Daha Prashamana Gana – Burning Sensation Relieving Group Of Herbs

By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD.
In Sanskrit language Daha refers burning sensation. The drugs capable of reducing the burning sensation of the body are referred as Daha Prashamana or coolants. 

Burning sensation is a common feature in almost all Paittic disorders. So tackling the burning sensation is of utmost priority in all bilious health issues and the coolants referred in this context are capable of pacifying the underlying pathology in such cases.

The medicines referred here are cold-heavy-thick-dense-soft and stable in nature. Most of them are sweet in taste and the formulation derived out of these herbs if administered in the form of cold infusion may contribute benefits in greater range.

Daha Prashamana Gana

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

1. Laja (fried paddy)
Nutritive, anti emetic, nourishing, antacid, diuretic etc.

2. Chandana – Sandalwood – Santalum album– Heart wood
Coolant, blood purifier, uro genital system strengthener, uterine tonic, skin detox etc.

3. Kashmarya (Gmelina arborea Linn. )– Fruits
Coolant, anti inflammatory, analgesic, anti spasmodic, wound healing etc.

4. Madhuka– Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra– Root
Expectorant, rejuvinative, cholegogue, complexion enhancer etc.

5. Sharkara – Sugar
Coolant, antacid, energizer, rejuvinative, diuretic etc.

6. Nilotpala (Nymphaea stellata Willd. )– Flowers
Blood purifier, wound healing, antacid, uterine tonic etc.

7. Usheera – Vettiver – Vetiveria zizanioides– Roots
Diuretic, antacid, coolant, sedative, anti inflammatory etc.

8. Sariva – Indian Sarsaparilla – Hemidesmus indicus – Roots
Skin detoxifier, hair tonic, wound healing, coolant, anxiolytic etc.

9. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Miers.) – Stem
Rejuvinative, anti arthritic, anti inflammatory, anti pyretic, bitter tonic etc.

10. Hribera (Pavonia odorata Willd. )- Fruits
Coolant, bitter tonic, anti inflammatory, blood purifier, anti pyretic etc.

Qualities, Therapeutic uses

Qualities in general and actions of Daha Prashamana gana drugs:
The drugs referred under this heading are cold-light-unctuous and thick in quality. Usually they are cold in potency and sweet mixed astringent or bitter in taste. They act as Pittahara and are cold in potency. Majority of the drugs are sweet while during metabolic change.

They act as coolants, diuretic, anti pyretic, blood purifiers and wound healing agents.

Therapeutic uses of Dahaprashamana gana drugs:
These drugs are useful in fever, pemphigus, skin eruptions, sun stroke, chronic skin diseases, stomatitis, bilious conditions etc. In herpes, burning urination, haemerroids and such other paittic troubles also it is found useful.

Ayurvedic medicines

Formulations containing Dahaprashamana drugs :
Laja manda, Chandanadi panaka, Neelotpaladi kashaya, Usheeradi kashaya, Usheerasava, Chandanasava, Chandanadi vati, Sarivadyasava, Shadanga paneeya, Chandanadi taila etc are the few important formulations containing these herbs and drugs.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of Dahaprashamana gana drugs:
As majority of the drugs are coolants they not advisable in the conditions where digestive fire is significantly reduced. Also in Kapha predominant conditions they are recommended.

Simple formulations

Simple formulations that can be made from the above drugs and their application in routine practice:
In summer seasons parched rice is made into fine powder and to that whey (supernatant part of buttermilk or curd) is added and by dissolving little jiggery or sugar it is taken twice daily. This helps to prevent from the burning urination, body blisters, excess thirst etc.

Cold infusion of Chandana is added with sugar candy and can be taken during burning sensation of the body.

Usheera or Sariva added cold water is also equally beneficial to beat the warmth caused due to summer or bilious troubles. 

Formulation development opportunities

The drugs like Sariva-Chandana-Hreebera-Madhuka-Neelotpala can be added together in particular proportion and instant cold or hot infusion can be made. Those who feel difficulty top prepare it freshly can make it into the syrup and can be stored. Usheera and Sariva are the best coolants and aromatic herbs and their constant use will reduce the perspiration as well as the body warmth. So they can be made into readymade syrups and can be stored in closed bottles. Their squashes and soft drinks can also be formulated.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD