Vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox)

Vatsnabh, sometimes known as “the king of poisons,” is a poisonous herb that is commonly employed in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine therapies after toxic components have been removed.^(HR/1)

The flavour of Vatsnabh is spicy, harsh, and astringent. Tuberous root is the most commonly used portion for therapeutic purposes. During the winter season, Vatsnabha has a higher medicinal potential. Anesthetic, antiarthritic, de-obstruent (Shroto-Vishodhana), diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative, nerve stimulator, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidote, and cardiac stimulant are among the pharmacological investigations demonstrated in recent studies. Pyrexia, indigestion, anorexia, spleen disorders, gout, cough, Asthma, vision issues, night blindness, eye infections, inflammation, otitis, headache, sciatica, backache, and joint disorders can all benefit from these characteristics.

Vatsnabh is also known as :- Aconitum ferox, Monk’s hood, Wolfsbane, Bachnag, Meetha vish, Meetha teliya, Bachnag, Vachnag, Kath vish, Vasnoobhi, Vish, Vichnag

Vatsnabh is obtained from :- Plant

Uses and benefits of Vatsnabh:-

As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox) are mentioned as per below^(HR/2)

• Indigestion : Indigestion is a condition in which the swallowed food is not completely digested. Agnimandya is the main cause of indigestion (weak digestive fire). Due to its Pitta balancing, Deepan, and Pachan qualities, Vatsnabh aids digestion by boosting the Agni (digestive fire).
• Piles : Piles have become a prevalent concern as a result of today’s sedentary lifestyle. It happens as a result of long-term constipation. All three doshas, particularly Vata, are harmed as a result of this. An exacerbated Vata causes a lack of digestive fire, resulting in chronic constipation and sometimes pain and edoema in the anal region. It’s possible that if it’s ignored or untreated, it’ll worsen into a pile. Due to its Tridoshahar (balancing of all three doshas) property, Vatsnabh aids in the management of piles and helps to balance the Vata dosha. Due to its Deepan and Pachan qualities, this aids in good digestion. Due to its Vata balancing properties, it also aids in the reduction of pain and swelling.
• Diarrhea : Diarrhea, also known as Atisara in Ayurveda, is a condition that causes a person to pass watery stools more than three times a day. Agnimandya is caused by a Vata dosha imbalance, which causes the digestive fire (Agni) to malfunction, resulting in Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Improper food, dirty water, toxins (Ama), and mental stress are some of the other causes of diarrhoea. Due to its Vata balancing properties, Vatsnabh aids in the management of Diarrhea. Its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestion) characteristics also aid in the control of a weak digestive fire.
• Asthma : Asthma is a condition in which the respiratory airways become inflamed as a result of the creation and accumulation of toxins in the form of mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Repeated spells of breathlessness and a wheezing sound from the chest characterise this illness. The main doshas associated in Asthma, according to Ayurveda, are Vata and Kapha. When vitiated Vata interacts with a disturbed Kapha dosha in the lungs, the respiratory airways become obstructed, making breathing difficult. Due to its Vata and Kapha balancing characteristics, Vatsnabh reduces the creation and accumulation of mucus, hence treating the symptoms of Asthma.
• Scorpian Poison : In the event of a Scorpion bite, Vatsnabh is useful. An exacerbated Vata dosha causes problems such as discomfort or inflammation when bitten by a scorpion. Due to its Vata balancing properties, Vatsnabh aids in the reduction of these symptoms.
• Rheumatism : Rheumatism is a painful and occasionally swollen condition caused by an imbalance of the Vata dosha. Due to its Vata balancing properties, Vatsnabh aids in the management of rheumatism by providing relief from pain and swelling.

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Precautions to be taken while using Vatsnabh:-

As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox)^(HR/3)

• Vatsnabh in its raw form is toxic, so it should always be used only after shodhana (purification). Since Vatsnabh is a toxic herb, it should only be taken under medical supervision.
• Vatsnabh is poisonous in nature and gets easily absorbed through the skin. So, it is generally advisable to handle it carefully and avoid skin contact.

Special precautions to be taken while taking Vatsnabh:-

As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox)^(HR/4)

• Allergy : When combined with sour or salty foods, vatsnabh can trigger allergic responses. As a result, it’s best to talk to your doctor before taking Vatsnabh.
• Breastfeeding : Because Vatsnabh is harmful by nature, it is best to avoid using it during breastfeeding.
• Pregnancy : Vatsnabh is a toxic plant that can harm a developing foetus. As a result, Vatsnabh should be avoided during pregnancy.

How to take Vatsnabh:-

As per several scientific studies, Vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below^(HR/5)

How much Vatsnabh should be taken:-

As per several scientific studies, Vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below^(HR/6)

Side effects of Vatsnabh:-

As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox)^(HR/7)

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurring of vision
• Paresthesia

Questions asked frequently Related to the Vatsnabh:-

Question. How to store Vatsnabh powder?

Answer. Vatsnabh root powder can be stored in an airtight container after being put in a paper bag.

Question. What are the symptoms of Vatsnabh toxicity?

Answer. Tingling and prickling sensations are followed by salivation, nausea, and vomiting in Vatsnabh poisoning. Sluggish and weak breathing, a slow and irregular pulse, and visual problems follow.

Question. Is Vatsnabh useful in managing fever?

Answer. Because of its antipyretic properties, Vatsnabh may be useful in the treatment of fever. It aids in the reduction of high body temperatures by diverting blood away from the extremities and minimising heat loss. As a result, the body’s core temperature is affected.

Fever is caused by a Pitta dosha imbalance, which causes an increase in body temperature. Due to its Pitta balancing properties, Vatsnabh aids in lowering high body temperatures, hence offering relief from fever.

Question. Can Vatsnabh be used as local anesthesia?

Answer. Vatsnabh can be used as a local anaesthetic, yes. Vatsnabh works by stimulating and depressing sensory nerves, resulting in numbness.

Question. Does Vatsnabh helps in arthritis?

Answer. Because to the presence of bioactive substances including alkaloids and tannins, Vatsnabh may aid with arthritis. These chemicals help to alleviate joint discomfort associated with arthritis by inhibiting the action of an inflammatory protein.

Arthritis is caused by an imbalanced Vata dosha, which causes pain and other symptoms. Due to its Vata balancing properties, Vatsnabh aids in the alleviation of pain associated with arthritis.

Question. Is Vatsnabh helpful in managing diabetes?

Answer. Because of its anti-diabetic properties, Vatsnabh may be beneficial in the management of diabetes. It induces a reduction in postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels by delaying carbohydrate absorption from the gut.

Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, is caused by a Vata-Kapha dosha imbalance and poor digestion. Impaired digestion causes an accumulation of Ama (toxic waste left in the body as a result of faulty digestion) in the pancreatic cells, impairing insulin activity. Due to its Vata-Kapha balancing, Deepan, and Pachan (digestion) characteristics, Vatsnabh aids digestion by boosting Agni (digestive fire), hence preventing and treating the symptoms of Diabetes.

Question. Is Vatsnabh safe for children and elderly patients?

Answer. Because vatsnabh is harmful, it is not suggested for everyday use. Vatsnabh should be avoided in young children and elderly people, and should only be used after contacting a doctor.

Question. Is Vatsnabh safe during tuberculosis?

Answer. Because vatsnabh is poisonous, it should only be consumed after seeing a professional. Patients who have symptoms of tuberculosis should also seek medical advice before using Vatsnabh.

Question. What foods should be avoided with Vatsnabh?

Answer. When using Vatsnabh, stay away from spicy, pungent, sour, and salty foods.

Question. What foods are good to be taken with Vatsnabh?

Answer. Cow milk, ghee, honey, sugar, and rice should be consumed while taking Vatsanabha.

Question. When should Vatsnabh be avoided?

Answer. During the hot and wet season, Vatsnabh should be avoided.

Question. What are the side effects of Vatsnabh on the central nervous system (CNS) and muscles?

Answer. Vatsnabh impairs normal brain functioning and may have paralytic effects on certain nerves at greater doses.

Question. Does Vatsnabh have any toxic effects?

Answer. Yes, impure Vatsnabh is poisonous by nature, and it may cause harm to the body. It can produce body burning, salivation, nausea, vomiting, slowed pulse rate, and unconsciousness, among other things.

Question. Can Vatsnabh be used to manage neuralgia?

Answer. Yes, Vatsnabh may aid in the treatment of neuralgia. Vatsnabh paste is a paste that can be applied to the skin to assist relieve pain and nerve damage.

Neuralgia is caused by an imbalance of the Vata dosha, which causes nerve discomfort. Due to its Vata balancing properties, Vatsnabh aids in the relief of neuralgia pain.

Question. Is Vatsnabh useful for managing rheumatism?

Answer. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, Vatsnabh paste can be administered externally to the afflicted area to assist control rheumatism.

Question. Can Vatsnabh be used in the case of scorpion bites?

Answer. Vatsnabh can aid with scorpion bites. Vatsnabh root paste is administered to the affected area to assist relieve discomfort.

SUMMARY

The flavour of Vatsnabh is spicy, harsh, and astringent. Tuberous root is the most commonly used portion for therapeutic purposes.