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Rasayan, a Sanskrit word (with literal meaning: Path (ayana) of the Juice (rasa), or Elixir vitae), is used to describe chemistry and alchemy, and chemistry is generally called Rasayan Shastra in Sanskrit,Nepali, Marathi, Hindi, Kannada and several other languages. Ancient rasayan texts center around the use of prepared forms of mercury (see samskaras), as do occidental alchemical texts. However, there is also ample mention of the preparation of medical tinctures in the ancient science of rasayan; rasayan is in fact a part of Ayurveda. Read more:

Concept of Rasayana Therapy

Rasayana Tantra is one of the eight major divisions of Astang Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, one of the major methods of presentation of positive health has been described i.e. Rasayana.

Sushruta has defined a healthy man as one who has:-

• Equilibrium of the Doshas Sama dosha.

• Normal functioning of Agni Sama Agni

• Normal condition of 7 Dhatus Sam Dhatu

• Normal Excretion of waste products Sam Malkriya.

Beside this Atma (Soul), the Indriyas or sense organs and Mana or mind should be happy and cheerful Prasanatamendriya Mana (Su.Su.15/15). The current modern definition of health is also same “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely absence of disease. (W.H.O.)

Healthy state of mind and body can be achieved by Rasayana Therapy or Rejuvenation Therapy

Rasayana Stands as an answer to solve the problem of healthful longevity including mental development and resistance against disease. That is why; Rasayanatherapy has been included as one of the eight major divisions of Ashtang Ayurveda. Rasayana Chikitsa or rejuvenation therapy helps to promote and preserve health and longevity in the healthy, and to Cure disease in sick. We all want to look forever young and increase our life span by staying healthy, Rasayans or vitalizers, as they are called, do exactly the same. They replenish the vital fluids of our body, thus keeping us away from diseases. Rasayana refers to the nutrition and its transportation in the body. Such a state of improved nutrition is claimed to lead to a series of secondary attributes like longevity, immunity against diseases, mental competence and delaying of aging.

Rasayana is actually that which increases the essence of each Dhatu, starting from Rasa. Taking Rasayana is helpful to increase the immunity of person to keep him away from diseases. The person become healthy and strong .Literally the term Rasayana refers to the means of obtaining the optimum nourishment to the Dhatu.

Meaning of Rasayana

The word Rasayana is composed of two words Ras Ayan. The means by which one gets the excellence of Rasa (The nourishing fluid which is produced immediately after digestion) is known as Rasayana. Apart from the excellence of Rasa, the individual is endowed with Psychic excellence like sharp memory, by virtue of rejuvenation therapy. The term Rasayana connotes a specific meaning. Drugs, diet and regimens which promote longevity by delaying aging and preventing diseases are called Rasayana. The term Rasa has different connotation. In the present context, it means the body fluid which is responsible for nourishment of entire physique. Impairment of circulation of this body fluid results in diseases and decay. This body fluid of good quality should not only be present in adequate quantity, but also it should be able to permeate (circulate) throughout the various cells of the body to provide the type of nourishment they need.

Rasayana is a specialized type of treatment influencing the fundamental aspect of body viz. Dhatus, Agni and Srotansi and ojus etc. Rasayana Chikitsa boosts theojus and immune system. The adjective Ojaswiis used to describe those people who keep good health in all seasons and all stages of life. It is like obtaining a high rank in a physical or mental fitness. Ojus gives a bright look, sharp memory, high performance and every expected pleasure.

Historic Consideration of Rasayana

its Synonyms are explained (Ch.Chi.1/1/3.)

3. Shatavaryadi Rasayana Vasti.

4. Pancha mulyadi Rasayana.

5. Shatapaka sukumara Taila.

In Bhel Samhita there is no independent chapter on Rasayana Therapy. In Bhel Samhita Rasayana is described in chapter naming “Dirghayushyopaya”. The concept are similar to these described by Charaka.

Sushruta Samhita

Sushruta Samhita is next important text of Ayurveda. A critical study of this text in reference to Rasayana Therapy was almost same as described by Charaka. But the way of description of Rasayana in Sushruta Samhita is something different. Sushruta has omitted the philosophical aspects of subject and has given lesser importance to the physiological concepts. Sushruta has not given much importance to specialized regimen of Rasayana Therapy like Vatatpika and Kutipraveshika procedure ofCharaka. However, he has advocated the use of Ahara for Rasayana treatment similar to vranitagara described for the use of the wounded persons in a different context. Dalhana Considered this context comparable to Charka’s Kutipraveshika Procedure .The most important contribution of Sushruta and the great commentatorDalhana to the development of Rasayana therapy is the classification of Rasayana(Su.Su.1/10 Dalhana). They described that Rasayana therapy have two aspects:

1. For Kamya Rasayana healthy person.

2. Naimitiika Rasayana For diseased person.

In this text there is full separate chapter on Rasayana. The definition of Rasayana is same as described by Charaka. There is a description of Madhya Rasayana in this text. Jala, Dugdha, Madhu, and Ghrita have been indicated as Rasayana and special description on Haritaki is presented. There is also a description of Vardhamana Bhallataka Prayoga.

51-60 Drishti Triphala, Saptamrita Lauha

61-70 Fri & Vajikrn drug Atmgupta

71-80 Vikram

81-90 Buddhi

Drugs may not effective**.

91- Above Karmendriya

Selling of the Consideration

Similar to Vaya and Prakriti, the Rasayana therapy demands a consideration of the Satmaya (Adaptability) in Ayurveda. Broadly one may need different Rasayana drugs in different Ritu or seasons and different Desha or climates. Here again the Pharmacodynamic properties of different Rasayana Drugs have to be taken into the consideration. Following table shows a list of suitable Rasayana drugs to be used in different Ritu or seasons..

Similarly in consideration with Desha Satmaya Snigdhoshna drugs may be good for Jangala Desha; Rukshoshna drugs for Anupa Desha and Sadharna drugs for Sadharna Desha and so on. In this entire context consideration of the Pharmacodynamic of Rasayana Drugs is to be implicated.

Consideration of Dhatus/ Agni/Srotamsi

Depending upon the status of different Dhatus and Dhatusara one has to select specific Rasayana drugs for the benefit of different specific Dhatus. This has to be determined in consideration of Pharmacodynamic properties and Panchmahabhautika Constitution of different Dhatu and different Rasayana drugs. In view of this fact following Rasayana Drugs may be considered specific for the respective Dhatu.

Sr. No Dhatu Rasayana Drug

1. Ras Kashmari, Krjura, vine.

2. Rakta Lauhadi Rasayana, Amalaki

3. Mansa Ashwagandha, Bala, humalis, Kshmri

4. Meda Amrita, Haritaki

Kutipraveshika Rasayana

Thus type of Rasayana is administered in cottage constructed at a good site and where the required appliances can easily be procured. The cottage is three walled(Trigarbha Kutti). In a favorable Muhoorta, a person desirous of undergoing rejuvenation therapy should enter into the cottage. That individual should than be cleansed by the administration of elimination therapy. Thereafter, when he is happy and has regained his strength, the rejuvenation therapy should be administered. After administration of elimination therapy, normally the patient becomes a little weak. Therefore, proper diet (Sansarjana karma) should be given to patient by this he will regain his strength. (Ch. Chi. 1/1/17-23)

Vatatpika Rasayana

It is not administered in Trigarbha Kutti. It can be administered even if the individual is exposed to the wind and sun hence called Vatatpika Rasayana.

Kamya Rasayana

The most significant contribution of sushruta to Rasayana Vigyana is the comprehensive classification presented in the text which has been further appropriated by the great commentator “Dalhana” the text of Sushruta Samhita and the Dalhana’s commentary light the concept that Rasayana therapy may have two aspects:

• Kamya Rasayana:

To be used for improvement of health and vigor in normal state

• Naimitika Rasayana :

To be used in person suffering from specific disease.

Kamya means desire. The Rasayana used for achieving a specific desire is called Kamya Rasayana. It is further divided into Prana Kamya, Medha Kamya, Shri Kamya used in the healthy persons for promotion of Medha, Pran, Shri Naimitiika Rasayana

Naimitika Rasayana is to be used in person suffering from specific disease. This Rasayana is used as adjuvant along with treatment for specific ailments. Naimitika Rasayana is of more practical significance. Naimitika Rasayana is not the specific medical treatment for particular diseases, but it is used as adjuvant along with the specific management of disease e.g. Ashwagandha Churna, Ashwagandharishta is indicated in the treatment of tuberculosis (Su. U. 41/42-43)

Following table gives a list of popular Naimitika Rasayana

1. Drishti Mandya Triphala, Shatawari Jyotishmati, Yashtimadhu.

2. Kushtha Bhallataka Rasayana, Tuvrka, Vidnga

3. Rajyakshama Ashwagandha, long pepper, Shilajtu, humalis

4. Shwasa Agastya Rasayana, Bhallataka

5. Prameha Shilajatu, Amlki, chemicals, asiatica

6. Pandu Amalaki rasayana Lauha rasayan

7. Vata Vyadhi reasons are, Guggulu, vacha, occupied.

Ajasrika Rasayana

Ajasrika Rasayana can be used daily as diet Dugdha, Ghrita are commonly Rasayana.

Sanshodhana Rasayana/ Sanshamana Rasayana

The Rasayana Drugs which eliminate the vitiated Doshas by expelling from body called Sanshodhana Rasayana. Rasayana drugs expel Doshas out of body by Vamana, Virechana, and Swedna etc. Examples of Shodnana Rasayana are Pippali, Yashtimadhu etc. There are other drugs which producing Dosh Shaman effect. These drugs are called Sanshamana Rasayana.

Medhya Rasayana

Medha is to have proper correlation and understanding about the knowledge of the existing objects. Due to Medha a person will be able to obtain the knowledge of existing object and hence person becomes learned. Majority of Medhya Rasayana drugs possess varied properties. Hence it appears difficult to explain the effect of all the Medhya drugs.

Nagarjuna has mentioned that Medhya drugs mainly act by their Achintya Veerya i.e. Prabhava. The effect of Medhya Rasayana is also at different levels such as at level ofRasa, Agni, and Srotsa. At the level of Agni these drug act by stimulating and improving the function of Agni. At level of Srotsa, these drugs improve the circulation ofRasa by opening and cleaning the micro channel and then ultimately improve the function of Medha. These drugs have beneficial effect on body as well as on mind. Various Medhya Rasayana drugs used are Mandukparni Svarasa, Shankhpushpi Kalka, Guduchi Svarasa and Mulethi Churna. These Medhya Rasayana are described in Charaka Samhita. Some of the Rasayana drugs act by Panchbhautika composition, Some by Rasa, Guna Veerya, and Vipaka. Pharmacological properties of drugs are the resultant of different combination of Bhoota. Panchamahabhoot are said to have characteristic of three Mahaguna Satva, Raja, and Tama. Medha are attributed to predominance ofSatvaGuna, Hence Aakashiya, Taijus, Aapya drugs having Satva guna predominance improve Medha. On the basis of Rasa Tikta Rasa has direct action on the promotion of Medha. It performs their function by its Laghu property and Deepana-Paachana and Srotoshodhaka action. Madhura Rasa also by promoting the formation of Ojanourishes five sense, mind and medha. Hence Medhya Rasayana Drugs appear to be predominantly Tikta-Madhura Rasa. Amla, Lavana and Katu Rasa are having least importance in Medhya action. Similarly Ushana Veerya drugs stimulate Saadhak Pitta which promotes Medha. Ushana Veerya drugs improve Grahan Shakti (power of reception) and Samriti (Power of recalling). Majority of drugs are having Madhura Vipaka which nourishes Medha by formation of Oja. So all the Medhya Rasayana drugs improve mental faculties, improve mental function and intellect.

Achara Rasayana

Achara Rasayana is described in various texts. It means good conduct. A careful analysis of qualities of Achara Rasayana reveal that most of them are related withMana, Dhi, Dhriti along with good conduct and these results in maximum benefit. A person must be truthful, free from anger, which is devoid of alcohol, sex indulgence; a person must not indulge in violence or exhaustion. A person may regularly offer prayers to Gods, Teachers, Preceptors and old people. A person must be absolutely free from barbarous acts, his period of awakening and sleep is regular, must take milk and Ghee regularly, should be free from ego, Whose conduct is good, must not be narrow minded, Should have love for spiritual Knowledge, must have excellent sense organ, having self control, who regularly read scripture, must have regard for elderly people, must take milk and Ghee regularly. If a person endowed with these qualities takes rejuvenation therapy they get all the rejuvenation benefit. (Ch. Chi.

Benefit of Rasayana

A persons undergoing rejuvenation therapy attains longevity, memory, intellect, freedom from disease, youth, excellence of lusture, complexion, voice, excellent potentialities of the body and sense organs i.e. what he says comes true, respect and brilliance. The means by which one gets the excellence of Rasa is known as Rasayana or a Rejuvenation therapy. A part from excellence of Rasa, the individual is endowed with psychic excellence like sharp memory etc. by virtue of rejuvenation therapy.

Aim of Rasayana therapy is to achieve long and healthy life

Rasayana Chikitsa boosts the ojus (vital force of life) and immune System. It helps a person to maintain good health or to establish impaired or lost physical or mental health. Ojaswi is used to describe those people who keep good health in all seasons and all stages of life. It is like obtaining high rank in a physical or mental fitness. Ojus gives a bright look, sharp memory, high performance and every expected pleasure.

Rasayana Chikitsa is supposed to nourish blood, lymph, flesh, adipose tissue and semen, and thus prevent freedom from chronic degenerative disorders like Arthritis and disease of senility.

Rasayana is though to improve metabolic processes which results in best possible biotransformation and produce the best quality bodily tissue and delay senility and prevent other diseases of old age.

Rasayana which has a marked action on sexual organs are called Vrishya as Shukra Dhatu is best nourished by it.

Rasayana builds natural resistance against infection.

Rasayana drugs invigorate the body in general by sustaining the required balance between anabolism and Catabolism.

Rasayana drugs which may acts as Antioxidants as well as Immunomodulator may also act as antiaging.

Mode of Action of Rasayana Drugs

Rasayana drugs are used for preservation of positive health. Sushruta defines a healthy man as one who has equilibrium of Doshas, normal functioning of Agni, normal condition of seven Dhatus, beside his soul, the sense organs and mind should be happy and cheerful (Su. Su.15/15) Rasayana stands as an answer to solve the problem of healthful longevity including mental development and resistance against disease. Rasayana is a specialized type of treatment influencing the fundamental aspect of body i.e. Dhatu, Agni and Srotasa. It is a possible that different Rasayana drugs may act with predominance effect at different levels. These comprehensive effects are brought about with the help of the varied Pharmacodynamic properties of these drugs. Rasayana effect is not a specific pharmacological action but is a complex phenomenon operating through a Comprehensive mechanism involving the fundamental factors like Rasa-Samvahan, Dhatus, Agni and Srotsa. It may ultimately be leading to theachievement of the comprehensive effect as stated by Charaka “labhopayo Hi Shastanam – Rasadinam Rasayanum” (Ch. Chi. 1/1/7-8)

It produces the Rasayana effects mentioned in term of Vayasthapana and Ayushkara, Medhakara, Urjaskara so that Rasayana drugs acting at level of Rasa by improving Specific nutritional values of Poshak Rasa. Probably Rasayana drugs are having Madhura, Guru, Snigdha, and Sheeta properties act as Rasayana at level of Rasa by promoting the nutritional value of the Rasa which in term helps in obtaining the best qualities of Dhatus. The example of such drugs may be Shatawari, Madhuyashti,Bala, Dugdha, Ghrita etc. Rasayana drugs have a fundamental effect at level of Agni or digestion and metabolism. The Rasayana drugs possessing the Ushana, Laghu, Ruksha and Katu, Tikta, Kashaya Rasa may be acting at level of Agni, Vitalizing the organic metabolism leading to an improved structural and function pattern ofDhatus and Production of the Rasayana effects. Drugs such as Pippali, Guggulu, Rasona, Bhallataka, Rudanti mainly acts at level of Agni so improve the digestion and create excellence ofSaptdhatu. The Rasayana Drugs like Vidang, Chitraka, and Haritaki are experienced to enhance Agni at level of Jaathragni. Similarly Amalaki, Amrita, Pippali, Kumari are supposed to act at level of Dhatu, Agni also causing excellence of all Dhatus.

Drugs with harsh chemicals used, sustains, astringency gravy, Bisda, defense, small fold, semen and Ktu Vipaka Usna My Srotoshodna and May Help Cause EFFECT These chemicals were used in the evaluation Excluded body. Hey Oza Supposed Influence Which chemicals have drugs Indus rape and Wydiksmtwa and Immunity. Drugs Used Jivnia Gnadrigs Hey, gold and long pepper. Simillerly Improvement in mental faculties (Medkra EFFECT) A benefit of this therapy OF Rsayna

Modern Aspect of Rasayana Therapy

Rasayana Chikitsa means rejuvenation therapy. Rejuvenation literally means to return to youthful conditions or to the normal from diseased state. Rejuvenation therapy helps to promote and preserve health and to Cure disease in sick. The therapy enhances one’s energy and is even known to have cured the sick. It also increases a healthy person’s mental and physical capabilities. It is known to have improved skin complexion and texture, modulates the voice and increases sensing capacity of sense organs. They replenish the vital fluids of our body thus keeping us away from diseases. Taking Rasayana is helpful to increase the immunity of the person to keep him away from diseases. The person became healthy and strong. Some of Benefits of rejuvenation therapy are as follows:

• Long life

• Increase in memory power

• Good health

• Young looks

• Glowing skin

• Modulated voice

4. Adaptogenic action

5. Antiaging action.

6. Anabolic action

7. Nutritive function

8. Neuroprotective action

Antioxidant Action

Rasayana drugs acts as Antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that reduce oxidative damage such as that caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that attack molecules by capturing the electrons and thus modifying chemical structures. Well known Antioxidants include a number of enzymes and other substances such as vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta carotene (which is converted to vitamin A) that are capable of counteracting the damaging effect of oxidation. Antioxidants are also commonly added to food products like vegetable oils and prepared foods

Researches show that Antioxidants are useful for protection of heart disease. This is because oxidation plays a big role in formation atherosclerotic plaque which is a main Pathological event in coronary heart disease. So there is significant role of antioxidant in coronary heart disease. Antioxidants are having role in preventing diabetes mellitus. Antioxidant rich diet may prevent Diabetes. Taking Antioxidants rich food especially vitamin E, may lower risk of Type II DM. A new study show that people whose diets had the highest levels vitamin E were 30% less likely to develop type II DM. In addition, researchers found that people who ate a lot of carotenoids, a type of antioxidant found in colorful fruits and vegetables, also had a lower risk of developing type II DM. Oxidative damage to cells is also important phenomenon in aging process. So Antioxidants are also helpful in delaying aging. Antioxidants may possibly reduce the risk of cancer and age related macular degeneration. Many