Rasanjan Uses, Remedies, Dose, Side Effects, Research

By Dr Renita D’Souza
Rasanjan is a yellowish semisolid extract obtained by processing the decoction of daruharidra (Berberis aristata) with milk. It is mainly used in eye disorders.
It is also called Extractum Berberis

Vernacular names

Names in different languages:
Hindi Name – Rasoth
Kannada Name – Rasanjana
Bengali Name – Rasanjan
Marati Name – Rasavath
Gujrathi Name – Rasavanti
Telugu Name – Rasanjanamu
Panjabi Name – Rasoth
English Name – Extract of Indian berberis
Latin Name – Extractum Berberis

Home remedies

Home Remedies With Rasanjan
In spleenomegaly it is given with water for 3 times a day.
In fever its decoction is given to bring down the temperature.
In netrabhishanda (conjunctivitis) it is applied as collyrium (anjana).
It is given with butter in cases of bleeding haemorrhoids.
In oral ailments, rasoth can be used to gargle with water. It can allso be applied with honey in case of stomatitis.
In cases of old wounds it can be applied with honey.

Qualities, uses

Medicinal Qualities of Rasanjana
Rasa (taste) – Katu (pungent), Tiktha (bitter)
Virya (potency) – Ushna (hot)
Karma (actions) – Chedana (scraping property), Rasayana (rejuvenative)

Effect on Tridosha
Balances kapha dosha

Indications of Rasoth:
Eye disorders
Poisoning or toxic conditions
Kapha disorders
Vrana – heals chronic wounds,
Shota – Swelling
Fever – because of its sweat inducing property (swedala) it brings down the temperature in fever.
Arshas – Haemorrhoids
Varnya – improves skin complexion
Hikka – hiccups
Shwasa – asthma
Mukha roga – oral diseases such as stomatitis
Duodenal or gastric ulcers
Blood toxic conditions – it purifies the blood (raktha shodaka)
Hepatomegaly
Spleenomegaly
Jaundice
Blisters, boils
Stomatitis – mouth ulcers.
Read related: Ayurvedic treatment and remedies for mouth ulcers

Dose, usage

Dose of Rasanjan
Powder – 1 – 2 grams – in divided dose per day.
Kashaya – 10 – 15 ml – once or twice a day, usually administered before food.

Usage of Rasoth
Rasanjan is used both for external application and as oral medication.

In eye diseases it is used as collyrium (anjana). It is rubbed with little water and this paste is used as collyrium.

For external application, it is applied by mixing with honey, butter etc
For internal usage it is taken along with water or as decoction (kashaya).
Read related: Kashayam (Kwath) – Herbal Teas Preparation, Benefits, Usage

Research – A study conducted over the use of Rasanjana Madhu eye drops in conjuctivitis has concluded that RM eye drops is significantly effective in curing the symptoms of infective conjunctivitis.(Read more)

Side effects, categorization

Side Effects of Rasanjan
This extract form should only be used under medical supervision.
It is best to avoid this medicine during pregnancy, lactation.
In higher dose intake it may cause stomach irritation, worsens gastritis. Due to its astringent property its over dosage can cause constipation.
Read: Constipation Causes, Ayurvedic Treatment, Home Remedies

Classical categorisation
Bhavaprakasha – Harithkyadi varga
Raja Nighantu – Suvarnadi varga
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Dhatu varga
Dhanvantari Nighantu – Chandanadi varga
Shodala Nighantu – Chandanadi varga

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Preparation, definition, properties

Method of Preparation of Rasanjana
The method of preparation of this rasanjana is called Rasakriya.
It is prepared by using the herb called Daruharidra. Hence,
Rasanjana obtained through this method is also called as Dharu haridra Rasakriya.

Definition of Rasakriya –
The thick consistent mass obtained by boiling and reducing any liquid preparations such as decoction (kasaya), juice (swarasa), Phanta (hot infusion) etc over mild fire is called as Rasakriya.

Properties of Daruharidra –
Botanical name – Berberis aristata Dc.,
Family – Berberidaceae
Berberis aristata is commonly known as tree turmeric. It is a shrub mainly found in Himalaya region. It is well known Ayurvedic medicinal plant mainly used in eye disorders.
Read more about – Daruharidra ( Berberis aristata)

Preparation of Rasoth

1st step –
To prepare Dharuharidra Rasakriya (rasanjana), the decoction of dharuharidra (Tree turmeric) root is prepared by using 1 part of crushed tree turmeric boiled with 8 parts of water and reduced to 1/4th part. Decoction is filtered.

2nd step –
The filtered dharuharidra decoction is added with equal quantity of cow’s milk (goat’s milk can also used as per some Ayurvedic references). It is again boiled further till it attains thick sticky mass.

This sticky yellowish mass is rolled in to wicks (varti) of desired size and dried in shade. These dried wicks are preserved in airtight containers.

Precautions during preparation-
– Continuous stirring should be done till the required consistency is attained so to avoid the burn out.
– Apply ghee to the fingers before rolling into wicks. As the mass is very sticky applying ghee will easy the rolling of mass in to desired shape and size.
– Before preserving the end product it should be dried completely under shade.

– Continuous stirring should be done till the required consistency is attained so to avoid the burn out.
– Apply ghee to the fingers before rolling into wicks. As the mass is very sticky applying ghee will easy the rolling of mass in to desired shape and size.
– Before preserving the end product it should be dried completely under shade.

Sanskrit verse

Ayurvedic medicines

Ayurvedic Medicines with Rasanjana
Pushyanuga Churna – Best Ayurvedic medicine widely used in bleeding disorders, white discharge, uterine infections, piles etc
Chandanadi Thailam  – Relieve burning sensation, dizziness, nasal bleeding etc
Arshoghni Bati – Best medicine used in piles. It reduces pile mass.
Mehamudgar Bati – Widely used in diabetes, retention of urine, difficulty in urination, jaundice, bleeding disorders, digestive disorders etc
Patoladi Ghrita  – Used in skin diseases, fever, diseases of ear, eyes, nose and throat
Darvyadi Kashaya – Used in gynaecological disorders  such as heavy bleeding, white discharge etc
Piyush Valli Ras – Used in liver and spleen disorders, malabsorption syndrome, diarrhoea, puerperal disorders, menorrhagia, female infertility, urinary tract disorders etc
Kasisadi Ghrita  – Used in skin disease such as eczema, Blisters, Ulcers, non healing wounds, Gout, Syphilis, Fistula, sinus, spider poison etc
Lavangadi Churna – This herbal poeder is used in diarrhoea, dysentery, ulcerative colitis, abdominal colic etc
Nagarajun Anjana – It is used as collyrium in infective eye disorders.

Synonyms
Rasoth, Rasanjan, Rasanjanam, taakrshyashaila, rasagarbha, tarsyaja
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Rasanjana Collyrium

Collyrium prepared by rubbing Rasanjana (extract of Berberis aristata) in the juices of cotton plant fruit, jamun seeds and mango mixed with honey should be applied to the eyes of the patient suffering from eye discharges (netra srava).
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