Introduction

As was nectar for the gods and ambrosia for the serpents, so was the Rasayana for the great sages in early times, people using Rasayana treatment in early times lived for thousand years unaffected by old age, debility, illness and death and one who uses Rasayana treatment methodically attains not only long life but also the auspicious status enjoyed by the godly sages and finally one ness with god. In early times, old sages like Chyawana who desired vital strength, attained immeasurable life span by using these beneficial Rasayanas formulations.

Aim

Exploring the role of Ayurvedic Rasayana in disease prevention and longevity enhancement for a healthier, sustained life.

Objective

1. To evaluate the benefit of Rasayana in maintaining healthy life.
2. To evaluate the benefits of Rasayana in disease free and long life.

Materials and Methods

Materials - Ayurvedic classic texts, journal, internet
Methods - Literary Review

Rasayana

Therapies in Ayurveda is of 2 types - which promotes strength and immunity in healthy person i.e., Swasthya Ojaskara and which alleviates diseases i.e. Vyadhi Hara.^[1] Rasayana therapy is included in first type which is Swasthya Ojaskara.^[2]

From Rasayana treatment, one achieves long life, good memory, intelligence, freedom from many life style disorders, physical strength including good skin and hair.^[3]

In Ayurveda, there are two ways or methods to use Rasayana treatment- Kutipraveshika which means indoor method and second is Vatatapika which is open air method.^[4]

Shodhana (Purification) before taking Rasayana Before using Rasayana treatment, a person should go through cleansing process which is Shodhana.^[5]

person should live in midst of cows and survive on cow milk diet, meditating Savitri Mantra, following celibacy and control his sense organs for one year.^[14] At the end of the year, person should fast for three days and then should enter into the forest of Amalaki trees on full moon day of the month of Pausha, Magha and Falguna.^[15]

During this period, nectar really lies in fruits of amalaka and the fruit becomes sweet like sugar and honey.^[16]

Uses of Kevala Amalaka Rasayana:person attains youthfulness, lives for hundred years, becomes intelligent.^[17]

Lauhadi Rasayana

Another important Rasayana is Lauhadi Rasayana- paper like pieces of sharp iron are taken which are four fingers long, thin like sesamum seeds should be heated till red hot and then should be dipped in decoction of Triphala and cow urine.^[18]

This powder mixed with honey and juice of Amalaka should be kept in a jar for one year and after the end of year, it should be consumed with honey every morning.^[19]

Uses of Lauhadi Rasayana:one who uses the iron Rasayana, overcomes diseases and premature death, sense organs becomes strong and person becomes wealthy.^[20]

Discussion

In today world, due to bad diet and other environmental factors like including smoking and alcohol in youth life makes life more depressing and prone to diseases like cancer, coronary heart diseases and other life style diseases like hypertension. So to combat these diseases, Rasayan plays a very major role as mentioned in our Samhitas(Ayurvedic texts). Most Rasayan produce their benefits by promoting Agni Bala, some produce their effect by balancing doshas in body and some by purification of channels.

Conclusion

Ayurveda has always been an underrated medicinal system for disease treatment and prevention. But it has always proven its role and importance in the area of lifestyle disorders and maintain long and healthy life.