Role of Rasayana Dravyas in the form of Ksheerapaka during Pregnancy

B Meghashree; G. Ramadevi

Role of Rasayana Dravyas in the form of Ksheerapaka during Pregnancy

Meghashree B.^1*, Ramadevi G.²

DOI:

^1* B Meghashree, Priliminary Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Prasuthi Tantra & Stree Roga, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwar College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

² G. Ramadevi, HOD & Professor, Department of Prasuthi Tantra & Stree Roga, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwar College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

The antenatal care is termed to be most important because Quatre of Indian population suffer from malnutrition during antenatal period. Therefore, our acharyas have given an in depth, systematic month wise regimen to be observed throughout the antenatal period. Garbhini Paricharya prescribes Pathya Ahara and Vihara to be accompanied at different stage in pregnancy because it has direct impact on the mother and the child. Rasayana in Garbhini Paricharya is very much beneficial for the mother to overcome the physiological stumbling blocks of pregnancy which includes gastritis complaints, infection, tiredness, ache in calf muscles, pedal oedema etc. and for the foetus to have first-class nourishment. Rasayana effect in pregnancy can be brought about by different formulation, among them one of the special types of Kalpana which can produce Rasayana effect in pregnancy is Ksheerapaka. This paper targets to study the Rasayana drugs used for Ksheerapaka and to assess their viable benefits in pregnancy.

Keywords: Rasayana, Ksheerapaka, Pregnancy, ANC, Antenatal care, Ayurveda

Corresponding Author	How to Cite this Article	To Browse
B Meghashree, Priliminary Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Prasuthi Tantra & Stree Roga, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwar College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka, India. Email:	B Meghashree, G. Ramadevi, Role of Rasayana Dravyas in the form of Ksheerapaka during Pregnancy. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(2):146-150. Available From https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2218

Introduction

Ayurveda, the science of existence has given a lot importance to women’s health, as she is the basis of the progeny. The care of the pregnant and the new born are accurately defined in our Samhitas. Regimen to be accompanied all through ante natal and postnatal duration for the premiere fitness of mother and infant is highlighted. Ante natal care is the care of a women during entire gestational period. The aim of antenatal care is to lessen the risk of pregnancy along with improving the physical and mental health of women to have a healthy progeny.

In a country like India where malnutrition is extensive, effecting both maternal and foetal wellbeing. It is essential that the pregnant women suitably be advised regarding her diet, nutrients are essential for consistent and proper improvement of embryo. Ayurveda considers Ahara to be the first-rate supply of nourishment in addition to medicinal drug for the pregnant woman.

Garbhini Paricharya is a unique concept defined in Ayurveda which describes supplementation of different drugs and diet having Rasayana properties during antenatal period. Rasayana mainly will have Madhura Rasa, Sheeta Virya, Madhura Vipaka with residences such as Jivaniya, Balya, Brumhana, Garbha Sthapana, Ojo Vardhana and many others.^[1] It can also give a specific scope within the womb by nourishing the mother and foetus, additionally can act on prevention of illnesses.

Rasayana Dravyas mentioned in Garbhini Paricharya

Samanya Paricharya: Nutrients essential to the pregnant women and the foetus are provided by following the Garbhini Paricharya. Medicated or non-medicated Navaneetha, Madhu, Sharkara, Ksheera, Grutha mentioned in Samanya Paricharya used by the Garbhini fulfils the demands of fetus. Godhuma, Shashtika, Shali, Laaja Sakthu, Rasala etc. must be used by a pregnant woman in her daily regimen. Fruits indicated in Garbhini Paricharya are Panasa, Dhadri, Amalaka, Kadali, Dhraksha.^[2] These possesses properties of Madhura Rasa, Snigdha, Laghu Guna, Hrudhya, Drava and Deepaniya Guna^[3] which satisfy the nutritional demands of Garbhini and also helps to accomplish the aims of Garbhini Paricharya .

Visishta Paricharya

1. 1^ST Trimester^[4-7]

Month	Garbha Vriddhi	Garbhini Lakshana	Paricharya
1st	Sarvadhatukalushikrutha	Nishtiva, Guarava, Angasada, Tandra, Hrudaya Vyatha	Anupasamskrutha Ksheera (Cha) Madhura Sheeta Dravya Yashtimadhu / Parushaka Madhupushpa + Navaneeta Madhu + Madhura Payas
2nd	Pinda - Male Peshi - Female Arbuda - Napumsaka	-	Kakoli Madhura Payas
3rd	Sarvendreyani Sarvanga Avayava Kesha (Chakrapani)	Sthanayo Krushnamukha, Romaraji Udhgama, Akasmath Chardi -Gandhadh Udhvijathi, Praseka, Sadana	Krishara

2. 2^nd Trimister

Month	Garbha Vriddhi	Garbhini Lakshana	Paricharya
4th	Sarvanga Anya Upanga Hrudayo Vyaktha Bhavani	Gurughathrathvam Adhikam Apadhyate	Ksheera + Aksha Matra Navaneeta Shashtika Odana with Dadhi Samsrutha Ahara Jangala Mamsa Sahitha Hrudhyam Annam Krithodanam
5th	Mamsa Shonitha Upachaya	Karshyam Apadhyathe Garbha-Mamsadiposhanaiva (Chakrapani)	Ksheera Sarpi Paayasam
6th	Balavarnopachaya	Balavarna Hani	Madhuroushadha Siddha Ksheera Swadamstra Sidha Sarpi / Ksheera Madhuram Dadi

3. 3^rd Trimister

Month	Garbha Vriddhi	Garbhini Lakshana	Paricharya
7th	Sarvabhaveupajayathe	Klanthata	Madhura Aushadhi Siddha Ksheera Sarpi Prithakparnyadi Siddha Grutha
8th	Asthira bhavathi oja	-	Ksheera Yavagu Sarpishmathim Asthapana & Anuvasana (Vag & Sush)
9th	-	-	Madhura Aushadha Siddha Taila Anuvasana & Pichu (Cha) Vivida Annani

Masanu Masika Pathya Ahara mentioned by different acharyas also include Dravyas such as Madhura Aushadhi Siddha Ksheera-Sarpi, Prithakparni, Navaneetha, Shatavari etc. all these contain Rasayana property, thus helping the growing fetus and pregnant lady with adequate nutrient supply.

Property of Rasayana Dravya

Rasayana essentially means nutrition at all levels from macro to micro.

Rasayana therapy replenishes the vital fluids of the body, boost the Ojas and the immune system, thus providing a protection sheet against disease by enhancing the immunity i.e., Vyadhi Kshamathva of the pregnant women.^[8]

Rasayana is having properties such as Bala-Varna-Prabha Vardhaka^[9] thus is having importance in the gestation period specially in 2^nd trimester, where the Bala-Varna Upachaya is more in foetus than the other months and the pregnant women becomes emaciated. Main property of the Rasayana is to bring about the increase in the Rasadhatu and the preceding Dhatu.^[10] If this process of Dhatu Poshana is accomplished without any hurdle, then the mother and the growing foetus will acquire required nutrients.

Importance of Ksheera

Ksheera contains property such has Rasayana, Balya, Medhya, Madhur, Sheeta, Snigdha, Guru, Jeevaniya, Ajanma Satmya, Sara, Mrudu and Pischchila.^[11] It has similar properties to Oja. Milk contains water, proteins, lipids, fatty acids, minerals, enzymes, vitamins, phospholipids, and pigments in trace amount. According to modern science milk having nutritive, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Hence, in pregnancy milk is said to be the best due to its nutritive content and palatability.

Ksheerapaka^[12]: Ksheera (milk) is nectar for a pregnant woman. Milk provides nourishment and stability to the fetus. Madhura Rasa and Vipaka of milk helps to reduce the Tikshna and Ushnatva of the drugs used and thus increases the palatability during pregnancy. Charakacharya recommends the use of non-medicated milk in the required amount (considering its digestibility) from the time of conception itself.^[13] The diet of Ksheera Kashayas helps to meet the nutritional needs of a pregnant woman. The drug effect is prolonged because of the colloidal form of fat present in milk. Digestion of colloidal fat takes longer time.

The preparation of Ksheeerapaka as described by Acharya Sarngadhara^[14] is as follows: Drug taken 1 part with 8 times milk and 32 times water is boiled and reduced to the amount of milk. According to Bhaishajya Ratnavali, the drug, milk and water ratio is 1:8:8 and the mixture is boiled until the milk part remains. Vridhavagbhata advises to prepare the decoction of drug and to that, equal

quantity of milk is to be added and boiled until milk part remains.

The Dravya used should be in coarse powder and boiled by adding water and milk on mild fire throughout the process till the quantity of milk left in the vessel. Ksheerapakas are meant for instant use only. Ksheerapaka dosage is same as that of Kashaya dose as 2 Pala is taken as explained in Samhitas. As Agni and Matra is given importance, so Agnibala of the Garbhini should also be taken into consideration.^[15]

Antioxidant Activity: Placental oxidative stress plays an important role in the manifestation of pre-eclampsia. Rasayana drugs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Vacha, Vidarikandha, Yashtimadhu possess antioxidant property. Antioxidants are important for prevention of pre-eclampsia and hypertensive disorders. Also, the oedema due to the above conditions is effectively prevented by Gokshura and Prithakparni by its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits of Garbhini Rasayana^[16]

Rasayana therapy is a comprehensive and specialized regimen capable of maintaining health, longevity and improved mental faculty by acting at the level of Rasa (nutrition), Agni (digestion and metabolism) and the Srotas (microcirculation), thus enabling the organism to procure the best qualities of different Dhatus and thereby enhances the immunity. Main ideology of using Rasayana Dravya in pregnancy is to provide adequate amount of nutrient to the pregnant women and growing foetus. In addition to this, Rasayana Dravya are also capable of immune modulation due to their immunomodulation function, the only immunoglobulin passing through the placenta is IgG immunoglobulin.

Intra uterine environment plays a major role in continuation of pregnancy and delivery of healthy progeny, it can also produce some fetal hazards by the influence of some teratogenic substance like alcohol etc. fetal growth is most vulnerable to maternal dietary deficiencies of nutrients during the peri-implantation period and the period of rapid placental development. Rasayana Dravyas, has they contain the immunomodulators and nutritive action thus help in providing a healthy environment in the uterus for developing embryo.

importance of Rasayana is dominate in 2^nd trimester of pregnancy due to organogenesis and rapid growth of the foetus. In 4^th month the heart of the foetus is formed it also attains a stability hence Dravyas having Hrudhya property is much indicated in the 4^th month of pregnancy.^[17] In 5^th month the growth rate of the foetus still increases and the same continues hence there is Mamsa Shonitha Chaya^[18] in the mother due to increases of Mamsa and Shonitha in fetus. Rasayana Dravya due to its Bhrumhana property can overcome the Karshyatwa produced in the pregnant women by bringing about the Mamsa Poshana. In 6^th month of gestation there will be Bala & Varnahani occurring in the mother and the same will be developing in the fetus^[19] therefore Rasayana Dravyas is very much indicated during this period as it is Deha Indriya Bala Prabha Varna Vardaka, it can surmount the issues occurred.

Discussion

Administration of Ksheera Kashaya along with its Rasayana property it also helps in Vatanulomana, which is needed for the normal expulsion of fetus during delivery.

Intake of Ksheerapaka also helps to fulfil the increased nutritional requirements during pregnancy. Here different Ksherapaka is given in the bases of traditional & classical practise, a survey study or a clinical documentation is necessary to record the benefits of Ksheerakashaya in pregnant women. Parameters like birth weight of the baby, amniotic fluid index, blood pressure, blood glucose level, any anomalies in the fetus, bio-physical parameters of the foetus etc. should be taken into consideration. Further, an RCT may be also be conducted with a control group who don’t use antenatal Ksheerapaka, to evaluate the efficacy of Ksheerapaka having different medicated drugs which can be used in pregnancy.

Conclusion

Rasayana therapy introduces a new concept of nutrition and its relevance to the qualities of tissue nourishment, longevity, immunity, mental competence and ability is vital in Garbhini Paricharya

Thus, Rasayana gives nutritive support to the tissues of the pregnant women

which creates a favourable environment in-utero for the fetus to survive and to get the best out of it. Therefore, playing a major role in fetal nourishment.

Reference

1. Role of Rasayana drugs in Garbhini Paricharya - A comprehensive review - IAMJ. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2023, from http://www.iamj.in/posts/2017 /images/upload/2190_2197.pdf

2. Vaidya Lakshmipati Sastri, Yogaratnakara with Vidyotini Hindi commentary, editor Bhisagratna Brahmasankar Sastri, Chaukambha Prakashan, Varanasi, Reprint 2010, ksheeradosha Chikithsa.

3. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Nibhandasangraha of Dalhana on Susrutha Samhita of Susrutha, Sharerasthana; garbhinivyakaranam shareram: Chapter 10, verses 3. Varnasi: Choukamba Orientalia, 2021;387.

4. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapaanidatta on Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, sharerasasthana; jathisuthriyam shareram: Chapter 8, Verse32. Varanasi: Choukamba Surbharati Prakashani, 2021;346.

5. Sharma S, editor, Commentary Shashileka of Indu on Ashtanga Sangraha of Vridha Vagbhata, Sharerasthana; Garbhopachasraneeya Shareram: chapter 3, verse 3-12. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office, 2016;285.

6. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Nibhanda Sangraha of Dalhana on Susrutha Samhita of Susrutha, Sharerasthana; Garbhinivyakaranam Shareram: Chapter 10, verses 4. Varnasi: Choukamba Orientalia, 2021;387.

7. Prof. P.V. Tewari, (2014) Prasuti Tantra, Chaukhamba Orientala; Varanasi: 5, 218-224p.

8. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Nibhandasangraha of Dalhana on Susrutha Samhita of Susrutha, Chikithsasthana; Nivrithasanthapiyam Rasayanam: Chapter 30, verses 5-6. Varanasi: Choukamba Orientalia, 2021;505-506.

9. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapaanidatta on Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Sutrasthana; Rasayana Adhyaya Abhayamalakeya Rasayana Pada: Chapter

1, Verse 6,7. Varanasi: Choukamba Surbharati Prakashani, 2021;377.

10. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapaanidatta on Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Sutrasthana; Rasayana Adhyaya Abhayamalakeya Rasayana Pada: Chapter 1, Verse 8. Varanasi: Choukamba Surbharati Prakashani, 2021;377.

11. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapaanidatta on Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Suthrasthana; Annapanavidhi Adhyaya: Chapter 27, Verse225-7. Varanasi: Choukamba Surbharati Prakashani, 2021;165.

12. Meghna, P. P., Surendran, E., Sumedhan, V., & Sinimol, T. (1970, January 1). A critical review of Garbhini Ksheerapakas mentioned in Ayurvedic texts of Kerala: Semantic scholar. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS).

13. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapaanidatta on Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Sharerasasthana; Jathisuthriyam Shareram: Chapter 8, Verse20. Varanasi: Choukamba Surbharati Prakashani, 2021;343.

14. Parasuram Sastri, Vidyasagar. Sarngadhara Samhita of Sarngadharacharya with Aadamalla’s Dipika and kasirama’s Gudarthadipika. Ksheerapakavidhi 161-163, Chaukambha Orientalia: Varanasi, Reprint 2012,167.

15. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Nibhandasangraha of Dalhana on Susrutha Samhita of Susrutha, sutrasthana; samshodhanasamshamaniya adhaya: Chapter 39, verses 10. Varnasi: Choukamba Orientalia, 2021;172.

16. Role of Rasayana drugs in Garbhini Paricharya-A comprehensive review - IAMJ. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2023, from http://www.iamj.in/posts/2017 /images/upload/2190_2197.pdf

17. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapaanidatta on Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Sharerasasthana; Mahathi Garbha Vakranti Shareram: Chapter 4, Verse20. Varanasi: Choukamba Surbharati Prakashani, 2021;320

18. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapaanidatta on Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Sharerasasthana; Mahathi Garbha Vakranti Shareram: Chapter 4, Verse21. Varanasi: Choukamba Surbharati Prakashani, 2021;320.

19. Acharya Y T, editor, (1st ed.). Hindi Commentary Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapaanidatta on Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Sharerasasthana; Mahathi Garbha Vakranti Shareram: Chapter 4, Verse22. Varanasi: Choukamba Surbharati Prakashani, 2021;320.

Manuscript Received	Review Round 1	Review Round 2	Review Round 3	Accepted
2022-12-24	2022-12-26	2023-01-02	2023-01-09	2023-01-15
Conflict of Interest	Funding	Ethical Approval	Plagiarism X-checker	Note
Nil	Nil	Yes	16%

Review Article

Rasayana Dravyas

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences