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Dr. Vikram Chauhan - MD (Ayurveda)

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Unmad Gajkesari Ras - Ingredients, Indications, Preparation, Medicinal Properties, Dosage & More

Reference – Bhaisajya ratnavali Unmad rogadhikar Chapter 24 verse 35-37

ABSTRACT

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and disorders like unmaad (Psychosis) can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Modern treatment approaches often involve chemical medications that may have long-term side effects, prompting a growing interest in safer, natural alternatives. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers holistic therapies for mental wellness. Unmad Gajkesri Ras, a Classical Ayurvedic Formulation, is used to manage mental illnesses such as unmaad (psychosis), epilepsy, and mania. This preparation is believed to balance Vata and Kapha doshas, calm the mind, and improve neurological functions, providing a safe, time-tested approach for supporting mental health and cognitive stability. Let’s explore its formulation, medicinal properties, and therapeutic benefits in detail!

INTRODUCTION

Unmad Gajkesri Ras is a classical Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation specifically designed for mental health and neurological wellness. The name breaks down as follows: "Unmad" refers to mental disorders or psychosis, "Gajkesri" signifies excellence or potency derived from refined herbal and mineral components, and "Ras" denotes a mercurial or mineral-based preparation in Rasashastra. Thus, the name implies a remedy that supports mental stability and neurological balance. This formulation is renowned for its potent neuroprotective and calming properties; it helps manage conditions like unmad (mental disorders), epilepsy, mania, and related mental disturbances.

CLASSICAL INDICATION

Unmad (Mental disorders or Psychosis)

INGREDIENTS

  1. Shuddha Parad (Purified Mercury)
  2. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified Sulfur)
  3. Shuddha Manashila (Purified Realgar)
  4. Shuddha Dhaturbeej Churna (Purified seeds of Datura)
  5. Grinding Medium (Bhavana Dravya)
    • Vacha Kwath (Herbal decoction of Acorus calmus)
    • Brahmi Swarasa (juice of Bacopa monnieri)

DESCRIPTION OF THE INGREDIENTS

1. Shuddha Parad (Purified Mercury)

It is Laghu-Tikshna (light and sharp) in nature, with Ushna Veerya (hot potency) and Kashaya-Madhura (astringent-sweet) taste. Mercury in its purified form acts as Medhya (intellect-promoting) and Manas-Shodhaka (mind-purifying). It is used in psychotic disorders to pacify Vata and Kapha dosha disturbances in the Manovaha Srotas, enhancing cognitive functions, mental clarity, and calming restlessness.

2. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified Sulfur)

Gandhak is Ushna Veerya (hot potency) and Katu-Tikta (pungent-bitter) in taste. It has Kapha-Vata Shamaka (pacifying) properties and is used as a Shodhana (purifying) agent for the mind and body. In Unmad, it helps in detoxifying the Manovaha Srotas (mind channels), reduces mental lethargy, and alleviates hallucinations and erratic behavior.

3. Shuddha Manashila (Purified Realgar)

Manashila (Purified Realgar) is Ushna Veerya (hot potency), with Tikta-Kashaya (bitter-astringent) taste. It is a Prabhavaushadha (special action drug) for Manas Rogas. It directly acts on the Medha (intellect) and Manas (mind), reducing hyperactivity of Vata and Kapha in the Manovaha Srotas. In psychosis, it helps control aggression, anxiety, and delusions.

4. Shuddha Dhaturbeej Churna (Purified Seeds of Datura)

Datura seeds, when properly purified, are Ushna Veerya (hot potency) with Katu-Tikta (pungent-bitter) taste. They have Vata-Kapha Shamaka action and are Medhya (intellect-promoting) in nature. In mental disorders, they help calm agitation, improve focus, and manage symptoms like mania, hallucinations, and restlessness associated with Unmad (psychosis).

5. Vacha Kwath (Decoction of Acorus calamus)

Vacha is Madhura-Tikta (sweet-bitter) in taste with Ushna Veerya (hot potency). It is Medhya (intellect-promoting), Manas Shodhaka (mind-purifying), and Shula-Vatahara (relieves Vata-related spasms). As a Bhavana Dravya (grinding medium), it enhances the nervous system activity, promotes mental clarity, and stabilizes mood in psychotic conditions.

6. Brahmi Swarasa (Juice of Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is Madhura-Tikta (sweet-bitter) in taste, Sheeta Veerya (cool potency), and Laghu-Sukshma (light and subtle) in nature. It is a renowned Medhya Rasayana, enhancing Smriti (memory), Medha (intellect), and Manas (mind). In Unmad, it soothes hyperactive Vata, calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and supports cognitive and emotional stability.

METHOD OF PREPARATION

  • Equal quantities of all four ingredients (approx. 50 gm each) are taken.
  • Initially, Parad (mercury) and Gandhak (sulfur) are made into a Kajjali (black sulfide of mercury).
  • Then, Manashila (Purified Realgar) is added to the Kajjali (black sulfide of mercury) and ground thoroughly.
  • Next, Shuddha Dhaturbeej Churna (Purified seeds of Datura) is added and mixed.
  • The mixture is further triturated along with Vacha Kwath (herbal decoction of Acorus calmus) for 7 times.
  • Finally, the preparation is triturated with Brahmi Swarasa (juice of Bacopa monnieri) 7 times, dried properly under the sun, and stored in a glass container.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

1. Unmad (Psychosis / Mental Disorders)

Indication: Manovaha Srotas disorders like mania, hallucinations, delusions, agitation, and erratic behavior.

Anupaan (Adjuvant): Honey (Madhu) or Brahmi Swarasa (juice of Bacopa monnieri) – Enhances the Medhya (intellect-promoting) and Manas Shodhaka (mind-purifying) effects.

2. Chittodvega (Anxiety / Restlessness)

Indication: Symptoms of Vata-Kapha imbalance causing anxiety, fear, or emotional instability.

Anupaan (Adjuvant): Milk (Ksheera) or Vacha Kwath (herbal decoction of Acorus calmus)– Supports nervous system nourishment, calms Vata, and stabilizes mood.

3. Smriti Daurbalya (Memory Weakness / Cognitive Impairment)

Indication: Loss of memory, poor concentration, and intellectual sluggishness.

Anupaan (Adjuvant): Brahmi Swarasa (juice of Bacopa monnieri) or Madhu (honey) – Promotes Smriti (memory), Medha (intellect), and Ojas (immunity).

4. Unmad (Psychosis) due to Kapha-Vata Disorders

Indication: Manas Rogas (mental diseases) with Vata-Kapha dominance presenting as dullness, lethargy, or aggressive behavior.

Anupaan (Adjuvant): Ghee (Ghrita) or Milk (Ksheera)– Nourishes the brain tissues, pacifies Vata-Kapha, and enhances absorption of Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.

5. Manasik Chikitsa (treatment for mental diseases) in Children

Indication: Pediatric cognitive disorders, restlessness, or behavioral problems.

Anupaan (Adjuvant): Honey (Madhu) or Brahmi Swarasa (juice of Bacopa monnieri)– Supports brain development, improves immunity, and balances Manas dosha (mental dosha).

IMPACT ON DOSHA

Balance Vata and Kapha doshas. Also balances mental doshas – Rajas and Tamas.

INDICATIONS

  • Unmad (psychosis)
  • Apasmara (epilepsy)
  • Bhootnmad (mania)
  • Chittodvega (anxiety)
  • Cognitive disorders

DOSAGE

  • 62.5 mg - 125 mg, once or twice daily.
  • Adjust dose based on age, strength, and severity.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Not noticed. But consult an Ayurvedic Physician before use for dosage.

CONCLUSION

Unmad Gajkesri Ras is a potent Medhya (intellect-promoting) and Manas-shodhaka (mind-purifying) herbo-mineral formulation with a unique ability to balance Vata and Kapha dosha in the Manovaha Srotas (mental channels). It acts primarily on the nervous system, brain tissues, and vital Dhatus such as Rasa (lymph/blood plasma), Rakta (blood), Majja (bone marrow and nervous tissue), and Ojas (vitality). This Rasayana nourishes the Medha (intellect), Smriti (memory), and Bala (strength), pacifies agitation, hallucinations, and emotional instability, and enhances overall mental health. Its efficacy in managing Unmad (psychosis), Chittodvega (anxiety), and cognitive disorders underscores its role as a “Gajkesri” (supreme benefactor) formulation for mental wellness.

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