Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox) Benefits, Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Vatsanabha (also spelled as Vatsnabh) is a Hindi name of Aconitum ferox, which is also known as Indian Aconite. In traditional medicine, its medicinal uses and benefits include its use as an antipyretic and diaphoretic agent. Due to these properties, it helps in lowering fever by inducing perspiration. Most of the ayurvedic medicines used for alleviating fever contain Vatsanabha as a primary ingredient.

What is Vatsanabha?

Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox) is a variety of monkshood (aconite) commonly known as Indian Aconite. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae (buttercups) family and Aconitum L. (aconite) genus. The roots of Vatsanabha are used in ayurveda for medicinal purposes.

Synonyms & Vernacular Names

Plant Taxonomy

Medicinal Parts

• Roots.

Vatsanabha roots are used after purification as prescribed in ayurveda. Ayurveda never recommends its use without purification (Shodhana) process. Unpurified Vatsanabha roots can have hazardous effects on health, even it can lead to death.

Vatsanabha Chemical Composition

Vatsanabha contains the following chemical constituents:

• Aconitine.
• Pseudo-aconitine.
• Bikhaconitine.
• Chasmaconitine.
• Indaconitine.
• Catecholamine.
• Isoquinolines.

Ayurvedic Properties

Vatsanabha has the following ayurvedic properties.

Dosha Karma

Vatsanabha Medicinal Properties

Shuddha Vatsanabha has the following medicinal properties:

• Antipyretic.
• Diaphoretic (increases sweating)
• Anodyne.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Aam Pachak (Detoxifier)
• Mucolytic.
• Diuretic.

Purified Vatsanabha possesses all above properties in very low dose (less than 30 mg per day or 15 mg twice a day). If dosage exceeds 30 mg per day, even purified Vatsanabha can cause severe side effects.

Vatsanabha Indications

Purified Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox) is therapeutically indicated in the following health conditions:

1. Fever.
2. Chronic fever.
3. Inflammation-induced fever – like rheumatic fever.
4. Loss of appetite (rarely used unless fever, but beneficial during fever or illness for improving appetite).
5. Splenomegaly.
6. Diabetes.
7. Respiratory infections.
8. Indigestion.
9. Poor digestion.
10. Asthma.
11. Cough.
12. Common cold.
13. Irritable bowel syndrome with alternating constipation and diarrhea.
14. Rodent bite (as Sanjivani Vati)
15. Scorpion bite (as Sanjivani Vati)
16. Snakebite. (as Sanjivani Vati)

External application of Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox) helps in relieving inflammation and pain in the following diseases:

1. Gout.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Lower back pain.
4. Hip pain.

Vatsanabha Benefits & Uses

Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox) is not used independently as a single herb. When used in combination with other herbs or any ayurvedic formulation containing it, it acts as a catalyst. Due to this action, it improves the effectiveness of other natural ingredients.

In ayurvedic formulations, it helps to lower the fever and alleviates symptoms associated with fever.

Vatsanabha Dosage

The classical ayurvedic dosage of Purified Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox) is as follows:

How to Take

Ayurvedic Formulations of Vatsanabha

• Amrit Rasayana.
• Anand Bhairav Ras.
• Hinguleshwar Ras.
• Jaya Vati.
• Jwarmurari Ras.
• Kaphaketu Ras.
• Mahalaxmi Vilas Ras.
• Mrityunjaya Ras.
• Panchamrit Ras.
• Sanjivani Vati.
• Saubhagya Vati.
• Sutshekhar Ras.
• Visha Rasayana.

Safety Profile of Vatsnabh

The following aspects are considered for safety profile regarding the use of Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox).

Vatsanabha Side Effects

If dosage exceeds from the maximum possible dose, then Vatsanabha can cause the following side effects:

• Vertigo.
• Headache.
• Dryness in the mouth.
• Restlessness.

Safety of Vatsnabh in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox) should not be used during pregnancy and lactation whenever possible. In a few ayurvedic formulations containing purified Vatsanabha can be used if urgently required. Check individual formulation for more details.

Vatsnabh Contraindications

Unpurified Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox) is contraindicated in all cases. You must not use unpurified Vatsanabha in any disease or any formulation. It acts as a poison and can lead to death even in a low dose.

Purified Vatsanabha also has some contraindications as follows:

• Children (under 5) – strictly contraindicated.
• Anger.
• People with Pitta Body Type.
• Impotence.
• Undernourished person.
• Exhausted people (due to work or after walking, running and physical exercise).
• After traveling.
• Pregnant women.
• Infants and children.
• Old aged weak people.

However, your doctor can use it in combination with other herbs or prescribe ayurvedic formulation containing purified Vatsanabha even in these conditions. Vatsanabha without combining with other medicines must not be taken in such conditions.

Ayurveda quotes a wise person can use poison as medicine, but an unwise person can make poison out of medicine. So, using such medicine require an in-depth understanding of every aspect of health and disease.

Vatsanabha Poisoning & Overdose

Aconitum ferox is a type of poison. If it is used unwisely, it can lead to the following symptoms and complications, according to Rasa Ratna Samuchaya.

Vatsanabha overdose can lead to similar effects as tabulated above.

Antidote of Vatsnabh

Cow’s Ghee along with Tankan Bhasma (calcined borax) is an antidote for Vatsanabha toxicity. However, before giving such antidote, the patient also requires stomach wash and therapeutic emesis or purgation.

In addition to the above antidotes, Arjuna Bark Powder along with cow’s ghee or honey should also be given. Kasturi (musk) can also help to prevent respiratory and heart failure.

Almost all ayurvedic formulations that contain purified Vatsanabha also contains borax or Tankan Bhasma. It helps to prevent Vatsanabha toxicity.