Scientific name: Aconitum heterophyllum
Family name: Ranunculaceae.
Ativisa (Aconitum heterophyllum) is an important Ayurvedic herb used for many years for multiple health conditions. It is a tall herb that consists of dried, tuberous roots of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. Ex. Royle (Fam, Ranunculaceae). It is native of the western Himalayas and found in Garhwal, Kumaon, and Kashmir at an altitude between 2,500-4,000 m.
The flowers are approx 2.5-3 cm, usually in lax, spike-like clusters with very variable bracts which are either small linear, small ovate. The leaves are heart-shaped to rounded, it is of 4-8 cm, and the upper ones stem-clasping with large rounded teeth. The roots of Ativisa (Aconitum heterophyllum) are astringent and used in diarrhea, especially in infants, in dyspepsia, vomiting, cough, irritability of the stomach and colic.
Chemical constituent:
The roots of Aconitum heterophyllum contains Atisine, F- dihydroatisine, hetisine, heteratisine, heterophyllisine, heterophylline, heterophyllidine, hetidine, hetisinone, and atisenol.
Properties:
Rasa-Tikta,Katu.
Guna-Laghu,Rooksha
Vipaka-Katu
Virya-Ushna
Prabhava-Vishahara
Benefits:
1)Diarrhea-Ativisha has antidiarrheal action. It acts as an absorbent, which reduces the liquid content of the stool and binds the stool.
2)Common Cold & Flu-Ativisha powder should be mixed in Basil Leaf Juice (TulsiSvarasa) and honey. It can be given to children for treating common cold and infections of upper respiratory tract. This Ativisha mixture gives relief from nasal blockage, running nose, fever, sneezing and nasal irritation. It also prevents secondary infections.
3)Cough& Bronchitis-Ativisha powder along with Karkatshringi (PistaciaIntegerrima) and honey helps to treat bronchitis and cough. It helps to clear the lungs, reduces inflammation and modulates the mucus secretions.
4)Malabsorption-Ativisha has stomachic, digestive, and metabolism enhancer actions, which promotes digestion and metabolism.
5)Diabetes management-According to Ayurveda, the herb can handle the symptoms of diabetes as it has Tikta (bitter) taste and Kapha balancing activities. Ativisha is one of the common herbs used in ayurvedicpediatric medicine also.
Is Ativisha good for health?
Yes it is good for health but it should not consumed without the permission of physician.
Contraindication:
Avoid it or consult a physician before taking Ativisha during pregnancy.
