Vatsnabh Health Benefits, Uses and Side effects
2022-08-04 00:00:00
Vatsnabh is an Ayurvedic herbal medicine and a variety of monkshood (aconite), commonly known as Indian aconite, Vatsnabh roots are used in Ayurveda for medicinal purposes. Due to its various medicinal properties, most Ayurvedic medicines contain Vatsnabh as their main ingredient.
Vatsnabh has a pungent, bitter and astringent taste. Its tuberous root is mostly used for therapeutic purposes and is believed to be most potent in winter. It is known by various names such as Aconitum ferox, Meetha vish, Meetha teliya, Monk’s hood, Wolfsbane, Bachnag, Vachnag, Kath vish, Vasnoobhi, Vish, Vichnag.
Importance of Vatsnabh
According to Ayurveda, Vatsnabh has a rejuvenating effect, balancing the Tridoshas, especially Vata and Kapha. It improves digestion, relieves cold, nourishes and increases strength. It is used in Ayurvedic treatment of indigestion, anorexia, spleen disease, cough, gout and asthma. Vatsnabh has the following healing properties
- Antipyretic
- Diaphoretic (increased sweating)
- Anodyne
- Anti-inflammatory
- Aam Pachak (Detoxifier)
- Mucolytic
- Diuretic
Benefits of Vatsnabh
- Treats pilesVatsnabh is helpful in managing piles due to its tridoshas balancing properties. It leads to good digestion due to its deepan and pachan properties. It also helps in reducing pain and swelling due to its Vata balancing properties.
- Prevents diarrheaDiarrhea, known as Atisara in Ayurveda, is a condition in which a person suffers from watery stools more than three times a day. This condition occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha, which interferes with the functioning of the digestive fire (Agni) and causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Other factors that cause diarrhea are poor diet, dirty water, toxins (ama) and psychological stress. Vatsnabh helps treat diarrhea due to its Vata balancing properties. Due to its deepan (appetizer) and pachan (digestive) properties, it also helps control the digestive fire.
- Improves digestionThe main cause of indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Vatsnabh helps improve digestion by increasing Agni (digestive fire) due to its Pitta, Deepan and Pachan balancing properties.
- Cures asthmaThe main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. Vatsnabh prevents the formation and accumulation of mucus and thus treats asthma symptoms due to the balancing properties of Vata and Kapha.
- Manages diabetesVatsnabh may be useful in the treatment of diabetes due to its antidiabetic activity. It slows the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestines, which has the effect of lowering blood sugar and insulin levels.
Other benefits of Vatsnabha are
- Vatsnabh is useful in the treatment of night blindness, eye infection, otitis and vision problems.
- It is used as an antidote to relieve headache and sciatica.
- It balances the tridoshas, especially Vata and Kapha.
- Vatsnabh is best used in the treatment of anorexia, spleen disorders, cough, gout, asthma and indigestion.
- It reduces the poisoning due to rodents, scorpion and snake bites.
- It acts as a catalyst for other medicines.
Precautions while using Vatsnabh
- Vatsnabh is a poisonous herb and should only be taken under medical supervision.
- Vatsnabh can cause allergic reactions when consumed with acidic and salty foods. Therefore, it is generally advisable to consult your physician before using Vatsnabh.
- Vatsnabh is inherently toxic and can cause harm to the foetus, so it is advisable to avoid using Vatsnabh while breastfeeding or during pregnancy.
Side effects of using Vatsnabh
If the dosage exceeds the maximum possible dose, Vatsnabh may cause the following side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vertigo
- Dryness
- Blurred vision
- Paresthesia (a burning or prickling sensation felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet or any other part of the body).
Where is it found?
Vatsnabh is native to the eastern Himalayas from eastern, central Nepal through northern West Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to Assam. It grows at an altitude of 2100-3600m, preferring scrub and forest clearing. The flowering period is from August to October.