Atis
Atis
Atis, also known as Ativisha, is a tall herb mainly grown in the Himalayan region. It is a characteristic species of Nepal, Chumbi area, and Sikkim.
Atis is effective in maintaining a healthy digestive system due to its carminative property. It is also helpful in diarrhea as it inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms due to its antibacterial activity. Atis might also aid in weight loss as it lowers the levels of triglycerides and increases levels of HDL- cholesterol (“good cholesterol”). As per Ayurveda, it helps manage the symptoms of diabetes due to its Tikta (bitter) and Kapha balancing properties. Atis powder when consumed with honey helps to manage cough and cold due to its Ushna (hot) nature and removes the accumulated mucus.
The topical application of Atis seeds with honey provides relief to throat infections and tonsilitis.
The roots of Atis can be inhaled for managing severe headaches or migraines.
In some cases, Atis might cause nausea, periodic fever, piles, or dryness of the mouth. Consumption of large quantities might cause constipation[6][9][10-12].
Atis is effective in maintaining a healthy digestive system due to its carminative property. It is also helpful in diarrhea as it inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms due to its antibacterial activity. Atis might also aid in weight loss as it lowers the levels of triglycerides and increases levels of HDL- cholesterol (“good cholesterol”). As per Ayurveda, it helps manage the symptoms of diabetes due to its Tikta (bitter) and Kapha balancing properties. Atis powder when consumed with honey helps to manage cough and cold due to its Ushna (hot) nature and removes the accumulated mucus.
The topical application of Atis seeds with honey provides relief to throat infections and tonsilitis.
The roots of Atis can be inhaled for managing severe headaches or migraines.
In some cases, Atis might cause nausea, periodic fever, piles, or dryness of the mouth. Consumption of large quantities might cause constipation[6][9][10-12].
What are the synonyms of Atis?
Aconitum heterophyllum, Indian Atees, Atibage, Ativish, Ati Vasa, Aruna, Ghunapriya, Visa, Aatich, Ataicha, Atis Root, Ativishni Kali, Ativikhani Kali, Ativisha, Athihage, Atividayam, Ativisha, Atushi, Atisa, Atees, Ativasa, Kashmeera, Shuklakanda, Bhangura, Vishva[1].
What is the source of Atis?
Plant Based
Benefits of Atis
1. INDIGESTION
According to Ayurveda, indigestion is termed as Agnimandya that occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Whenever the consumed food is left undigested due to Mand agni (low digestive fire), it results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which causes indigestion. In simple words, we can say that indigestion is the state of an incomplete process of digestion of the ingested food. Atis helps in the management of indigestion by digesting the Ama due to its Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestion) properties, thereby providing relief from indigestion[9].
2. VOMITING
Vomiting is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of all three doshas, especially Pitta and Kapha dosha. Imbalance of Doshas occurs due to various eating habits like consuming excessive Teekshna (sharp), Kashaya (pungent), Amla (sour), Vidahi (which causes burning sensation), Guru (heavy diet), Ati-Sheeta (cold diet) and Apakwa Ahaara (raw/uncooked food). This results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body which leads to indigestion. Atis helps to prevent Vomiting by digesting the Ama due to its Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestion) and Tridosha (Vata Pitta and Kapha) balancing properties[9].
3. DIARRHEA
Diarrhea, also known as Atisara in Ayurveda is a condition in which a person passes 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 that might be responsible for Diarrhea are improper food, impure water, toxins (Ama) and mental stress. Atis 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[9].
4. PILES
Due to today’s sedentary lifestyle, Piles have become a common problem occurring as a result of chronic constipation. Constipation leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata leads to low digestive fire, causing persistent constipation, which might further result in pain and swelling around the anal region if ignored or left untreated. This can then lead to the formation of pile mass. Atis helps in the management of Piles by managing constipation due to its tridosha balancing property (mainly Vata)[9].
According to Ayurveda, indigestion is termed as Agnimandya that occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Whenever the consumed food is left undigested due to Mand agni (low digestive fire), it results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which causes indigestion. In simple words, we can say that indigestion is the state of an incomplete process of digestion of the ingested food. Atis helps in the management of indigestion by digesting the Ama due to its Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestion) properties, thereby providing relief from indigestion[9].
2. VOMITING
Vomiting is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of all three doshas, especially Pitta and Kapha dosha. Imbalance of Doshas occurs due to various eating habits like consuming excessive Teekshna (sharp), Kashaya (pungent), Amla (sour), Vidahi (which causes burning sensation), Guru (heavy diet), Ati-Sheeta (cold diet) and Apakwa Ahaara (raw/uncooked food). This results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body which leads to indigestion. Atis helps to prevent Vomiting by digesting the Ama due to its Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestion) and Tridosha (Vata Pitta and Kapha) balancing properties[9].
3. DIARRHEA
Diarrhea, also known as Atisara in Ayurveda is a condition in which a person passes 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 that might be responsible for Diarrhea are improper food, impure water, toxins (Ama) and mental stress. Atis 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[9].
4. PILES
Due to today’s sedentary lifestyle, Piles have become a common problem occurring as a result of chronic constipation. Constipation leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata leads to low digestive fire, causing persistent constipation, which might further result in pain and swelling around the anal region if ignored or left untreated. This can then lead to the formation of pile mass. Atis helps in the management of Piles by managing constipation due to its tridosha balancing property (mainly Vata)[9].
Precautions when using Atis
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Atis may be toxic when taken in the raw form, so it is advisable to take it in the recommended manner and dosage only[3].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Atis during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable for diabetics to avoid or consult a physician before taking Atis.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Atis in people with heart-related disorders.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Atis during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Modern Science View
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Weakness or inability to move
4. Dryness of mouth
5. Sweating
6. Tremors
7. Breathing problems[2]
8. Heart problems[5]
2. Vomiting
3. Weakness or inability to move
4. Dryness of mouth
5. Sweating
6. Tremors
7. Breathing problems[2]
8. Heart problems[5]
Recommended Dosage of Atis
- Atis Powder - For adults-1-3 gm per day.
For children-1 gm per day in divided doses.
How to use Atis
1. Atis Powder
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Atis Powder.
b. Add honey to it and take preferably in the morning.
c. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of indigestion.
2. Atis Extract
a. Take 1-2 pinches of Atis Extract.
b. Add honey to it and take preferably in the morning.
c. Use this remedy preferably for children to get relief from fever, loose motions, bloating etc.
3. Atis Kwatha
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Atis Kwath.
b. Add an equal quantity of water and some honey to it.
c. Drink it twice a day after meals to get rid of digestive problems.
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Atis Powder.
b. Add honey to it and take preferably in the morning.
c. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of indigestion.
2. Atis Extract
a. Take 1-2 pinches of Atis Extract.
b. Add honey to it and take preferably in the morning.
c. Use this remedy preferably for children to get relief from fever, loose motions, bloating etc.
3. Atis Kwatha
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Atis Kwath.
b. Add an equal quantity of water and some honey to it.
c. Drink it twice a day after meals to get rid of digestive problems.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Atis is available in the market in various forms such as:
1. Powder
2. Extract
3. Oil
They are available under various brands such as Planet Ayurveda, Vhca Ayurveda, Neeraj Traders, etc. You can choose the brand and product according to your liking and requirement.
1. Powder
2. Extract
3. Oil
They are available under various brands such as Planet Ayurveda, Vhca Ayurveda, Neeraj Traders, etc. You can choose the brand and product according to your liking and requirement.
Modern Science View
Atis should be stored at room temperature and should not be exposed to direct light, moisture and heat. Atis should be kept away from the reach of children and pets.
Modern Science View
Aconitum heterophyllum is also known as Atis, Atibage, Ativish, Ati Vasa, Aruna, Ghunapriya, Visa, Aatich, Ataicha, Atis Root, Ativishni Kali, Ativikhani Kali, Ativisha, Athihage, Atividayam, Ativisha, Atushi, Atisa, Atees, Ativasa, Kashmeera, Shuklakanda, Bhangura, Vishva[1].
Modern Science View
Aconitum heterophyllum or Atis is an ayurvedic medicinal plant which is reported to have antidiarrheal activity when taken with fine powder of dry ginger, Beel (Bellpetra in India) fruit, or Nutmeg (jaiphal in India). The juice of the root when taken with milk acts as an expectorant (property which promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages). The plant also shows diuretic, antipyretic, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-flatulent and anti-phlegmatic properties. Furthermore, the plant is also helpful in the treatment of reproductive disorders.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Paramanick D, Panday R, Shukla SS, et al.Primary Pharmacological and Other Important Findings on the Medicinal Plant “Aconitum Heterophyllum” (Aruna). Journal of Pharmacopuncture.2017;20(2):089-092.
- Paramanick D, Sharma N , Parveen N, et al.A Review Article on Ayurvedic/Herbal plant “Aruna” Aconitum heterophyllum.International Journal of Advanced Research 2017;5(2):319-325.
- Puri HS. Uses of Aconites.Journal D’Agric, Tropicale Et Botanique Appliquee.1974;21(7-9):239-246.
- Khurshid S, Amjad MS, Malik KF, et al. Clinical and therapeutic potential of Aconitum heterophyllum.Journal of Coastal LIfe Medicine.2015;3(12): 1003-1005.
- Subhash A, Augustine A.Hypolipidemic effect of methanol fraction of Aconitum heterophyllum wall ex Royle and the mechanism of action in diet-induced obese rats.Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology and research.2012;3(4):224-228.
- Khurshid S, Amjad MS, Malik KF, et al. Clinical and therapeutic potential of Aconitum heterophyllum.Journal of Coastal LIfe Medicine.2015;3(12): 1003-1005.
- Nayak V, Jadhav V, Sajjanshetty MR.Traditional medicine in the management of Recurrent Tonsillitis- An Ayurvedic Perspective.Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated medical sciences.2017;2(6):98-106.
- Ukani MD, Mehta NK, Nanavati DD.Acontium Heterophyllum (Ativisha) in Ayurveda.Ancient Science of life.1996;16:166-171.
- Prasad SK, Jain D, Patel DK et.al.Antisecretory and antimotility activity of Aconitum heterophyllum and its significance in treatment of diarrhea.Indian J Pharmacol.2014;46(1):82–87.
- Rasve VR, Paithankar VV, Shirsat MKet.al.Evaluation of antiulcer activity of aconitum heterophyllum on experimental animal.WJPPS.2018;7(2):819-839.
- Buddhadev S, Buddhadev SS.A complete review on ativisha –aconitum heterophyllum.Pharma Science Monitor.2017;8:111-114.
- Nagarajan M, Kuruvilla GR, Kumar KS, and Venkatasubramanian P. Pharmacology of Ativisha, Musta and their substitutes. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2015 Apr-Jun; 6(2): 121–133.
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.