Kushmanda Gritham
KUSHMANDA GRITHAM
OR
MEDHYARASAYANA GRITHAM
An Effective Ayurvedic Medicine For Calming Tantrums and Meltdowns in Children with Autism & ADHD
Ayurveda is considered the Upaveda of Atharva Veda, being the oldest recorded wisdom of the earth. Rasayana has been considered as a form of rejuvenative recipes, dietary regimen and a special health promoting conduct and behaviour i.e., Achara-Rasayana – This therapy helps the individual to attain longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from disorder, youthful age, excellence of luster, complexion and voice, optimum strength of physique and sense organs, successful words, respectability and brilliance.
Ayurveda is believed to cure human diseases through establishment of equilibrium in the different elements of human life the body, the mind, the intellect and the soul .Ancient Ayurvedic approach of disease prevention involves therapeutic measures to arrest/delay ageing and rejuvenating whole functional dynamics of the body system. According to Ayurveda, the homeostasis of the body is maintained by Doshas that regulate all the metabolic processes-
(a)Vata-regulates the catabolic activity (tissue wear and tear)
(b) Kapha-stimulates synthesis of newer tissues
(c) Pitta-governs the process of nutrients assimilation into tissues .
The revitalization and rejuvenation approach in Ayurveda is known as the ‘Rasayan chikitsa’ (rejuvenation therapy), one of the eight specialized branches of Ayurveda. It aims enhancement in strength, immunity, ojus, vitality, will power and determination of the body, longevity, memory, intelligence, excellence of luster, complexion and voice, optimum strength of physique and sense organs.
In Ayurveda, Medhya is described in broad way. Medhya comprises of all the three mental faculties- Dhee, Dhriti and Smriti and these are interrelated with each other. Medhya can also be subdivided into the following faculties:
- Grahanshakti (Power of Grasping)
- Dharanashakti (Power of Retention)
- Vivekshakti (Power of Discrimination)
- Smriti (Power of recollection).
What is Medhya Rasayanas?
The word ‘Medhya Rasayanas‘, have been derived from the Sanskrit words ‘medhya’, meaning intellect or cognition, and ‘rasayana’, meaning ‘rejuvenation.
Medhya Rasayanas are group of medicinal plants described in Ayurveda (Indian system of medicine) with multi-fold benefits, specifically to improve memory and intellect by Prabhava (specific action). Medha means intellect and/or retention and Rasayana means therapeutic procedure or preparation that on regular practice will boost nourishment, health, memory, intellect, immunity and hence longevity.
Medhya Rasayana is a group of ayurvedic nootropic herbs or medicines, which enhance cognitive functions and improve memory. Medhya Rasayanas are ayurvedic supplements, which improve the power of acquisition, retention, and recollection. It improves cognition, memory, intelligence, creativity, learning skills and executive functions. Additionally, these supplements also boost immunity and improve functions of immune system. These herbs have intrinsic nature to exert these effects on the human brain.
MedhyaRasayana drugs are used for prevention and treatment of mental disorders of all the age groups. These drugs promote the Intellect (Dhi) Retention power (Dhriti), memory (Smriti).
Medhya rasayana drugs play an essential role in the treatment of psychiatric and psychosomatic diseases. The mode of this therapy involves the individual to attain sedation, calmness, tranquility or a stimulation of activities of brain . Based on the experimental and clinical research, it is known that these drugs have varying degree of psychotropic action and are known to possess antidepressant, sedative and tranquilizing action.
Medhya rasayana drugs act at different levels –
- a) At level of Rasa
- b) Act by stimulating and improving the function of Agni
- c) Improve circulation of Rasa by opening and cleaning the micro channel and thus improving Medhya function.
MedhyaRasayana drugs are known to have specific effect on mental performance by promoting the functions of “Buddhi” and “Manas” by correcting the disturbances of “Rajas” and “Tamas”. This helps the patient to get relieve from stress, anxiety and depression.
KUSHMANDA GRITHAM Or Medhya Rasayana Gritham
This Kushmanda Gritham contains around 36 herbs:Kushmanda (ASH GOURD), Aswagandha, Brahmi, Sahachara, Mandukaparni, Kapikachu, Shankhapushpi, Guduchi, jeera, Ajwain , Tulasi ,Kala til ,Draksha, Nagaramotha , Bhringraj ,Vattiver , Devdar, Kanchanar, Jatamansi, Jyothishmati, durva, padmaka, Ela, lodhra, dhaniya, Saunf ,Utsukhudas, Yastimadhu, tagar, Vidanga, Triphala ,jivanti,Taj, Cow milk , Saffron, and Cow ghee etc.
Benefits of Kushmanda gritham
It Improves the Memory, Intellect and health. This is effective in dullness in children due to undeveloped brain and seizures. Beneficial in autism and such other neurological deficits in children.
Improves Focus,Attention, memory, speech and concentration.
Positive implications for improved neurotransmission and repair of damaged neurons via enhanced regeneration of nerve synapses via changes in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex (areas critical to memory function) and hypothalamus regions of the brain.
Main Ingredients of Kushmanda Gritham
Kushmanda(ASH GOURD)
ASH GOURD
Kushmanda
Kushmanda viz. Benincasahispida is a well-known plant in relation of its multipurpose use of different parts of the plant in ayurvedic literature. Unripe kushmanda is pitta nashak, half ripe is kaphakarak, while ripen is laghu, ushna, kshar, deepan and bastishodhak. Fruits are source of starch (2.0), protein, minerals, an alkaloid (cucurbitine), vitamin B, sugar, mineral like Calcium, Potassium, Zinc and other substances.
The fruit juice is useful in mercurial poisoning. It is also recommended for ailments like epilepsy, constipation, piles, dyspepsia, Syphilis and Diabetes. Benincasahispida (Kushmanda) also possess anti nociceptive and anti-pyretic activity, nootropic activity, anti-Depressant activity, anti-ulcer activity and anticonvulsant activity .
Ash gourd is cooling, laxative, diuretic and anabolic. Ash gourd juice is wonderful medicine for hyperacidity, peptic ulcer and gastritis. Its seeds are richer in iron than any other seed and very high in phosphorus and calcium. It is a good source of vitamin A .
The seeds and their oil is considered as anthelmintic and prescribed in cases of roundworm and tapeworm infestation. Syrup of seeds and sweets prepared from the fruits are used to relieve burning sensation and fever. it is also used in the treatment of chronic fever .
MANDUKAPARNI Mandukaparni is known to re-vitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention span and concentration and combat aging.It acts on the digestive system and improves appetite.Gotu kola improves mental clarity by reducing mental confusion and stress, increasing concentration, and revitalizing the neurons (brain cells). It also improves the blood supply to the brain, which also oxygenates the brain and improves mental clarity.In ayurveda, it is also well-known for the management of depression and mood disorders with symptoms including agitation, angry outbursts, frustration, irritability, hopelessness, restlessness, suicidal thoughts and aggressive behavior. It calms the mind and reduces all these symptoms by pacifying Pitta aggravation in the brain.Gotu kola (Mandukaparni) is used to promote intellectual ability and perception power.It gives strength to the vocal cord and improves voice.
YASTIMADHU:
Yastimadhu (Licorice) are known to Indians since thousands of years.It is one of the most commonly used Ayurvedic herbs.In almost every household ,you might find this herb chewed,whenever someones voice has gone down.Yastimadhu increases the circulation into the CNS system, improves learning and memory. Yastimadhu pacifies the aggravated pitta dosha. The main beneficial effects of Yashtimadhu are on digestive system and respiratory system.Yastimadhu has anti-inflammatory effects and anti-ulcer properties. It decreases the inflammation of stomach linings.It Neutralizes the bad effects of poisons and toxins.Provides good strength and immunity.
Yastimadhu attenuates the inflammation of bronchi and and soothes respiratory tract, thus it helps in bronchitis. Due to anti-inflammatory effects, it is effective in many inflammatory diseases including bronchitis and arthritis. It can also be beneficial in allergic asthma.
Guduchi (Tinosporacordifolia -possess learning and memory enhancing, antioxidant, and anti-stress action, enhances the cognition in normal and cognition deficits animals in behavioural test. It is useful for treatment of bhrama (Vertigo), in improving behavior disorders, mental deficit and IQ levels .
Shankhapushpi -effective in chittodvega (anxiety disorders), reverses the social isolation stressinduced prolongation of onset and decrease in pentobarbitoneinduced sleep, increased total motor activity and stress-induced antinociception in experimental model.
ASHWAGANDHA: It acts as nerve tonic. Corrects body metabolism and rejuvenate the body.It acts as stress buster improves coordination in nerves. Effectively corrects stress, fatigue, anxiety.
VIDANGA: It improves digestive fire and clears the parasites in the intestines.
TRIPHALA: It helps to keep the intestines clean.
COW GHEE
Cow Ghee is an excellent base for preparing Ayurvedic medicines. The virtues of this clarified butter and its ability to reach within the deepest of tissues in the human body make it an ideal base to prepare Ayurvedic formulations targeting specific parts/organs/tissues of the body. There are many other uses of Cow ghee within the Ayurvedic science that make it an invaluable part of this ancient medical science.
Cow ghee also known as clarified butter, is a traditional adjuvant/vehicle described in Ayurveda. It is an excellent anupana (vehicle) for transporting the drugs to the deeper tissue layers of the body. Proper digestion, absorption and delivery to a target organ system are crucial in obtaining the maximum benefit from any therapeutic formulation; the lipophilic action if Cow ghee facilitates transportation to a target organ and final delivery inside the cell since the cell membrane also contains lipid.
Cow ghee is oil that can bond with lipid-soluble nutrients and herbs to penetrate the lipid-based cell walls of the body. Thus, it increases the potency of certain herbs by carrying the active components to the interior of the cells, which helps to increase Marrow, Semen & Ojas (Immunity).
It is also used as a carrier of nutrients to be absorbed across the cell membrane. The potency and efficiency of a drug is usually dependent on its
- Ionization
- Solubility in body fluids
- Blood flow changes on administration
Sometimes a water based drug will not be able to diffuse properly in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or other body parts. However, with Cow ghee as a solvent, an Ayurvedic formulation would reach the targeted areas with more efficiently. Cow Ghee based medicines are digested and absorbed more easily.
The antioxidant properties of ghee help prevent damage of nervous and brain tissues besides retarding the progress of degenerative diseases. The cholesterol problem does not raise its ugly head in the administration of ghee as it is found that absorption of Cow ghee increases only the ‘good’ (HDL) and not the ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) level. This is because Cow ghee is capable of increasing the range of vitamins soluble in fat, like Vitamin E and thereby prevents the oxidation of LDL. Due to this there is no conceivable change in the lipid profile. All this leads to higher chances of prevention of atherosclerosis, stroke or heart attack.
Cow Ghee is excellent for balancing Vata (air) and Pitta (fire) related doshas (humors). It is satvic (healthy) food, which has a pure influence on mind, body and spirit. Vata type people can enjoy more ghee than Pitta (fire) type who in turn can enjoy more ghee than Kapha (Water) types.
Cow Ghee also brings out the aroma and flavor of many foods. Cow Ghee contains no water, so it does not spoil easily and hence preserves the original freshness and potency of herbs and foods. Therefore, no refrigeration is required for Cow ghee. It is ancient Ayurvedic and folk assumption that as Cow ghee becomes aged, though its taste becomes slightly bitter its effectiveness and healing properties increases. In many Ayurvedic classical formulation 5 to 10 years older Cow ghee is highly recommended.
As per Ayurveda Cow ghee is very much benifical to human beings It loosen up and liquefy toxins and pacify humors (Doshas) in the skin and blood (called the outer disease pathway).It opens the small channels for dislodging and removing heavy toxins. Thus, toxins begin to drain from deeper tissues and start to flow in the gastro intestinal tract for elimination.
It also lubricates and moistens the membranes and tissues. It protects tissues from damage, helps in the proper flowing of wastes and toxins from the body. People with a strong digestive power can use more ghee than those with a weak digestive system. As per Ayurveda the colon is related to all other organs and tissues. When the colon is cleansed and toned successfully, the entire body receives healing and rejuvenation.
The colon is the main organ through which the body absorbs nutrients thus, a proper functioning colon is imperative for efficient assimilation of nutrients.
Cow Ghee is beneficial & its benefits are mentioned in the Ayurveda For Example, it imparts the benefits of the best essential fatty acids without the problems of oxidized cholesterol, trans-fatty acids or hydrogenated fats.
It is also resistant to free radical damage and is both salt and lactose free. It contains butyric acid, a fatty acid with antiviral and anti-cancer properties.
Digestion- The Ayurvedic texts say that Cow ghee lubricates the digestive system and improves the digestive power because it helps enhance digestion without irritating the stomach and balance the stomach acids to maintain and repair the mucus lining of the stomach. Cow ghee aids proper digestion and nutrient assimilation. People who are lactose intolerant can generally consume Cow ghee.
The above mentioned herbs in kushmanda gritham plays a crucial role in brain development and doesn’t contain any side effects.
We at Sree Prathama Ayurvedam Use above herbs to prepare Medya Rasayana gritham or Kushmanda Gritham which helps to subside the symptoms of the underlying disorders like Autism, stress, Anxiety, ADHD, Delayed milestones ,Speech disorders ,Sensory issues and other neurological disorders etc.