Dashamoola : The Ten Herbs
Dashamoola, is a Sanskrit word, where 'Dasha' means ten and 'moola' means root. As the name suggests, it is a potent wonderful combination of ten dried roots of ten different plants that has been widely used in Ayurveda for centuries due to its amazing health benefits. It possesses qualities that work effectively to provide ultimate remedies for a variety of health conditions, particularly those involving nerves, muscles, bones, joints, and the lungs.
This incredible formulation also known as Dashamula, Dashmulam, or Dashamul is not only used for pain disorders and inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis but it is also frequently used as an enema to help alleviate constipation, anorexia, abdominal lump, bloating, flatulence, lower back conditions and inflammation in the pelvic and sacral areas. It is extremely important due to its incredible expectorant, analgesic, nervine and febrifuge actions because it helps to direct the air and space elements, i.e. the Vata doshas in the body to flow downward and alleviates most nervine disorders associated with weakness, debility, and pain. It is also crucial in the treatment of tremors, sciatica, and Parkinson's disease. Dashamula has also been found to be effective in cases of persistent dry coughs, chronic cough, breathing difficulties, asthma, hoarseness (hoarse voice), chronic fever and other health problems associated with respiratory weakness.
Dashamoola Ingredients:
Combination of brihat and laghu panchmoola.
A. Brihat panchmoola :
1.Aegle marmelos - bilva (Indian Bael)2.Premna serratifolia - Agnimantha (Arani) / (Premna mucronata & Premna integrifolia)
3.Gmelina arborea - Gambhari (Beech wood/ Kasmari)
4.Oroxylum indicum -Shyonaka
5.Stereospermum suaveolens - Patala
B. Laghu panchmoola :
1.Solanum indicum - brihati
2.Solanum xanthocarpum - kantakari
3. Desmodium gangeticum - shalparni
4.Tribulus terrestris - Gokshura or Gokhru
5.Uraria picta – Prishnaparni
Method to prepare:
1. Thoroughly wash all the roots and sun dry the herbal ingredients.
2. Remove impurities and solid particles, powder the herbs and sieve them.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the root powders.
4. Again, expose the mixture to direct sunlight.
5. For future use, store it in glass jars in a cool, dry place.
Pharmacological actions:
Dashmool (Dashamula) soothe Vata aggravation and act as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-rheumatic agent. Furthermore, it strengthens the body and improves the functions of organs in Vata locations. It tones the muscles and calms the nerves.
Medicinal Effects:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Anti-arthritic or anti-rheumatic
- Anesthetic
- Muscle relaxant
- Adaptogenic
- Antioxidant properties
- Neuroprotective properties
- Paralytic antidote
- Tonic for the uterus
- Detoxifier for the Uterus
Ayurvedic Properties:
Rasa -Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet)
Guna- Guru (heavy), Rooksha (rough)
Virya - Ushna (hot potency)
Vipaka - Katu (pungent)
Dosha karma (Effect on Humors)- It primarily soothes Vata Dosha and normalises Kapha Dosha functions.
Dhatu (Tissue) Effect- RASA, MAMSA, and ASTHI organs have an impact on Nerves, Muscles, Bones, and Joints.
Main Indication- Vata Disorders.
Indications for therapeutic use:
Dashmool (Dashamula) is recommended for the following medical conditions:
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Muscle spasms
- Low back pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Paralysis of the face
- Paralysis
- Sciatic nerve pain
- indigestion
- Flatulence or gas
- Constipation
- Urination difficulty or decreased urine flow
- Bronchitis and Cough
- Asthma or breathing difficulties
- Cardiovascular disease
- General aches and pains
- Tiredness with aches and pain
Mode of action:
A. Skeletal system
Dashamoola is essential in reducing joint and muscle pain due to its potent analgesic, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby lowering the chances of chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint pain, swelling ,inflammation and ailments caused by Vata Dosha vitiation.
B. Respiratory system
Dashamoola contains powerful expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, analgesic, and anti-asthmatic properties that aid in the management of a variety of respiratory ailments such as the common cold, cough, and flu symptoms. The ten roots easily remove rheum particle accumulation in the nasal passage and chest. It can also help with bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, whooping cough, and asthmatic conditions.
C. Digestive system
Dashmoola is well known for its digestive properties. It not only balances the stomach acid and provides immediate relief from acidity and heartburn, but it also improves digestion and reduces constipation. It also stimulates appetite and promotes better nutrient absorption in the body, as well as treating conditions such as flatulence, abdominal cramps, bloating and so on.
Benefits:
Dashmoola, according to Ayurveda, primarily acts on Vata Dosha and reduces its aggravation. It also affects Vata organs such as the Pelvic Colon, Bladder, Pelvis, Kidneys, Bones, Ears and Lower Limbs. As a result, it reduces constipation, improves intestine health, increases urine flow, removes toxins from the kidneys, strengthens bones, improves hearing abilities and reduces pain in the lower limbs (thigh, legs and feet).
The Dashamoola combination also reduces the frequency and severity of cough attacks and breathing difficulties, particularly those that occur at night.
Ayurvedic Indications:
This Ayurvedic medication has been named in several ancient Susruta and Charaka scriptures for the following indications:
Balya (increases strength),
Ama nashak (removes toxins),
Svasha hara (treats asthma),
Deepana (enhances stomach fire),
Pachana (aids in digestion),
Rochana (stimulates appetite),
Hikkanigrahana (relieves hiccups),
Kanthya (relieves sore throat and improves voice),
Triptighna (relieves pseudo-satiation),
Kapha-Vata hara (manages Kapha and Vata imbalances),
Rasayani (rejuvenates the entire body),
Anulomana (improves breathing),
Kasahara (relieves cough),
Jwaraghna(reduces fever).
Administration and dosage:
Dashmool can be employed in the following ways:
- Powder Dashmool (Dashamula Churna)
- Dashamoola Infusion
Dosage of Dashmool Powder-
If you're using Dashmool Powder (Dashamoola Churna), dissolve 60 g in 960 mL of water. Boil till reduced to 120 ml.
The recommended dose : 30 to 60 mL.
The following is the general dosage of Dashmool Powder (Dashamoola Churna).
- 1 to 3 g twice a day for children
- 3 to 6 g twice a day for adults
Best Time to Take: After Meal
Best Adjuvant: Warm water
Dosage of Dashmool Decoction:
To make a decoction, combine 30 g of Dashmool Coarse Powder with 480 ml of water and boil until reduced to 60 ml Dashamoola liquid. Strain the liquid and consume it as directed.
The general dosage of Dashmool Churna Decoction (Kwath) is as follows.
- 15 to 30 mL twice a day for children
- 30 to 60 mL twice a day for adults
Best Time to Take: 30 minutes before breakfast and 30 minutes before dinner.
Best Adjuvant: Warm water
Side effects:
There have been no reported side effects, but it may cause an increase in urine output.
Always consider taking prescription from an Ayurvedic doctor before taking any medication, especially in case of hypertension, pregnancy, breast feeding, diabetes, etc
Written By: Dr. Tina Gorisariya
SHOP DASHMOOLA POWDER
References:
1. Sharma PV: Dravyaguna Vigyan. Vol.1
2.Sastri A. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba
3.Amarabharati Prakashan; 1988. Rasaratna Samuchchaya of Sri Vaghbhatacharya
4.Sushruta samhita sutra38
5. Astanghridayam sutra 6
