combines with deranged Kapha dosha in the lungs causes an obstruction in the respiratory passages making breathing difficult. Vatsnabh prevents the formation and accumulation of mucus, thereby managing the symptoms of Asthma due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
Indigestion means the state of incomplete digestion of the ingested food. The main reason for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Vatsnabh helps improve digestion by enhancing the Agni (digestive fire) due to it’s Pitta balancing, Deepan and Pachan properties.
2. Piles
Due to today’s sedentary lifestyle, Piles have become a common problem. It occurs as a result of chronic constipation. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata leads to low digestive fire, leading to persistent constipation which might result in pain and swelling around the anal region. If ignored or left untreated, it might further result in pile mass. Vatsnabh helps in the management of Piles due to its Tridoshahar (balancing of all the three doshas) property which helps to balance the Vata dosha. This leads to proper digestion due to it’s Deepan and Pachan properties. It also helps in reducing the pain and swelling due to it’s Vata balancing property.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea, known as Atisara in Ayurveda, is a condition in which a person suffers from watery stools more than 3 times in a day. This condition occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha which disturbs the functioning of the digestive fire (Agni) and results in Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). The other factors which are responsible for Diarrhea are improper food, impure water, toxins (Ama) and mental stress. Vatsnabh helps in the management of Diarrhea due to its Vata balancing property. It also helps in the management of weak digestive fire due to it’s Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties.
4. Asthma
Asthma is a condition of inflammation in the respiratory passages due to the formation and accumulation of toxins in the form of mucus which makes it difficult for a person to breathe. In this condition, a person faces repeated attacks of breathlessness and wheezing sound from the chest. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in Asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated Vata combines with deranged Kapha dosha in the lungs causes an obstruction in the respiratory passages making breathing difficult. Vatsnabh prevents the formation and accumulation of mucus, thereby managing the symptoms of Asthma due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
Precautions when using Vatsnabh
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh in its raw form is toxic, so it should always be used only after shodhana (purification)[2]. Since Vatsnabh is a toxic herb, it should only be taken under medical supervision.
Allergy
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh may cause allergic reactions when taken along with sour and salty products. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Vatsnabh[2].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh is poisonous in nature so it is advisable to avoid the use of Vatsnabh during breastfeeding[2].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh is poisonous in nature and may cause harm to the foetus. So, it is advisable to avoid the use of Vatsnabh during pregnancy[2][10].
Side Effects
Important
Ayurvedic View
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Dizziness
4. Fatigue
5. Blurring of vision
6. Paresthesia[3].
2. Vomiting
3. Dizziness
4. Fatigue
5. Blurring of vision
6. Paresthesia[3].
FAQs about Vatsnabh precautions
Benefits of Vatsnabh
1. Scorpian Poison
Vatsnabh is beneficial in case of Scorpion bite. Scorpion bite leads to conditions like pain or inflammation which occur due to an aggravated Vata dosha. Vatsnabh helps reduce these symptoms due to its Vata balancing property.
2. Rheumatism
Rheumatism is a condition that occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha and leads to pain and sometimes swelling. Vatsnabh helps manage Rheumatism by providing relief from pain and swelling due to it’s Vata balancing property.
Vatsnabh is beneficial in case of Scorpion bite. Scorpion bite leads to conditions like pain or inflammation which occur due to an aggravated Vata dosha. Vatsnabh helps reduce these symptoms due to its Vata balancing property.
2. Rheumatism
Rheumatism is a condition that occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha and leads to pain and sometimes swelling. Vatsnabh helps manage Rheumatism by providing relief from pain and swelling due to it’s Vata balancing property.
Precautions when using Vatsnabh
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh is poisonous in nature and gets easily absorbed through the skin. So, it is generally advisable to handle it carefully and avoid skin contact[2].
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The root powder of Vatsnabh can be packed in a paper bag and then stored in an airtight container[9].
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh toxicity begins with a tingling and pricking sensation followed by salivation, nausea and vomiting. It then leads to slow and weak respiration, slow and irregular pulse and visual disturbances[8].
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh is known as Aconitum ferox. Its other synonyms are Bachnag, Meetha vish, Meetha teliya, Bachnag, Vachnag, Kath vish, Vasnoobhi, Vish and Vichnag[1].
Ayurvedic View
Vatsnabh in its raw form can be toxic. Shodhana (purification) process is important to nullify the toxicity of the plant.
In the Ayurveda textbook the following method is suggested for the purification of Vatsnabh:
-Take Vatsnabh roots and tie them in a cotton cloth
-Now put the cotton packet in goat or cow milk and let it boil in it for 3 hours.
-Vatsnabh roots are also purified when putting them into cow urine for three days.
In the Ayurveda textbook the following method is suggested for the purification of Vatsnabh:
-Take Vatsnabh roots and tie them in a cotton cloth
-Now put the cotton packet in goat or cow milk and let it boil in it for 3 hours.
-Vatsnabh roots are also purified when putting them into cow urine for three days.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Vatsnabh-based formulations are beneficial for overall health. In the Ayurveda textbook, there are many formulations which use Vatsnabh (after purification) as an ingredient. These formulations include Mahalaxmi Vilas rasa, Sanjivani Vati, Sutshekhar rasa, Kafketu rasa, and Anand Bhairav rasa. These are very common Ayurvedic formulations that have been used for various health problems from ancient times.
Modern Science View
Yes, Vatsnabh might be helpful in managing fever due to its antipyretic activity. It helps in reducing the elevated body temperature and also diverts the flow of blood away from the extremities and minimizes the heat loss. Consequently, affecting the core temperature of the body[4].
Ayurvedic View
Fever generally occurs due to the imbalance of Pitta dosha and leads to an increased body temperature. Vatsnabh helps bring down the high body temperature, thereby providing relief from fever due to it’s Pitta balancing property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Vatsnabh might be used as local anesthesia. The application of Vatsnabh stimulates and depresses the sensory nerves, causing numbness[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Vatsnabh might help in arthritis due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids and tannins. These compounds inhibit the activity of an inflammatory protein and help reduce joint pain associated with arthritis[5].
Ayurvedic View
Arthritis occurs due to an imbalanced Vata dosha and leads to certain symptoms like pain. Vatsnabh helps reduce the pain in the condition of arthritis and provide relief due to its Vata balancing property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Vatsnabh might be useful in managing diabetes due to its antidiabetic activity. It delays the carbohydrate absorption from the intestine which causes a lowering effect on postprandial blood glucose and levels of insulin[6].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, occurs due to an imbalance of Vata-Kapha dosha and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Vatsnabh helps manage digestion by enhancing Agni (digestive fire), thereby preventing and reducing the symptoms of Diabetes due to its Vata-Kapha balancing, Deepan and Pachan (digestion) properties.
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh is poisonous in nature so it is generally not recommended for common use. Vatsnabh should be avoided in early childhood as well as for elderly patients and should be used only after consulting a physician[2][8].
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh is poisonous in nature so it should always be taken only after consulting a physician. It is also advisable for patients having symptoms of tuberculosis to consult a physician before using Vatsnabh[8].
Modern Science View
Hot, pungent, sour and salty food items should be avoided while using Vatsnabh[2].
Modern Science View
While taking Vatsanabha, one should take cow milk, ghee, honey, sugar and rice[2].
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh should not be taken during the summer and rainy season[2][8].
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh in higher doses inhibits the normal functions of the brain and might show some paralytic effects on various nerves[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, impure Vatsnabh is poisonous in nature and might show some harmful effects in the body. It can cause burning sensation in the body, salivation, nausea, vomiting, slow pulse rate, unconsciousness etc[8].
Modern Science View
Vatsnabh should always be used only after Shodhana (purification) as the plant contains toxic properties. In Ayurveda, the very first stage of purification is called Shodhana. This helps to detoxify the toxic elements and other chemicals which exceed the permissible limits[9].
Modern Science View
Yes, all parts of the plant are poisonous. Impure or impurely purified Vatsnabha if administered in any form can cause an acute burning sensation all over the body. It may also cause a temporary drop in the amount of blood that flows to the brain and may even lead to death in the worst cases. Use of Vatsnabha in higher doses may also lead to toxicity and death[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Vatsnabh might help manages neuralgia. Vatsnabh paste can be applied externally on the skin to help reduce pain and nerve damage[4].
Ayurvedic View
Neuralgia occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha which leads to pain in the nerves. Vatsnabh helps reduce the pain in neuralgia due to it’s Vata balancing property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Vatsnabh paste can be applied externally on the affected area to help manage rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory property[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Vatsnabh is helpful in scorpion bites. The paste of Vatsnabh root is applied to the affected area which helps reduce pain[4].
References
- Balkrishna A. Aconitum ferox wall.ex. Ser(Chapter 124). Secrets of Indian Herbs for Good Health.2008;417-418.
- Pandey A, Morya GC, Mishra HS, et al. A Review Study on Therapeutic Potential of Vatsnabha (Aconitum feroxWall.ExSeringe).Int J Ayu Pharm Chem.2017;6(2);271-277.
- Panda AK, Debnath SK.Overdose effect of aconite containing Ayurvedic medicine (‘Mahashankha Vati’).International Journal of Ayurveda Research.2010;1(3):183-186.
- Sheokand A, Sharma A, Gothecha VK. Vatsanabha (Aconitum Ferox): from visha to amrita.International Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine.2012;2(3):423-426.
- Khan MA,Mishra P, Ansari MN, et al. Anti-Arthritic potential of Aconitum Ferox roots in complete freund’s adjuvant induced arthritic rats.International Journal of Innovative Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2018;6(04):80-96.
- Reddy JK, Sheetal P, Menda R, et al.Anti-diabetic activity of ethanolic extract of Aconitum Ferox in alloxan induced diseased rats.International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences.2016;6(1):125-134.
- Sahoo S, Swain TR, Dash NC.Study on the pharmacological profile of purified Aconitum Ferox extracts in Frog.International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences.2013;4(3):746-753.
- Kaur M,Sharma A. A Toxicological Review of Vatsanabha (Aconitum Ferox).International Journal of Information Research and Review.2017;4(9):4486-4490.
- Deore SL, Moon KV, Khadabadi SS, et al.Evaluation of toxicity of ‘Vatsanabha’ Aconitum Ferox, Ranunculaceae) before and after Shodhana.J Young Pharm.2013;5(1):3-6.
- Rastogi S.A review of Aconite (Vatsanabha) usage in Ayurvedic formulations: traditional views and their inferences.Spatula DD.2011;1(4):233-244.
- Jyothi A, Naga A, Rajalakshmi R, Bharati AS. VATSANABHA: AN AGENDA PERSPECTIVE. Int Ayurv Med J.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.