Anand Bhairav Ras - Medical Properties, Indications, Dosage & More

Reference : Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Atisaar Rogadhikar, Chapter 7, Verse 158-160

Abstract

Anand Bhairav Ras is a time-tested Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation which is used in the treatment of chronic diarrhea (Atisaar), especially those of persistent and complicated origin like Grahani (malabsorption/IBS-like conditions), and Pravahika (dysentery with mucus). In today's context, where chronic diarrhea often stems from impaired digestion, microbial imbalances, and malabsorption, Anand Bhairav Ras acts as an effective Agnideepaka (digestive stimulant), Ama Pachaka (toxin digester), and Grahi (stool binder). Its holistic action on strengthening digestion, reducing excess secretions, and combating underlying factors makes it highly suitable for managing chronic diarrheal conditions.

Introduction

The term "Anand" signifies bliss or happiness, and "Bhairav" embodies a fierce yet protective manifestation of Lord Shiva, symbolizing its potent capacity to eradicate disease. "Ras" indicates a formulation meticulously processed with mercurial ingredients. Therefore, Anand Bhairav Ras is a preparation designed to swiftly and effectively alleviate chronic diarrheal conditions (Atisaar), restore intestinal strength, and shield the body from further deterioration by balancing all three doshas, particularly Kapha and Vata, which are often aggravated in these states.

Classical Indication

Atisaar (Chronic diahorrea)

Ingredients

• Shuddha Hingula – Purified Cinnabar
• Shuddha Vatsanabha – Purified Aconitum ferox
• Shuddha Tankan – Purified Borax
• Maricha – powder of Piper nigrum (Black Pepper)
• Pippali – powder of Piper longum (Long Pepper)

Bhavana Dravya (Trituration Medium): Water

Description Of The Ingredients

1. Shuddha Hingula (Purified Cinnabar)

It has a pungent taste and hot potency, acting as a potent catalyst (Yogavahi) and powerful antimicrobial. It primarily pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas. In chronic diarrhea, it helps to consolidate stools by strengthening the digestive fire and eliminating underlying microbial factors.

2. Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox)

Possessing a pungent taste and extremely hot potency, it is a strong digestive stimulant (Deepana) and metabolic enhancer (Pachana). It vigorously pacifies Kapha and Vata. In chronic diarrhea, it aids in burning ama (toxins), improving digestion, and reducing excessive secretions.

3. Shuddha Tankan (Purified Borax)

It has a salty taste and hot potency, acting as an absorbent and expectorant. It primarily pacifies Kapha dosha. In chronic diarrhea, it helps to dry up excess fluid and reduce intestinal secretions, contributing to stool formation.

4. Maricha (Powder of Piper nigrum - Black Pepper)

It has a pungent taste and hot potency, acting as a powerful digestive stimulant (Deepana) and carminative. It pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas. In chronic diarrhea, it enhances digestive fire, helps in the proper assimilation of food, and reduces flatulence.

5. Pippali (Powder of Piper longum - Long Pepper)

It has a pungent taste and hot potency, acting as a rejuvenative (Rasayana) for the digestive system and a strong stimulant for metabolic processes. It pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas. In chronic diarrhea, it supports digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and helps to dry up excessive mucosal secretions.

Method Of Preparation

• Mix all powdered ingredients in equal quantities in a clean mortar (Khalwa Yantra).
• Add water in an adequate quantity.
• Triturate well until a fine homogeneous mass is formed.
• Roll into small tablets (Vati) of 125 mg each. Store in a dry, shady, cool place.

Medicinal Properties

• In Atisaar (chronic diarrhea), especially chronic or intractable, with honey and Kutaj twak churan (Holarrhena antidysenterica bark powder) and inderyav churan (powder made from the seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica) in equal quantity.
• In Grahani (IBS-like conditions and malabsorption), with buttermilk or bilva (Aegle marmelos) pulp.
• In Agnimandya (poor digestion and loss of appetite) associated with chronic diarrhea, with cumin water or Triphala decoction.
• In Pravahika (dysentery-like conditions with mucus), with kutaja bark decoction.
• In Shoola (abdominal pain/cramps) accompanying chronic diarrhea, with warm water and a pinch of rock salt.
• In Jwara (fever) with associated chronic diarrhea, with guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) swarasa and honey.
• In Ajeerna (indigestion) leading to chronic diarrhea, with hingwashtak churna or warm water.
• In Balashosha (emaciation/wasting) due to chronic diarrhea, with milk and ghee, after the digestive fire improves.
• In cases of severe debility from chronic diarrhea, ashwagandha churna and warm milk.
• In udara shoola (colic pain) with diarrhea, with ajwain (carom seeds) water or a warm compress.

Impact On Dosha

• Balances Vata and Kapha
• Helps to manage Tridoshaj Atisaar (chronic diarrhea)

Indications

• Chronic Diarrhea (Atisaar)
• Malabsorption Syndrome / Irritable Bowel Syndrome-like conditions (Grahani)
• Weak Digestive Fire (Agnimandya)
• Dysentery (Pravahika)
• Fever (Jwara)
• Abdominal Pain / Cramps (Shoola)
• Indigestion (Ajeerna)

Dosage

• Adults – 125 mg to 250 mg.
• To be taken with: honey, with honey and Kutaj twak churan (Holarrhena antidysenterica bark powder) and Inderyav churan (powder made from the seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica) in equal quantity.
• Use under medical supervision.

Pathya (What’s Recommended To Eat During The Use Of This Formulation)

• Curd rice
• Buttermilk, which is made from goat’s milk curd, is mixed with the rice
• Drink water in small quantities when the patient feels more thirsty

Contraindications

• Avoid during pregnancy and lactation
• Use cautiously in children
• Not to be taken without proper detoxification of Vatsanabha
• Always use under an Ayurvedic physician's supervision

Conclusion

Anand Bhairav Ras is a highly effective classical formulation used primarily in managing complex and chronic diarrheal conditions. It not only helps to consolidate stools and reduce frequency but also revitalizes the digestive system, improves nutrient absorption, eliminates Ama (toxins), and enhances overall strength. When used under expert guidance, it serves as a powerful Ayurvedic remedy for chronic diarrhea and associated digestive ailments, proving its continued relevance in contemporary health challenges.

Senna Leaves - Ayurvedic Properties & Health Benefits

Beautiful lines suit every tree, herb and shrub that has useful and beneficial properties inside their parts.

Every herb has some kind of property that helps in treating certain ailments.

One of the herb is there, if you are looking herbal remedy for constipation and other bowel problems. This herb is known as Senna herb. To know about their remedies, we have to get knowledge about the plant first.

What is senna?

Senna is a flowering plant. It belongs to the family leguminosae. Leguminosae is a family known for flowering plants that include trees, shurbs and herbs. These are recognized by their fruits, legumes and stipulate leaves.

Where senna grows?

This plant is originally found in North Africa, the Middle East and some parts of Asia.It came in India in eighteenth century. It is cultivated in Tamil Nadu, Bangalore, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat and Delhi.

Species used for medical purpose are

Alexandrian senna and Tinnevelly senna. Tinnevelly senna species is of India.

Cultivation of senna

Tinnevelly senna is cultivated in rich clayed semi irrigated land.It is sown during spring rain around in February. Senna grows in the sun well because it is a sun-loving plant. The harvesting time of senna plant is of 90 days from the time of sowing.

What are the natural constituent of senna plant and they show their action?

The active component of senna are two glycosides named as sennoside A and sennoside B.

Ayurvedic Properties of senna

• Rasa - Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet)
• Veerya (Potency) - Hot
• Guna (Qualities) - light, Dry in nature, Pungent
• Vipaka - Katu, After digestion pungent
• Prabhava (Effect) - Virechaka (mildpurgative)
• Effect on Tridosha - The herb is Pitta virechaka (removes excessive Pitta from body) and Vata anulomaka (removes excess Apaan vata through the anal route)

Mode of action

This herb work as a laxative by smoothing the muscles so that digested food moves through the intestines. It helps to enhance the stool volume and moves it out of the colon. This step is done by chain of fatty acids that promote all things like digestion, fermentation and converting the glycosides into a purgative agent.

Ayurvedic benefits of senna leaves

Due its natural ayurvedic constituents, this plant has many useful effects on body functioning and cleansing.

Treatment of Constipation:

As this plant has laxative properties, shows effect in relieving constipation.It stimulates the muscles of the colon and give a push force on fecal matter more quickly. Senna leaf acts on the intestinal walls by causing contractions which lead to bowel movements. These movements softens the stools by enabling the colon to absorb water. It effectively cures even very hard cases of constipation. The glycosides in it help transport electrolytes, causing bowel movements within 6 to 12 hours of its intake.

Colon Cleanser:

Senna leaf helps to clear the heat produced in large intestine. This helps the body to get rid of stagnant food accumulated in the stomach.

Weight Loss:

It helps in weight loss by curing constipation problem.

Antibacterial Properties:

The essential oils, tannins and other compounds present in senna plant have anti-bacterial properties.These can inhibit the growth and proliferation of microorganisms. By chewing senna leaf, mouth problems like mouth infections and gingivitiscan be cured.

It clears toxicity of body. It is useful for tumors of the abdomen ascites and enlargement of the abdomen

For Hemorrhoids:

It is helpful in treatment of hemorrhoids as it helps reduce swelling and facilitates quick healing, causes easy defecation in intestine. The non-sugar components in it increases peristaltic movements by irritating and stimulating the intestinal tract. In this way it just speeds up the passage of stools.

For Skin Infections:

The important components like resin and tannin in senna, can cure skin inflammation. The paste made from senna leaves is effective in treating skin infections like acne as well as inflammatory conditions like eczema. Acetone and ethanol present in senna can fight microorganisms that cause acne.

It also acts as an antifungal agent.

Helpful in Hair Remedies:

• It is used as a hair pack by mixing senna powder with water and yoghurt.
• It can help in conditioning by minimize the chemical effects on hairs.
• It also helps to treat dandruff.

Some precautions that should be in mind while using senna plant

• It is advised to take senna for short terms.
• The long term uses can cause problems like Diarrhea.
• Some people can be allergic to senna leaves. They can have change in urine color.
• Long term usecan cause muscle weakness, liver damage, heart function disorder and colorectal growths.
• Short term side effects are vomiting, stomach discomfort and abdominal cramps.
• At the glance, it is helpful to use senna plant in a productive and a dosage way to cure a disease. Extra and continuous use can create problems.