Balarishta for rheumatism

Balarishta or Balarishtam is an Ayurvedic medicine which is prescribed in inflammatory condition or Vata Vyadhi.

Vata vyadhi refers to the disorders occurring due to the vitiation of Vata Dosha and includes stiff joints, hands, back, or head, joint pain, tearing of bones or joints, hair standing on end, delirium, limping, crippling, humpback, organ dryness, insomnia, sciatica, back ache, tremors, twitching, pulsating, cutting pain, loss of strength, wasting, cracking, palsy, and other diseases of the nervous system. It is a herbal liquid medicine based on Asava Arishtha principle of Ayurveda. 

Balarishta gives stamina and improves inner strength. This medicine contains Bala, Aswagandha, Vidaarikanda, Eranda, Rasna, Ela, Prasarani, Lavanga, Usheer, Gokuru, and Purana gud. It is nutritive and tonic and useful in all kinds of debility, rheumatic pains, asthi-jwara, pains in joints, hemiplegia, and all types of discharges.

Here is given more about this medicine, such as benefits, indication/therapeutic uses, composition, and dosage.

• Manufacturer: Classical Medicine manufactured by many pharmacies.
• Nature of Product: Self-generated alcoholic preparation
• Reference Text: Bhaishajya Ratnavali Vatavyadhi
• Synonyms: Balarishtam
• Availability:  Online and at medical stores
• Type of medicine: Classical Medicine
• Main Indication:  All symptoms associated with Vata derangement / Neurological conditions
• Properties: Restorative tonic
• Suitable for: Everyone
• Dosha Effect: Reduces Vata and Pitta

Asava and Arishtha are Ayurvedic medicines prepared by fermentation. These are medicated spirituous liquors. The powdered herbs (for Asava) or the decoction of herbs (for Arishta), and Dhataki Pushpa are soaked in a solution of Jaggery or Sugar or Honey for specified period of time in wooden vessels. The soaking causes fermentation which generates alcohol which in turn extracts the active constituent of medicinal herbs. The self-generated alcohol also helps in better and rapid absorption of the drug in the body. Asava and Arishtha are stomachic, stimulant, astringent and tonic.

Ingredients of Balarishta

1. Bala Sida cordifolia Root 4.8 kg
2. Ashvagandha Withania somnifera Root 4.8 kg
3. Jala for decoction   Water 49.152 liter reduced to 12.288 liter
4. Guda Jaggery 14.4 kg
5. Dhataki Woodfordia fruticosa Flower 768 g
6. Prakshepa Dravyas:
7. Payasya Ipomea digitata Sub. Root 96 g
8. Erand Ricinus communis Root 96 g
9. Rasna Pluchea lanceolate Leaf / Root 48 g
10. Ela Elettaria cardamomum Sd. 48 g
11. Prasarani Paederia foetida Plant 48 g
12. Lavang Syzgyium aromaticum Flower Bud 48 g
13. Ushira Vetiveria zizanioides Root 48 g
14. Gokhru Tribulus terrestris Fruit 48 g

Know the Ingredients

Bala Mula / Bala Mool / Bala Roots, are used in Ayurveda to impart Balya or strength. The roots have  analgesic, aphrodisiac, demulcent, diuretic, nervine, rejuvenative, stimulant, tonic and vulnerary activities. Bala is given in the treatment of TB, urinary conditions, sciatica, insanity, neuralgia and nerve inflammation, emaciation, muscular strength loss, exhaustion and sexual debility.

Ashwagandha / Indian ginseng / Indian winter cherry, refers to the roots of a medicinal plant Withania somnifera. It has antidepressant effect on central nervous system and stimulant effect on the brain and reduces anxiety and stress.

It is well-known for its aphrodisiac property. As it is sedative and Tonic, it helps in nervous weakness, fainting, giddiness and insomnia. It helps to gain weight and improves body immunity to keep away infections. It is used in debilitating diseases. Ashwagandha is the main herb for male sexual disorders.

Eranda Mula refers to the roots of Ricinus communis. Eranda Mula is used in Ayurveda in the treatment of Vata Roga, Amavata, inflammation, back pain, and abdominal diseases.

Gokhru, Gokhura, Gokshuru, Gochurak, Trikantaka (Sanskrit), Caltrops, Puncture vine (English), Nerunchi Mul (Siddha) all are synonyms of Tribulus terrestris (Fam. Zygophyllaceae). It is cooling, diuretic, tonic, and aphrodisiac. It improves muscle building, stamina and endurance. It has stimulative effect on the sexual system, increases libido and fertility and makes strong and healthy.

Vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa), Vidari, Bhumikushmand, Kandapalasha refers to the tuberous roots of Ipomea digitata. It is renowned rejuvenating tonic. It is sweet and a nourishing. Vidari mainly works on plasma, blood, muscle, reproductive tissues / Dhatu. It is a Madhur Rasa and Madhur Vipaak medicinal herb and has anabolic effect on the body.

In Ayurveda, Vidari is described as Balya (Strengthening), Brmhaniya (Weight-increasing), Stanyavardhana (Increases breast milk) Shukrala (Increases sperm count) and Rasayana (Rejuvenator). It is diuretic, nutritive, anabolic, galactagogue, alterative and aphrodisiac.

Rasna consists of the roots/leaves of Pluchea lanceolata. It is chiefly used in Ayurveda for inflammation, Vata roga, asthma, cough, fever, abdominal diseases, gout, rheumatism, muscular pains and similar conditions.

Method of preparation

Take the raw materials of pharmacopoeial quality. Wash, dry and powder the ingredients numbered 1 and 2 (Kvatha Dravya) of the formulation composition. Clean, dry and powder the ingredients numbered 6 to 13 (Prakshepa Dravya) of the formulation composition individually and pass through the sieve number 85 to obtain a fine powder.

Add the specified amount of water to the Kvatha Dravya, soak overnight, heat, reduce to one fourth and filter through a muslin cloth to obtain Kvatha.

Add the ingredient number 4 and 5 of the formulation composition to the Kvatha, allow to dissolve and filter through a muslin cloth.Transfer the filtrate to a clean container; add ingredient number 5 and other finely powdered Prakshepa Dravyas and seal the mouth of the container. Shift the container to the fermentation room and constantly check for the signs of completion of the fermentation process. Filter the fermented material through a clean muslin cloth.Pack in airtight containers and allow for maturation.

Description: Clear brown liquid without frothing and significant sedimentation;with aromatic odour and sweet taste.

Storage: Store in a cool place in a tightly closed amber colored bottle, protect from light and moisture.

Biomedical Action

1. Alterative: Alter favorably the course of an ailment
2. Anodyne: Relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
3. Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
4. Antioxidant: Neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and other substances.
5. Antirheumatic: Alleviating or preventing rheumatism.
6. Appetizer: Improves appetite.
7. Cooling: Lower body temperature to relieve pain, swelling and reduces body heat.
8. Diuretic: Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.
9. Nervine: Tonifying effect on the nervous system.
10. Tonic: Restore or improve health or well-being.

Ayurvedic Action / Karma

1. Balya: Increase the strength of the body.
2. Brinhana: Nourishes the body due to heavy, cold, fine, unctuous, viscid properties.
3. Dahaprashamana: Removes and subsides internal or external heat and burning.
4. Hridya: Beneficial for the heart and mind.
5. Jeevaneeya: beneficial for and maintain life in a sound condition.
6. Pachana: Digests Ama but does not increase appetite.
7. Shothahar: Removes inflammation.

Benefits of Balarishta

1. It is used for Vata imbalance where there is nervousness and fatigue.
2. It improves digestion, promotes health and vitality and gives dhatupushti.
3. It balances Vata and Pitta and generally does not aggravate Kapha.
4. It gives strength to muscles, nerves, bones and the whole body.
5. It is nerve toner.
6. It helps in frequent muscles cramps.
7. It is cooling in nature.
8. It reduces inflammation.
9. It boosts body immunity to fight recurrent infection.

Important Therapeutic Uses of Balarishta

Balarishta is useful in all kinds of debility, rheumatic pains, pains in joints, hemiplegia, weakness of nerve, paralysis,

1. Agnimandya (digestive impairment)
2. Daurbalya (weakness)
3. Vataja Roga (diseases due to Vata dosha)
4. Karshya (emaciation)
5. Arthritis, paralysis, excessive vata
6. All type of Body ache
7. General Tonic
8. Insomnia, Depression
9. Narcolepsy (long-term neurological disorder involving decreased ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles)

The Dosage of Balarishta

1. It is Asava-Arishta type of medicine of Ayurveda.
2. It is taken in a dose of 12 ml to 24 ml twice daily.
3. It is taken after mixing with an equal amount of water.
4. It should be taken after having breakfast and dinner.
5. Or should be taken as directed by a doctor.

Children above the age of 5 can be given this medicine in a dose of 2.5ml to 10ml. The exact dose depends on the age, weight, digestion, health and other factors.

Suggestions, Contraindications, Interactions, Side-effects, and Warnings

1. It is safe medicine without any known side-effect.
2. Do not take any medicine during pregnancy without consulting doctor.
3. It contains jaggery and dry grapes hence it is not suitable for a diabetic person.
4. It contains about 5 to 10% of self-generated alcohol.
5. Effectivity of herbal medicine depends on many factors. A medicine suitable for one person may not essentially give the same result in another person.
6. Always take in recommended doses.
7. Keep away from the sight and reach of children.
8. Though this medicine is considered safe, if you feel any side-effect or this medicine does not suit you, please discontinue.

Where to buy

You can buy this medicine online or from medical stores.

This medicine is manufactured by

• Dabur
• Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan Balarishta Syrup
• Zandu Balarishta
• Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala (Balarishtam)
• Kairali Herbal Balarishtam
• Pankajakasthuri Herbals India (Balarishtam)
• Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakal (Balarishtam)
• Nagarjuna (Balarishtam)
• Vaidyaratnam (Balarishtam) and some other pharmacies.