Rohitakarishta (Rohitakarishtam)
Rohitakarishta (also spelled as Rohitakarishtam) is spleen protective medicine in ayurveda. It is useful for the treatment of splenomegaly (enlarged spleen). There can be several underlying conditions that can cause enlargement of the spleen. Rohitakarishta provides relief regardless the causes. It reduces the toxins developed due to viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. It improves the production of lymphocytes (white blood cells). It pacifies low-grade inflammation of the spleen. It opens the blockage occurring in the enlarged spleen and restores its normal functions.
In addition to spleen enlargement, Rohitakarishta is also useful to manage the liver enlargement. It also increases the bile flow and has a protective action on liver and gall bladder.
Ingredients (Composition)
Rohitakarishta contains the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Rohitak (Rohitaka) – Tecomella Undulata Bark | 100 Parts |
| Water | 1024 Parts |
Prepare a decoction with 100 Parts Rohitak bark and 1024 Parts water. Reduce it to ¼ Parts of Liquid i.e. 256 Parts. Then leave it for cooling. Filter the decoction. When decoction is slightly warm, add the following ingredients.
| Gur – Jaggery | 200 Parts |
| Dhataki Flower- Woodfordia Fruticosa | 1 Parts |
| Pippali (Long Pepper) – Piper Longum fruit | 1 Parts |
| Piplamool (Long Pepper) – Piper Longum Roots | 1 Parts |
| Chavya (Java Long Pepper) – Piper Chaba | 1 Parts |
| Chitrak – Plumbago Zeylanica | 1 Parts |
| Dalchini (Cinnamon) – Cinnamomum Zeylanicum | 1 Parts |
| Elachi (Green Cardamom) – Elettaria Cardamomum | 1 Parts |
| Sonth (Ginger Rhizome) – Zingiber Officinale | 1 Parts |
| Tejpata (Indian Bay Leaf) – Cinnamomum Tamala | 1 Parts |
| Triphala (Haritaki, Bibhitaki & Amla) | 3 Parts |
- After mixing these ingredients, seal the Arishta vessel with a clay-smeared cloth. Leave it for 30 days in arishta place.
- After 30 days, filter the liquid (Rohitakarishta) and preserve it in food-grade bottles.
Pharmacological Actions
Rohitakarishta has following medicinal properties:
- Anti-splenomegaly
- Spleen protective
- Anti-hepatomegaly
- Hepatoprotective
- Hepatic stimulant
- Detoxifying
- Carminative
- Anthelmintic or vermifuge
- Antimicrobial
- Depurative (purifies blood)
- Antidiuretic
- Antitoxic
Dosha Karma
Rohitakarishta pacifies Kapha Dosha and Pitta Dosha.
Therapeutic Indications
Rohitakarishta is helpful in following health conditions.
- Splenomegaly (spleen enlargement)
- Splenomegaly in malaria
- Anemia associated with enlarged spleen
- Bloating or Abdominal distension
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Anorexia
- Hepatomegaly (liver enlargement)
- Chronic loss of appetite
- Piles
- Leucorrhea
- Syphilis
- Gout
Rohitakarishta Uses & Benefits
Rohitakarishta mainly acts on spleen, liver, gall bladder, stomach, and intestines.
Splenomegaly (Enlarge Spleen)
As discussed above, Rohitakarishta is a drug of choice for splenomegaly in ayurveda. It should be used in dosage of 30 ml twice daily (adult dosage) after food. For best results, plihantak churna or plihantak vati can also be taken along with it. If the patient has more Pitta symptoms and history of gastritis, hyperacidity or heartburn, then it should be taken with Praval Panchamrit. In such cases, Praval Panchamrit should be given in between meal.
Rohitakarishta reduces splenic pain, fullness in the left upper abdomen, feeling full without eating, feeling full after eating and fatigue associated with an enlarged spleen.
Rohitakarishta Dosage
| The general dosage of Rohitakarishta is as follows. | |
| Children (above the age of 5 years) | 2.5 to 10 ml |
| Adults | 10 to 30 ml |
| Maximum Possible Dosage | 60 ml Per Day (in divided doses) |
| Doses: Twice a day with equal amount of water | |
| Best Time to Take: After Food | |
Safety Profile
Rohitakarishtam is considerably safe for most individuals.
Side Effects of Rohitakarishta
There are no side effects reported with Rohitakarishta.
Contraindications
There are no absolute contraindications for Rohitakarishta.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Rohitakarishta contains Chitrak, which can increase uterine contractions and may promote uterine bleeding. Therefore, pregnant women should not take Rohitakarishtam.
Rohitakarishta is possibly safe to consume by lactating mothers. Consult an ayurvedic physician before using Rohitakarishtam during lactation.
