Ativisha: A multi-potent herb especially beneficial in digestive system ailments

     

    Ativisa is commonly known as Indian Atees and is found predominantly in the Himalayan areas. The name Ativisa is given to the plant as it have the potency to overcome even visa(Poison). The herb can be used to treat numerous diseases including Fever, Cough, Diarrhoea etc. Dr. Varun Ram Raj of Ayurvedatarian uses the herb Ativisa for the treatment of Grahani (Sprue), Atisara (Diarrhoea )and Cough as the herb is Pitta Kapha samaka and these conditions are caused by the vitiation of the aforementioned doshas. Ativisa contains Phytoconstituents including Atisine, Atidine, Doterpene etc which aids in it’s Antibacterial and Aphrodisiac actions.

General aspects and geography

Botanical name : Aconitum heterophyllum    

Family :  Rananculaceae 

Habitat: Himalayan region

Parts used

• Tuberous roots

Classical categorization based on Ayurveda textbooks

Charaka Samhita – Arsoghna varga (alleviates Haemorrhoids )

Susruta Samhita – Pippalyadi gana

Pharmacological action

• Antibacterial 
• Aphrodisiac 
• Tonic

Medicinal property according to Ayurveda

• Dipana ( carminative )
• Krimighna(Antimicrobial )
• Kasahara(Reduces cough)
• Jwaraghna (Reduces fever )

Therapeutic indications

• Diarrhoea (Atisara)- Gruel prepared from Ativisa and Ginger is taken internally to reduce Diarrhoea.
• Cough( Kasa)- The powder of roots of Ativisa is administered along with Honey to relieve Cough immediately.

Dosage

Powder (Churna) – 1-3 g

Tablet - 2 tablets twice daily or as per the advice of the Ayurveda doctor 

Note: Ayurveda medications must be taken only after consulting an Ayurveda doctor. 

Formulations 

• Pushyanuga churna
• Rodhrasava
• Mahatiktaka ghrtha 
• Ativisadi churna

Morphology :

Herbaceous perennial plant with tuberous roots. Stems are aerial. Leaves are cauline. Inflorescence is raceme. Flowers are with numerous stamens.

Vernacular names 

English – Indian atees

Hindi- Atis

Malayalam – Atividayam

Sanskrit – Ativisa 

Synonyms 

• Visha
• Kashmira
• Sringi 

Rasapanchaka of Ativisa

Rasa- Tikta (bitter) Katu(Acrid)

Guna-  Ruksha (Dry)

Vipaka- Katu (Acrid)

Virya-  Ushna (hot)

Prabhava – Visahara (Antipoisonous )

विषा सोष्णा कटुस्तिक्ता पाचनी दीपनीहरेत् । 

कफपित्तातिसारामविषकासवमिकृमीन्  ||

(Bhavaprakasa Nighantu -Haritakyadi varga-shloka 214)

   Ativisa is Pitta Kapha samaka because of it’s properties like Bitter taste and hot potency. The herb is used to alleviate conditions involving vitiation of Kapha and Pitta doshas like Diarrhoea, Cough etc. Ayurvedatarian lead by Dr.Varun Ram Raj, is currently conducting various researches based on ancient Ayurvedic textbooks, involving Ativisa for preparing various combinations of medicines to alleviate conditions involving vitiation of Kapha, Pitta doshas. Reach Ayurvedatarian for better health management.

Researches on Ativisa

1. https://ayushdhara.in/index.php/ayushdhara/article/view/714
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4484047/

Frequently asked Questions

1)What are the uses of Ativisa churna?

   Powder of Ativisa is used effectively in reducing cough and Fever.

2)What is the scientific name of Ativisa?

Botanical name of Ativisa is Aconitum heterophyllum.