Ativisha – Aconitum Heterophyllum

Ativisha or botanically Aconitum Heterophyllum is an important ayurvedic herb used in ayurvedic pediatric medicine. Its roots are commonly used for fever management in infants and children. It is also known as ATEES in Hindi.

Ativisha has antipyretic, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antitussive and anti-inflammatory actions. It helps in the treatment of bronchitis, persistent cough, upper respiratory tract infections, common cold, flu, and malaria. In ayurvedic pediatric medicine, it is used to treat fever, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is an important ingredient of Balchaturbhadra Churna, which is used for fever, loose motions, bronchitis, and infections of upper respiratory tract, asthma, vomiting, and several other pediatric complaints.

Basic Information

Medicinal Parts

1. Roots & Tubers

Ativisha roots contain active constituents that are responsible for its medicinal properties.

Chemical Constituents in Ativisha

The main chemical constituents of Ativisha are as follows:

• ATIDINE
• ATISENOL
• ATSINE
• BANZOLHETERATISINE
• F-DIHYDROATISINE
• HETERATISINE
• HETEROPHYLLIDINE
• HETEROPHYLLINE
• HETEROPHYLLISINE
• HETIDINE
• HETISINONE
• HISTISINE

Pharmacological Actions

Ativisha has following medicinal properties.

• Antipyretic
• Antiperiodic
• Digestive
• Stomachic
• Antiemetic
• Anthelmintic
• Amapachak – detoxifier
• Antidiarrheal
• Blood purifier
• Breastmilk detoxifier
• Antimalarial
• Anti-obesity
• Antitussive
• Styptic
• Anti-hemorrhoidal
• Absorbent
• Carminative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antihyperlipidemic
• Antioxidant
• Antihyperglycemic
• Anti-diabetic
• Hepatoprotective

Ayurvedic Properties of Ativisha

Therapeutic Indications

Ativisha is helpful in following health conditions.

• Fever & Infections
• Intermittent fever
• Malaria
• Bronchitis & Cough
• Breathing difficulties
• Common cold & Rhinitis
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea & vomiting
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Piles
• Intestinal worms
• Diabetes
• Dyslipidemia
• Glycosuria

Ativisha Purification

Ativisha Purification is done using an ayurvedic technique called SWEDANA and base material used in this technique is GOMAYA RASA (cow dung juice). This process helps to make it consumable for humans and removes its impurities and detoxifies it.

Ativisha Benefits & Medicinal Uses

Purified Ativisha reduces fever and fights against several infections. It has the beneficial effects on respiratory and digestive systems. Overall, it improves appetite, ability to digest food properly, and metabolism. It reduces inflammation, fat accumulation and Aam toxins in the body.

Ativisha roots or tubers are beneficial in the treatment of diseases related to lungs & airways, blood, skin, stomach, intestines, and liver.

Ativisha in Fever Management

Shuddha Ativisha is used to manage the fever. It has antipyretic action, which helps to alleviate and prevent the fever. It is commonly used for managing the fever in infants and children in ayurvedic pediatric medicine. It acts as diaphoretic and induces perspiration, which helps to lower the fever.

In children, it is used in combination of Godanti Bhasma and given with honey.

In malaria, it acts as antiperiodic and helps to stop the rise of temperature of the body.

Diarrhea

Ativisha has antidiarrheal action. It acts as an absorbent, which reduces the liquid content of the stool and binds the stool. Further, it reduces the frequency of the loose stools. For this, it is commonly used along with Nagarmotha and Sonth (dried ginger) powders.

Common Cold & Flu

Ativisha powder should be mixed in Basil Leaf Juice (Tulsi Svarasa) 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.

Cough & Bronchitis

Ativisha powder along with Karkatshringi (Pistacia Integerrima) and honey helps to treat bronchitis and cough. It helps to clear the lungs, reduces inflammation and modulates the mucus secretions.

Malabsorption

Ativisha has stomachic, digestive, and metabolism enhancer actions, which promotes digestion and metabolism. In ayurveda, malabsorption is associated with Aam (Ama Toxins). Ativisha helps to digest food and promotes a proper assimilation of the foods, which helps to treat malabsorption syndrome. For this purpose, it should be used along with Trikatu Churna or Jeera (Cumin Seeds).

Ativisha Dosage

Safety Profile

Purified Ativisha is considerably safe when used in crude and natural form or in form of Ativisha root powder and decoction.

Ativisha Side Effects

There are no side effects observed if Purified Ativisha is used as per Dosha Analysis. A high dosage (more than 2 grams) can cause constipation. It has RUKSHA (Dry), which means it can produce dryness in the body can cause xerostomia (abnormal dryness of the mouth).

Note: To prevent constipation, it should be used in combination of Kutki powder and it should be mixed in an equal proportion.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Ativisha preparations or its several combinations with other herbs are used in ayurveda for treating diarrhea occurring with fever in pregnant women. When used under medical supervision and in reduced dose (less than 1000 mg per day), its short-term use (for a week) is possibly safe during pregnancy. However, the safety profile of Ativisha is not well established for pregnant women. Therefore, the long-term use should be discouraged and it would be best to avoid it during pregnancy whenever possible, and if other better and safer options are available.

Ativisha is possibly safe for lactating mothers. It is used in a condition of Kapha vitiation of breastmilk, which results in excessively sweet or salty milk, milk appears to be thick or thready or appearing like oil or fat. It causes excessive salivation and vomiting in breastfeeding babies and babies may throw up milk more than usual. In such cases, Ativisha powder is advised to be taken by lactating mothers. In such cases, there are no adverse effects reported with the use of Ativisha formulation in lactating mothers and breastfeeding babies.

Contraindications

In the following health conditions, Ativisha is not suitable.

• Constipation
• Xerostomia (abnormal dryness of the mouth)

Allergic Reactions (Allergy)

Not Known.

Drug Interactions

Not Known.

Ativisha in Ayurvedic Formulations

1. Balchaturbhadra Churna
2. Ativishadi Churna
3. Ativishadi Vati
4. Chandraprabha Vati
5. Khadiradi Vati
6. Kutajghan Vati
7. Rasnairandadi Kashayam