KHARALEEYA RASAYANA – SHAWASKUTARA RASA

KHARALEEYA RASAYANA – SHAWASKUTARA RASA

Shawaskutara Rasa is a classical Kharaleeya Rasayana mentioned in Yogaratnakara, indicated mainly in Swasa Roga (Respiratory Disorders). It is processed through extensive grinding (Kharana) and is known for its fast action in chronic and acute respiratory ailments.

CHEMICAL / PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Shawaskutara Rasa is composed of the following ingredients:

• Shuddha Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox)

• Shuddha Tankana (Borax)

• Maricha (Piper nigrum)

• Shuddha Hingula (Cinnabar)

• Pippali (Piper longum)

• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

• Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)

• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

• Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur)

• Kapardika Bhasma

• Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum)

• Ela (Elettaria cardamomum)

• Twak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Phytochemicals:

• Alkaloids (piperine, aconitine)

• Volatile oils (eugenol, cineole)

• Flavonoids

• Tannins

• Minerals (sulphur, mercury derivatives)

• Terpenoids

PHARMACODYNAMICS

• Acts rapidly on Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channels).

• Reduces Kapha and Vata doshas.

• Improves oxygenation and lung function.

• Balances Udana Vayu and supports respiratory muscles.

• Enhances Agni (digestive fire) and clears Aama.

• Has expectorant, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic actions.

PHARMACOKINETICS (As per Ayurvedic and modern understanding)

• Absorption: Sublingual or oral administration ensures rapid absorption.

• Distribution: Reaches lungs and respiratory system via Rasa and Pranavaha srotas.

• Metabolism: Undergoes digestion mediated by Pachaka Agni.

• Elimination: Through Sweda (sweat), Purisha (feces) and Mutra (urine).

• Shows immediate effect due to the presence of metallic/mineral compounds in Bhasma form, which are highly bioavailable.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES AND MODE OF ACTION

• Deepana – Stimulates digestive fire

• Pachana – Digests Aama

• Shwasahara – Alleviates dyspnoea and asthma

• Kaphaghna – Liquefies and expels phlegm

• Vatanulomana – Regulates Vata dosha

• Rasayana – Rejuvenates respiratory tissues

MODE OF ACTION IN INDICATIONS

• Tamaka Swasa: Breaks the vicious cycle of bronchospasm, reduces inflammation.

• Kasa (Cough): Expectorant action helps remove accumulated Kapha.

• Peenasa (Chronic Rhinitis): Reduces mucosal congestion and inflammation.

• Shwasa-Kasa of Rajayakshma (TB): Improves immunity and reduces respiratory distress.

AWASTHANUSARA USES (AS APPLICABLE)

• Ama Avastha: Administered with dry ginger decoction to digest Aama.

• Nirama Avastha: Given with honey or warm water to eliminate Kapha.

• Santarpanajanya Swasa: Given with Trikatu decoction.

• Apatarpana Swasa: With ghee and sugar to balance Vata-Kapha.

MATRA (DOSAGE)

• 125 mg – 250 mg

• Twice a day after food or as directed by physician

ANUPANA (ADJUVANT)

• Warm water

• Honey

• Ginger juice

• Vasa Swarasa (in chronic asthma)

SEVANA KALA (TIME OF ADMINISTRATION)

• After meals

• In case of acute attacks: on empty stomach or with honey for rapid relief

KALA MARYADA (DURATION OF MEDICATION)

• 1–3 weeks for acute episodes

• 1–2 months in chronic conditions under supervision

• Rasayana use: Cyclical administration with gap weeks

PATHYA – AVOID

• Cold, heavy, oily food

• Milk, curd, banana

• Exposure to cold air, dust

APATHYA – TO FOLLOW

• Warm water

• Light, easily digestible food

• Use of Pippali, ginger

SIDE EFFECTS (AS APPLICABLE)

• Due to presence of Vatsanabha and Hingula – requires purification

• Overdose can lead to burning, dizziness, vomiting

• Prolonged unsupervised use may cause Pitta vitiation

ASHUDDHA / APAKWA / AVIDHI SEVANAJANYA VYADHI

• Ashuddha Vatsanabha: Can cause cardiac toxicity, nausea, CNS symptoms

• Ashuddha Gandhaka/Hingula: May cause heavy metal poisoning

• Apakwa Yoga (Undercooked/Kharala): Reduces efficacy, increases toxicity

• Avidhi Sevanajanya Vyadhi:

  • Visha Lakshana (toxicity symptoms)

  • Udarshoola (abdominal pain)

  • Hikka, Daha, Vamana

  • Management: Madhu + Ghrita, Mridwikadi Swarasa, or Triphala + Ghee

🔸शुद्धं विषं वज्रसमं हितं च तदेव युक्तं भिषजा प्रयुक्तम्।
मन्दं न हन्यादनिलो यथा शान्तः स एव रोगं च निहन्ति शुद्धः॥
– Rasa Ratna Samucchaya

RESEARCH UPDATES & CLINICAL EVIDENCES

• Clinical Trials:

  • Show significant improvement in PEFR (Peak Expiratory Flow Rate) in bronchial asthma patients.

  • Reduced frequency and severity of attacks in Tamaka Shwasa patients after 4 weeks of use.

• Pharmacological Studies:

  • Anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects validated in animal models.

  • Piperine and sulfur-rich compounds increase bioavailability and mucolytic action.

• Modern Rasashastra Insight:

  • Nano-sized particles of Bhasma aid quick absorption.

  • Rasayana effect on respiratory epithelium regeneration noted.