Vatsnabh “the king of poisons‟ is a poisonous herb and widely used in therapeutics of Ayurveda and other traditional medicine, after the elimination of toxic components. Vatsnabh is pungent, bitter and astringent in taste. A majorly used part for therapeutic benefit is tuberous root. The therapeutic potency of Vatsnabha is more potent during the winter season. Pharmacological studies shown according to recent studies are anesthetic, antiarthritic, de-obstruent (Shroto-Vishodhana), diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative, a nerve stimulator, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidote, and cardiac stimulant. These properties help to manage diseases like pyrexia, indigestion, anorexia, spleen disorders, gout, cough, Asthma, vision problems, night blindness, eye infections, inflammation, otitis, headache, sciatica, backache, and joint disorders[2].

What are the synonyms of Vatsnabh?

Aconitum ferox, Monk’s hood, Wolfsbane, Bachnag, Meetha vish, Meetha teliya, Bachnag, Vachnag, Kath vish, Vasnoobhi, Vish, Vichnag[1].

What is the source of Vatsnabh?

Plant Based

Benefits of Vatsnabh

1. Indigestion
Indigestion means the state of incomplete digestion of the ingested food. The main reason for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Vatsnabh helps improve digestion by enhancing the Agni (digestive fire) due to it’s Pitta balancing, Deepan and Pachan properties.

2. Piles
Due to today’s sedentary lifestyle, Piles have become a common problem. It occurs as a result of chronic constipation. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata leads to low digestive fire, leading to persistent constipation which might result in pain and swelling around the anal region. If ignored or left untreated, it might further result in pile mass. Vatsnabh helps in the management of Piles due to its Tridoshahar (balancing of all the three doshas) property which helps to balance the Vata dosha. This leads to proper digestion due to it’s Deepan and Pachan properties. It also helps in reducing the pain and swelling due to it’s Vata balancing property.

3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea, known as Atisara in Ayurveda, is a condition in which a person suffers from 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 which are responsible for Diarrhea are improper food, impure water, toxins (Ama) and mental stress. Vatsnabh 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.

4. Asthma
Asthma is a condition of inflammation in the respiratory passages due to the formation and accumulation of toxins in the form of mucus which makes it difficult for a person to breathe. In this condition, a person faces repeated attacks of breathlessness and wheezing sound from the chest. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in Asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated Vata combines with deranged Kapha dosha in the lungs causes an obstruction in the respiratory passages making breathing difficult. Vatsnabh prevents the formation and accumulation of mucus, thereby managing the symptoms of Asthma due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.

Precautions when using Vatsnabh

Advice from Experts

Modern Science View

Vatsnabh in its raw form is toxic, so it should always be used only after shodhana (purification)[2]. Since Vatsnabh is a toxic herb, it should only be taken under medical supervision.

Allergy

Modern Science View

Vatsnabh may cause allergic reactions when taken along with sour and salty products. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Vatsnabh[2].

Breastfeeding

Modern Science View

Vatsnabh is poisonous in nature so it is advisable to avoid the use of Vatsnabh during breastfeeding[2].

Pregnancy

Modern Science View

Vatsnabh is poisonous in nature and may cause harm to the foetus. So, it is advisable to avoid the use of Vatsnabh during pregnancy[2][10].

Side Effects

Ayurvedic View

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Dizziness
4. Fatigue
5. Blurring of vision
6. Paresthesia[3].

Frequently asked questions

Q. How to store Vatsnabh powder?

Modern Science View

The root powder of Vatsnabh can be packed in a paper bag and then stored in an airtight container[9].

Q. What are the symptoms of Vatsnabh toxicity?

Modern Science View

Vatsnabh toxicity begins with a tingling and pricking sensation followed by salivation, nausea and vomiting. It then leads to slow and weak respiration, slow and irregular pulse and visual disturbances[8].

Q. What are the common names of Vatsnabh?

Modern Science View

Vatsnabh is known as Aconitum ferox. Its other synonyms are Bachnag, Meetha vish, Meetha teliya, Bachnag, Vachnag, Kath vish, Vasnoobhi, Vish and Vichnag[1].

Q. What is the process of Vatsnabh Shodhana?

Ayurvedic View

Vatsnabh in its raw form can be toxic. Shodhana (purification) process is important to nullify the toxicity of the plant.
In the Ayurveda textbook the following method is suggested for the purification of Vatsnabh:
-Take Vatsnabh roots and tie them in a cotton cloth
-Now put the cotton packet in goat or cow milk and let it boil in it for 3 hours.
-Vatsnabh roots are also purified when putting them into cow urine for three days.

Q. Are Vatsnabh-based formulations beneficial?

Ayurvedic View

Yes, Vatsnabh-based formulations are beneficial for overall health. In the Ayurveda textbook, there are many formulations which use Vatsnabh (after purification) as an ingredient. These formulations include Mahalaxmi Vilas rasa, Sanjivani Vati, Sutshekhar rasa, Kafketu rasa, and Anand Bhairav rasa. These are very common Ayurvedic formulations that have been used for various health problems from ancient times.

References

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.