Anuvasanopaga Gana – Adjuvant Herbs To Oil Enema: Benefits, Review

By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD.
Basti therapy which is known as Enema is of two kinds namely Asthapana and Anuvasana. The earlier one is a Kashaya (decoction) enema and the latter one is oil enema. Even though both are recommended in Vata dominant conditions Anuvasana is of priority as a nutritive (nourishing) too. 

The medicaments used in the preparation of this kind of nutritive oil enema is grouped together and presented with the name Anuvasanopaga gana in Ayurveda.
Read related: Anuvasana Basti: Method, Benefits, Mode Of Action, Contra Indications

They are effective in combating the diseases related to cachexia, neurological troubles, health issues related to muscular wasting, chronic intestinal disorders etc.

Classical reference: Charaka sutra 4/13

Anuvasanopaga Gana

Let us review the quality and action of these drugs one by one in brief –

Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata Oliver & Hiern. ) – Rhizome
Analgesic, anti inflammatory, stimulant, stabilizer etc.

Suradaru (Cedrus deodara) – Heart wood
Anti inflammatory, strengthner of uro – genital system, analgesic, anti pyretic etc.

– Roots
Anti inflammatory, analgesic, anti diarrhoeal, absorbant etc.

Madana (Randia dumetorum Lam. ) – Fruits
Anti microbial, anthelmintic, wormicide, emetic etc.

Shatapushpa (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ) – Seeds
Appetizer, anti flatulent, digestive, carminative, anti spasmodic etc.

Vruscheera (white variety of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. ) – Roots or whole plant
Diuretic, rejuvinative, replenisher, strengthener of uro – genital system, lithotripsic etc.

Punarnava (red variety of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. ) – Roots or whole plant
Replenisher, anti inflammatory, strengthener of uro – genital system, diuretic, rejuvinative, lithotripsic etc.

Shvadamstra (Tribulus terrestris Linn. ) – Whole plant or seeds
Diuretic, anti inflammatory, aphrodisiac, coolant, anti arthritic etc.

Agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn. f. ) – Roots
Anti inflammatory, analgesic, carminative, digestive, anti spasmodic etc.

Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum Vent. ) – Roots
Analgesic, anti inflammatory, anti flatulent, neuro – muscular tonic, anti arthritic etc. 

Qualities, Actions

Qualities in general and actions of Anuvasanopaga Gana drugs:
Most of the drugs of this group are hot, unctuous and stable in nature. They are predominantly astringent mixed pungent taste, undergo pungent kind of metabolic change and are Vatakapha pacifiers in action.

The drugs are found to be useful as anti inflammatorty, analgesic and neuro muscular stabilizer.

Therapeutic uses

Therapeutic uses of Anuvasanopaga Gana drugs:
The drugs individually and altogether having the potency to pacify the Vatic disorders, especially the arthritis, muscular wasting, neurological deficits, neuro muscular health issues, back ache, degenerative health problems etc.

Ayurvedic medicines

Formulations containing Anuvasanopaga drugs :
Maharasnadi kwatha, Devadarvadi kashaya, Dashamoola kashaya, Dashamoola taila, Brihat panchamoola kashaya, Rasnadi kashaya, Punarnavadi kashaya, Punarnavashthaka kashyaya etc are the few important formulations derived out of these drugs.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of Anuvasanopaga Gana drugs:
These drugs are pro stimulants of the nervous system. So in the conditions of active status of the nervous stimuli if the drugs are administered abruptly of without proper rationality it may worsen the condition.

Simple formulations

Simple formulations that can be made from the above drugs and their application in routine practice:
The drugs like Rasna, Devadaru, Shatapushpa, Bilva etc help to stimulate the nervous system and hence these herbs individually or in combination fine paste is made and applied over the body surface and applied gently. If essential few of the vata pacifying drugs like garlic, clove, ginger etc can also be added. Such a combination will work effectively in mild to moderate cases of neuralgia, myositis, neuritis, trigeminal neuralgia etc.

Formulation development opportunities:
As the drugs mentioned above are having the vata pacifying nature and they have the ability to pacify the pain good kind of oil can be prepared with suitable adjuvants. Similarly tablets or capsules can also be derived from the drugs to effectively manage the pain and swelling.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD