Mutra Virajaneeya Gana – Herbs To Restore Normal Urine Colour

By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD.
The color of the urine too determine the health status of the individual. If the color is deranged one has to investigate the urine in different angles and the doshic imbalance has to be inferred and the relative treatment should be adopted. It does not mean that the color is the only criteria but has its own role in assessment of the diseases of the Uro- genital system. 

Accordingly Acharyas have coined a term which helps to restore the proper color of the urine.The ‘virajana’ means coloring and virajaneeya refers to the agents which are responsible in that regard. The herbal drugs referred in this context are enumerated as Mutra virajaneeya dravya.

Usually such drugs are having direct effect over Pitta dosha mainly followed with some extent effect over Kapha too.

Detail description found in the texts can be analyzed as below-

Mutra Virajaneeya Gana

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

1. Padma – Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)-Petals
Coolant, diuretic, sedative, anxiolytic, carminative, blood purifier etc.

2. Utpala (Nymphaea alba) -Petals
Complexion enhancer, diuretic, lithotripsic, cholegogue, antacid etc.

3. Nalina (a variety of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)-Petals
Stabilizer, coolant ,antacid, alkalizer, energizer,diuretic etc.

4. Kumuda (Nymphaea alba Linn.)-Petals or Stamens
Stimulant, carminative, coolant, complexion enhancer, wound healing etc.

5. Saugandhika (variety of Nymphaea alba)-Petals
Sedative, anxiolytic, energizer, antacid, laxative, diuretic etc.

6. Pundarika (red variety of Nymphaea stellata Linn.)-Petals
Anti flatulent, antacid, energizer, coolant etc.

7. Shatapatra (a variety of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)-Petals
Wound healing, anti bacterial, memory enhancer, complexion enhancer etc.

8. Madhuka– Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra – Roots
Antacid, memory enhancer, wound healing, rejuvinative, blood purifier, expectorant etc.

9. Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla) -Seeds
Stimulant, analgesic, anti imnflammatory, wormicide etc.

10. Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz.) – Flowers
Stabilizer, restorative, energizer, complexion enhancer, digestive ,tonic etc.

Qualities, Therapeutic uses

Qualities in general and actions of Mutravirajaneeya Gana drugs:
Most of these drugs are sweet or bitter mixed astringent in taste and have cold potency. They undergo sweet kind of metabolic change (Madhura vipaka).The drugs of this group are unctuous, cold, thick, dense and soft in character. They are usually coolants, complexion enhancers, wound healing and diuretics in action. 

Therapeutic uses of Mutravirajaneeya Gana drugs:
These drugs or in combination found to be effective in the conditions like dysurea, spermatorrhoea, obstructive jaundice, chronic fever, intermittent fevers, gastric ulcers, urinary calculi, haemeturia etc.

In few of the gynaecic disorders like menorrhagia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, PCOD, recurrent abortions also the above mentioned drugs are useful in various combinations. 

Ayurvedic medicines

Formulations containing Mutravirajaneeya drugs :
Aravindasava, Saptamrita loha, Yashtyadi choorna, Madhukadya ghrita, Prapoundarika kashaya, Kumudotpala kashaya etc are the important formulations of this group of herbs. 

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of Mutravirajaneeya Gana drugs:
As such these are not having any absolute contra indications or disadvantages. But large dose administration of these herbs in any form may misguide the color interpretation of the urine as they have the effect of masking the color of urine.

Simple formulations

Simple formulations that can be made from the above drugs and their application in routine practice:
The drugs like Kumuda-Padma –Utpala etc are taken in the form of decoction or fresh juice so as to pacify the paittic problems like burning during urination, haematuria, menorrhagia, paittic head ache, skin eruptions etc.

Likewise Yashtimadhu is administered along with sugar cane juice or Chandana decoction or cold infusion for recurrent urinary tract infections. 

Formulation development opportunities:
The selective drugs can be chosen and potent combination can be made from this group or by adding some other ingredients s o as to tackle major health issues like infective and non infective liver disorders, hormonal imbalances, blood borne disorders etc.

Similarly coolant syrups or distillates (Arka) can also be made so as to counteract the heat caused during summer.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD