Vat Gajankush Ras - Ingredients, Indications, Preparation, Medicinal Properties, Dosage & More

Reference – Bhaishajya-Ratnavali Vatvyadhi rogadhikar Chapter 26 Verse-114-118

ABSTRACT

Neurological and musculoskeletal disorders caused by aggravated Vata dosha (Vata Vyadhi) can lead to paralysis, stiffness, tremors, and chronic pain, often resistant to conventional therapies. Ayurveda, with its holistic principles, provides safe and effective management for such complex conditions. Vatagajankush Ras, a classical herbo-mineral formulation, is renowned for its potent Vatahara (Vata-pacifying) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. It strengthens the nervous system, restores motor functions, relieves pain, and improves neuromuscular coordination. This formulation is beneficial even in chronic and complicated neurological disorders like Pakshaghata (paralysis), Gridhrasi (sciatica), and Manyastambha (cervical rigidity), as it offers rapid and sustained relief, serving as a powerful Ayurvedic alternative for long-term nerve and joint health. Let’s explore it in detail!

INTRODUCTION

Vat Gajankush Ras is a classical Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation primarily indicated for the management of Vata-related disorders. The name can be broken down as follows: "Vat" denotes the Vata dosha, whose imbalance leads to neurological, musculoskeletal, and joint disorders; "Gajankush" refers to the use of potent mineral and herbal ingredients that are strong, stabilizing, and rejuvenating; and "Ras" signifies a herbo-mineral preparation in Rasashastra. This formulation is traditionally recognized for its Vata-pacifying and restorative properties. It supports musculoskeletal strength, neurological balance, and overall vitality, integrating valuable bhasmas and herbal extracts to enhance both therapeutic efficacy and holistic well-being.

CLASSICAL INDICATION

Vat vyadhi (Neurological disorders)

INGREDIENTS

Each ingredient is used in equal proportion (1 part each):

1. Rasasindura – Red Sulphide of Mercury
2. Lauha Bhasma – Calcined Iron Ash
3. Swarna Makshika Bhasma – Ash of Chalcopyrite (Copper-Iron Pyrite)
4. Shuddha Gandhaka – Purified Sulphur
5. Shuddha Haratala – Purified Orpiment (Arsenic Trisulphide)
6. Haritaki Churna – Powder of Terminalia chebula
7. Kakdshingi Churna – Powder of Pistacia integerrima Galls
8. Shuddha Tankana – Purified Borax
9. Saindhava Lavana – Rock Salt
10. Pippali Churna – Powder of Piper longum
11. Maricha Churna – Powder of Piper nigrum
12. Arani Churna – Powder of Premna integrifolia (Arani root bark)
13. Shuddha Tankana (again mentioned) – Purified Borax
14. Muṇḍisvarasa (juice of Sphaeranthus indicus)
15. Nirguṇḍi Patrasvarasa (juice of Vitex negundo leaves)

DESCRIPTION OF THE INGREDIENTS

1. Rasasindura (Red Sulphide of Mercury)

It has Rasayana (rejuvenative) and Yogavahi (catalytic) properties with Ushna Veerya (hot potency). It pacifies Vata dosha, supports Muscles (Mamsa) and Nervous tissue (Majja), and enhances tissue nourishment and overall vitality. It penetrates deep tissues to reduce stiffness, neural irritation, and joint pain. Rasasindura works synergistically with other bhasmas and herbs in Vat Gajankush Ras to alleviate neurological, musculoskeletal, and joint disorders by restoring strength, flexibility, and proper nerve function.

2. Lauha Bhasma (Calcined Iron Ash)

It possesses Madhura-Rasa (sweet taste) and Sheeta-Veerya (cool potency) and balances Vata and Pitta. It strengthens muscles, bones, and nerves, improving tissue nourishment and coordination. Lauha Bhasma supports oxygen transport and enhances vitality in chronic Vata disorders. In combination with Rasasindura and other bhasmas, it restores musculoskeletal stability, reduces weakness, and aids in recovery from joint and neurological ailments.

3. Swarna Makshika Bhasma (Ash of Chalcopyrite)

It is Madhura-Kashaya (sweet-astringent) in taste with Ushna Veerya (hot potency) and pacifies Vata. Swarna Makshika Bhasma has Balya (strengthening) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties that support nerve function, muscle strength, and joint flexibility. It reduces inflammation and stiffness, enhancing mobility and energy in patients with Vata disorders. Synergistically, it complements other bhasmas and herbal ingredients for overall restoration of musculoskeletal and neurological health.

4. Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur)

It possesses Katu-Rasa (pungent taste) and Ushna Veerya (hot potency) with Vata-Kapha pacifying action. Sulphur has Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Krimighna (antimicrobial) properties. It reduces stiffness, neural irritation, and joint pain while supporting tissue regeneration. In combination, it enhances the efficacy of Rasasindura and bhasmas to restore flexibility, improve nerve conduction, and relieve musculoskeletal discomfort associated with Vata imbalance.

5. Shuddha Haratala (Purified Orpiment)

It has Tikta-Kashaya (bitter-astringent) taste and Ushna Veerya (hot potency), pacifying Vata and Kapha. Haratala supports nerve and joint health by improving circulation and reducing rigidity. It enhances the bioavailability of other mineral and herbal components in the formulation. Together with Rasasindura and Gandhaka, it strengthens muscles, alleviates pain, and helps manage chronic neurological and musculoskeletal Vata disorders effectively.

6. Haritaki Churna (Powder of Terminalia chebula)

It is Madhura-Amla-Kashaya (sweet-sour-astringent) in taste and Sheeta-Veerya (cool potency), pacifying Vata and Kapha. Haritaki nourishes tissues, improves digestion, and enhances nutrient absorption, indirectly supporting muscles and nerves. It has mild rejuvenative and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing stiffness and fatigue in Vata disorders. In combination with other ingredients, it promotes musculoskeletal strength and neurological balance, aiding long-term recovery from joint and nerve-related ailments.

7. Kakdshingi Churna (Powder of Pistacia integerrima Galls)

It has Kashaya-Katu (astringent-pungent) taste and Ushna Veerya (hot potency), pacifying Vata. Kakdshingi has Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Vedanasthapana (analgesic) properties. It reduces joint inflammation, muscular pain, and stiffness in chronic Vata conditions. When combined with Rasasindura and other ingredients, it enhances mobility, relieves neural tension, and supports tissue nourishment for musculoskeletal and neurological health.

8. Shuddha Tankana (Purified Borax)

It possesses Kashaya-Sapta (astringent) taste and Sheeta-Veerya (cool potency), pacifying Vata and Kapha. Tankana improves tissue flexibility, enhances absorption of other ingredients, and supports nerve and joint function. It reduces stiffness and spasm in muscles and nerves. In Vat Gajankush Ras, it acts synergistically with herbal and mineral components to restore musculoskeletal balance and improve neurological coordination.

9. Saindhava Lavana (Rock Salt)

It has Lavana Rasa (salty taste) and Ushna Veerya (hot potency), pacifying Vata and Kapha. Saindhava improves nerve conduction, circulation, and digestion while reducing stiffness and cramps in muscles and joints. It enhances the bioavailability and synergistic action of other ingredients in Vat Gajankush Ras, contributing to overall musculoskeletal and neurological health.

10. Pippali Churna (Powder of Piper longum)

It possesses Katu-Rasa (pungent taste) and Ushna Veerya (hot potency), pacifying Vata and Kapha. Pippali stimulates Agni (digestive and metabolic fire), enhances circulation, and nourishes nerves and muscles. It also improves bioavailability of other ingredients, supporting joint mobility and nerve function. In combination, it contributes to relieving stiffness, pain, and Vata-related fatigue.

11. Maricha Churna (Powder of Piper nigrum)

It has Katu-Rasa (pungent taste) and Ushna Veerya (hot potency), pacifying Vata. Maricha enhances the bioavailability of minerals and herbs, improves digestion, and supports musculoskeletal and neurological health. It reduces joint pain, stiffness, and neural irritation, complementing other ingredients in the formulation to restore strength and flexibility.

12. Arani Churna (Powder of Premna integrifolia)

It is Tikta-Kashaya (bitter-astringent) in taste with Sheeta Veerya (cool potency), pacifying Vata. Arani strengthens muscles and nerves, supports joint flexibility, and reduces stiffness and fatigue. In combination, it works with bhasmas and other herbal components to improve neurological function and musculoskeletal resilience in chronic Vata disorders.

13. Muṇḍisvarasa (Juice of Sphaeranthus indicus)

It has Tikta-Kashaya (bitter-astringent) taste with Sheeta Veerya (cool potency), pacifying Vata. This juice has Shothahara and Balya (strengthening) properties, nourishing nerves, muscles, and joints. It reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and supports tissue repair. In combination with bhasmas, it enhances the formulation’s efficacy in Vata-related neurological and musculoskeletal disorders.

14. Nirguṇḍi Patrasvarasa (Juice of Vitex negundo leaves)

It possesses Tikta-Kashaya (bitter-astringent) taste with Ushna Veerya (hot potency), pacifying Vata and Kapha. It has Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Vedanasthapana (analgesic) actions, reducing joint pain, muscle spasm, and neural irritation. Combined with other ingredients, it improves mobility, relieves stiffness, and restores nerve and musculoskeletal health in chronic Vata conditions.

METHOD OF PREPARATION

• First, triturate Rasasindura thoroughly in a mortar.
• Add all other Bhasmas (calcined metals) and purified ingredients one by one and grind them together.
• After proper mixing, add all Kaṭu and Oṣadha Dravyas (herbal ingredients) and grind again until a uniform mixture forms.
• Now, triturate the mixture with the fresh juice of Mundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) and Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) 9 to 11 times (this process is known as Bhavana).
• Prepare tablets (Vatis) of 2–3 ratti weights each (approximately 250 mg) and dry them in shade.
  

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

• Sciatica (Gridhrasi): Relieves sciatic pain and stiffness – (adjuvant) Anupaan: warm honey or ginger decoction.
• Paralysis / Hemiplegia (Pakshaghata): Improves motor function and reduces rigidity – (adjuvant) Anupaan: milk with rock sugar.
• Facial Paralysis (Kroshtuka Shirsha): Restores facial nerve function – (adjuvant) Anupaan: medicated ghee or warm milk.
• Frozen Shoulder (Avabahuka): Reduces shoulder stiffness and pain – (adjuvant) Anupaan: milk or warm ghee.
• Thigh Stiffness (Urustambha): Alleviates thigh rigidity – (adjuvant) Anupaan: warm honey or ghee.
• Lockjaw (Hanustambha): Relieves jaw stiffness – (adjuvant) Anupaan: ghee or warm milk.
• Cervical Spondylosis / Neck Rigidity (Manyastambha): Improves neck mobility – (adjuvant) Anupaan: warm ghee with honey.
• Severe Mixed Vata Disorders (Sanipata Vata Vyadhi): Balances Vata and reduces systemic stiffness – (adjuvant) Anupaan: ghee, milk, or warm decoctions.

IMPACT ON DOSHA

• Vatahara: Pacifies aggravated Vata dosha
• Rasayana: Acts as a rejuvenator and strengthens the nerves and joints
• Vedanasthapana: Relieves pain and stiffness
• Balya: Improves strength and endurance
• Sanjna Sthapana: Revives sensory and motor functions

INDICATIONS

• Sciatica (Gridhrasi)
• Paralysis / Hemiplegia (Pakshaghata)
• Facial Paralysis (Kroshtuka Shirsha)
• Frozen Shoulder (Avabahuka)
• Thigh Stiffness (Urustambha)
• Lockjaw (Hanustambha)
• Cervical Spondylosis / Neck Rigidity (Manyastambha)
• Severe Mixed Vata Disorders (Sanipata Vata Vyadhi)

DOSAGE

• 250 mg (once/twice daily)
• Adjuvants (Anupana):
• Honey and Pippali Churna (Long Pepper powder)
• In Majjastha Kwatha decoction of Rubia cordifolia- for deep-seated neurological disorders), Ghee can also be used as the adjuvant.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Should be used only under medical supervision due to its mineral content.
• Avoid pregnancy and children.
• Not advisable in conditions with predominant Pitta dosha or acute inflammatory states.

WHY CHOOSE PLANET AYURVEDA'S VAT GAJANKUSH RAS

• Classical Formulation for Vata Disorders – Prepared according to authentic Rasashastra principles, it effectively targets neurological, musculoskeletal, and joint disorders caused by Vata imbalance.
• Powerful Herb-Mineral Synergy – Combines potent bhasmas like Rasasindura, Lauha Bhasma, and Swarna Makshika with Vata-pacifying herbs such as Haritaki, Pippali, and Nirguṇḍi, ensuring comprehensive restoration of nerve, muscle, and joint function.
• Natural, Safe, and GMP-Certified – Made from purified minerals and herbs under strict GMP standards, ensuring safety, purity, and consistent efficacy without harmful additives.
• Supports Strength, Flexibility, and Vitality – Enhances muscle tone, joint mobility, nerve function, and overall vitality, offering long-term benefits in chronic Vata disorders like sciatica, paralysis, and frozen shoulder.

CONCLUSION

Vat Gajankush Ras is a potent herbo-mineral formulation known for its Vata-pacifying and rejuvenative action, specifically targeting neurological, musculoskeletal, and joint disorders. It acts on vital tissues such as muscles (Mamsa), nerves (Majja), bones (Asthi), and joints (Sandhi), enhancing strength, flexibility, and tissue nourishment. The combined properties of this Rasayana (rejuvenating medicine) reduce stiffness, inflammation, and neural irritation while restoring proper nerve function and musculoskeletal balance. Its efficacy in managing sciatica, paralysis, frozen shoulder, cervical rigidity, and other Vata-related disorders makes it a comprehensive remedy, justifying its reputation as a “Gajankush” (strength-restoring) formulation for Vata Vyadhi.