Maharasnadi kwath (kadha) For gout and skin problems

Maharasnadi Kwath (Kadha, Quath, Kashaya and Kashayam all are Sanskrit synonyms for decoction) is a herbal Ayurvedic formulation used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Maharasnadi kadha is prawahi quath in which herbs are boiled in water to make decoction and then fermented as in Asava preparation.

The key ingredient of this medicine is Rasna(Pluchea lanceolate). Rasna is used in Ayurveda form time immemorial to treat inflammatory disorders. Even the scientific studies done on this plant supports its traditional uses.

Maharasnadi Kwath gives relief in painful joints, pain in back, pain in muscles, gout, arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, frozen shoulder, hemiplegia, inflammation of a nerve and many other similar ailments.

It is useful in all kinds of rheumatism, spermatorrhoea, paraplegia, hemiplegia, sciatica, lock-jaw, epistasis, abdominal tumors, tubercular leprosy, piles, chest diseases, hernia, hump-back, constipated wind producing tremors and lumbago.

Maharasnadi Kwatha is also given to get relief in joint pain, fever, arthritis, arthralgia occurring due to Chikungunya.

When Maharasnadi Kwatha (20 ml) is taken with Vatari Guggulu (1 gram) thrice a day for 3 to 6 weeks, it gives good response in pain, swelling, tenderness and morning stiffness.

It also reduces ESR levels. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, is the rate at which RBCs separates from blood serum and become sediment in a test tube in one hour) is measured using blood test and helps to detect inflammation in the body.

Maharasnadi Kwath is available in the form of coarse herb mixture, ready-made preparations and tablets. Here is given more about this medicine, such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and dosage.

Synonyms: Maha Rasnadi Kwath, Maharasnadi Quath, Maharasndi Kashayam, Maharasnadi Kada/Kadha

Type of Medicine: Classical Ayurvedic Medicine

Main Indication: Musculoskeletal disorders / Vata Vyadhi Chikitsa, pain, swelling, inflammation in joints (arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, stiffness, etc.), nerves pain and weakness, muscles pain, suitable for both acute and chronic / long time or constantly recurring cases

Srotas / Channel: Muscles, nerves, bones, joints and ligaments

Dosha Effect: Pacifies Vata

Availability: Churna (Coarse powder for making decoction at home by boiling in water), liquid (Ready-made decoction) and tablets (Very concentrated decoction)

Ayurvedic Action of Maharasnadi kwath

1. Amapachana: Toxin digester
2. Deepana: Promote appetite but do not aid in digesting undigested food
3. Mutral: Diuretics, increase the flow of urine
4. Pachan: Assist in digesting undigested food, but do not increase the appetite
5. Vatahara: Pacifies Vata Dosha
6. Shulaghna: Pain relieving

Biomedical Action of Maharasnadi kwath

1. Antioxidant: Neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and other substances.
2. Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
3. Antirheumatic: Alleviating or preventing rheumatism.
4. Analgesic: Relieve pain.
5. Alterative: Alter favorably the course of an ailment.
6. Aperient: Used to relieve constipation.
7. Bitter tonic: Restore or improve health or well-being.
8. Carminative: Preventing the formation or causing the expulsion of flatulence.
9. Diuretic: Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.

Ingredients of Maharasnadi Kwath

1. Rasna (Rt./Lf.) 50 Parts
2. Dhanvayasa (Pl.) 1 Part
3. Bala (Pl.) 1 Part
4. Eranda-mula (Rt.) 1 Part
5. Devadaru (Ht. Wd.) 1 Part
6. Shathi (Shati) (Rz.) 1 Part
7. Vaca (Rz.) 1 Part
8. Vasaka (Vasa) (Rt.) 1 Part
9. Nagara (Sunthi) (Rz.) 1 Part
10. Pathya (Haritaki) (P.) 1 Part
11. Chavya (St.) 1 Part
12. Musta (Rz.) 1 Part
13. Punarnava (Rakta Punarnava) (Rt.) 1 Part
14. Guduchi (St.) 1 Part
15. Vriddhadaru (Rt.) 1 Part
16. Shatapushpa (Shatahva) (Fr.) 1 Part
17. Gokshura (Fr.) 1 Part
18. Ashvagandha (Rt.) 1 Part
19. Prativisha (Ativisha) (Rt.) 1 Part
20. Kritamala (Aragvadha) (Fr.P.) 1 Part
21. Shatavari (Rt.Tr.) 1 Part
22. Krishna (Pippali) (Fr.) 1 Part
23. Sahacara (Pl.) 1 Part
24. Dhanyaka (Fr.) 1 Part
25. Kantakari (Pl.) 1 Part
26. Brihati (Pl.) 1 Part
27. Prkshepa dravya: Shunthi Churna, Pippali Churna. Ajamodadi Churna, Eranda Taila

Key ingredient

Rasna: Rasna consists of dried leaf and roots of Pluchea lanceolata. Its official substitute is Alpinia galanga.

The stem and leaves contain moretenol, moretenol acetate, neolupenol, octacosanoic, hexacosanoic and tetracosanoic acid, tetracosanol, hexacosanol, triacontanol, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol-D-glucoside.

Rasna is Tikta (Rasa), Guru (Guna), Ushna (Virya), and Katu vipak. It pacifies Kapha and Vata.

Rasna root is fragrant, bitter and useful in rheumatism and other inflammatory disorders. Its stem, leaves are muscle relaxant. Along with other herbal ingredients the roots are useful in all nervous diseases and rheumatism.

A Scientific study was done on anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of in vivo and in vitro plant parts of Pluchea lanceolata. This study confirms the traditional medicinal uses of the plant due to the presence of presence of several physiologically active phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids and glycosides and supported the isolation and the use of active constituents from in vivo and in vitro plant parts of Pluchea lanceolata in treating inflammations and rheumatism.

Benefits of Maharasnadi Kwath

1. It gives relief in acute and chronic pain and inflammation in the body.
2. It is a herbal medicine.
3. It improves appetite.
4. It pacifies Vata dosha.
5. It is Vataghna and Amanashak.
6. It is bitter Tonic, aperient and diuretic.
7. It cures infertility and helps in Garbha sthapan (establishing pregnancy).
8. It is also useful in spermatorrhoea.

Therapeutic uses of Maharasnadi Kwath

1. Sarvanga Kampa (Generalized tremors)
2. Kubja Vata (Kyphosis)
3. Pakshaghata (Paralysis/Hemiplegia)
4. Gridhrasi (Sciatica)
5. Amavata (Rheumatism)
6. Shlipada (Filariasis)
7. Avabahuka (Brachialgia)
8. Apatanaka (Tetanic convulsions)
9. Antra Vriddhi (Hernia)
10. Adhmana (Flatulance with gurgling sound)
11. Jangha Janugata Vata (Pain in calf and knee)
12. Ardita (Facial palsy)
13. Shukraroga (Diseases of semen)
14. Medhraroga (Penile diseases)
15. Vandhyatva (Infertility)
16. Yoniroga (Disease of female genital tract)

The Dosage of Maharasnadi Kwath

Decoction: Boil 50 grams of coarse powder in one liter water till water reduces to one cup. Filter this and divide in three equal parts and drink thrice a day.

Liquid: Mix 5-15 ml with an equal quantity of water and drink after the meal. This should be taken twice/thrice a day after meals for a few months.

Tablet: Take 2-3 tablets, twice a day or as prescribed.

While on treatment, it is advised to drink only lukewarm water.

Pharmacies Making Maharasnadi Kwath

• You can buy this medicine online or from medical stores. Since it is a classical medicine, it is manufactured by many Ayurvedic pharmacies.
• Baidyanath (Maharasnadi Kadha Special Guggul Yukt) MRP Rs. 122.00 / 450 ml and Rs. 72.00 / 200ml
• Dabur (Maharasnadi Kwath (Kadha) ₹ 110.00 / 450 ml
• Sandu Rs. 175.00 / 450 ml
• Kerala Ayurveda (Maharasnadi Kwath; Maharasnadi Kwath Tablet) ₹ 450.00 for 100 tablets
• Arya Vaidya Sala (Maharasnadi Kwatham Tablets; 1 tablet=5 ml decoction)
• Jiva (Maharasnadi Kwath) and many other Ayurvedic pharmacies.

Side effects, Caution and Warnings

1. It is completely safe to take this medicine in recommended doses.
2. There are no known side-effects of medicine.
3. Intake in large dose may cause gastric irritation.
4. Though it is Garbha sthapan (establishing pregnancy), it always better to consult a doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy.