Vidangarishta: Uses, Benefits, Ingredients, Properties, Side Effects

Vidangarishta is an ayurvedic rasayan which is mainly used in the treatment of intestinal worm infestation due to its strong anti-helminthic property. The ayurvedic decoction generates around 5-10% alcohol by itself which is useful in dissolution and absorption of the herbal contents. Vidangarishta is known by various other names like Vidangarisht and Vidangarishtam. The reference to this medicine can be found in the ancient treatise Sharangdhara Samhita.

 

Vidangarishta: Composition and Manufacturing

 

Herbs Needed For Decoction Or Kwatha Dravya

HERB NAME	BOTANICAL NAME	QUANTITY	PROPERTY
Vidanga	Embelia ribes	5 parts	Anti-microbial and relieves intestinal worms
Pippalamool	Piper longum	5 parts	Relieves pain and balances Vata
Rasna	Pluchea lanceolata	5 parts
Kutaja	Holarrhena antidysenterica	5 parts	Anti-diarrheal and anti-amoebic
Patha	Cyclea peltata	5 parts	Improves digestion
Elaichi/Cardamom	Eletteria cardamomum	5 parts	Anti-oxidant and diuretic
Amla or Indian Gooseberry	Emblica officianalis	5 parts	Anti-oxidant

 

A decoction is prepared of all the herbs by crushing, drying and mixing them with water. The decoction is then reduced to one-fourth of its original volume.

 

Fermentative Agent or Sandhana Dravya

Honey

300 parts

 

 

Herbs To Accelerate The Fermentation Process Or Prakshepa Dravyas

HERB NAME	BOTANICAL NAME	QUANTITY	USE
Dhataki	Woodfordia fruticosa	20 parts
Dalchini or Cinnamon	Cinnamomum verum	2 parts	Promotes digestion and increases metabolism
Tej Patta	Cinnamomum tamala	2 parts	Improves digestion
Elaichi or Cardamom	Eletteria cardamomum	2 parts
Priyangu flowers	Callicarpa macrophylla	1 part	Useful in stomach disorders
Kanchanar	Bauhinia variegate	1 part	Anti-toxin and anti-tumour
Lodhra	Symplocos racemosa	1 part	Stops bleeding
Maricha or Black Pepper	Piper nigrum	24 parts	Anti-helminthic
Shunti or Dry Ginger	Zingiber officinale	24 parts	Balances Vata and Kapha
Pippalamool or Long pepper	Piper longum	24 parts	Effective in abdominal disorders like constipation, diarrhoea etc

 

Note:  The mixture of black pepper, dry ginger and long pepper is together called Trikatu Churna. Read more about trikatu churn.

The previously prepared decoction is then mixed with sandhana dravya and prakshepa dravyas (fermenting agents). A mixture is prepared which is transferred to a ghee coated vessel. The vessel is sealed and kept closed for a period of 30 days until the mixture ferments. After the fermentation process is completed, the mixture is strained and the liquid (Vidangarishta) is collected and stored safely in containers.

 

Properties, Uses and Dosage

Vidangarishta is said to possess the following properties:

• Vermifuge or anti-helminthic
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-spasmodic
• Used for better digestion
• Carminative
• Appetizer

Effect On Doshas – Vidangarishta successfully balances the Pitta dosha and pacifies the Kapha dosha.

Vidangarishta is useful in curing many ailments. It is mainly used in:

• Worm infestation
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Enlargement of prostate
• Polyuria
• Hanustambha or Lockjaw
• Urinary calculus or Ashmari
• Renal calculi
• Vidhradi or Abscess
• Gandmala or Cervical lymphadenitis
• Bhagandara or fistula in ano / anal fistula
• Diabetes

 

Dosage Information

The general dosage of Vidangarishta is 20-40 ml with an equal quantity of water twice a day after food. However, the dose can vary according to the age of the patient:

Adults	10 ml to 30 ml
Children (above 5 years)	2.5 ml to 10 ml

 

The maximum recommended dosage of Vidangarishta is a total of 60 ml per day with an equal amount of water. It is best to consume the herbal decoction after food to prevent any gastric irritation.

 

Manyfold Benefits Of Vidangarishta

Vidangarishta being a decoction of different ayurvedic herbs is useful in the treatment of many conditions. Its benefits include:

 

Cures Digestive Disorders

Vidangarishta is most famous for its anti-helminthic activity, that is, it protects the digestive system from the infestation of worms and parasites. It is helpful in relieving abdominal distention which can otherwise cause other issues like bloating, poor excretion and constipation. Research has proven Vidangarishta to be effective against E coli which is mostly harmless, but harmful strains can cause diarrhoea and severe stomach infection.

 

Urinary disorders

Women are most affected by urinary disorders as the short urinary tract increases the chances of bacterial infections. The anti-bacterial property of the ayurvedic concoction ensures the urinary tract remain free of bacteria. It is known to be effective against renal stones which can be quite damaging to the kidney. Vidangarishta also provides relief against conditions like painful urination and blood in the urine. Since it is anti-spasmodic in nature, it provides relief from painful abdominal cramps when affected with kidney stones.

 

Fistula in Ano And Abscess

Fistula in Ano or Anal fistula is a condition in which an infected tunnel-like structure infected with bacteria forms at the anal passage between the anus and the skin. The fistula or infected passage can develop due to numerous causes like sexual transmission or tuberculosis. The anal fistula sometimes fills up with pus if the infection is acute and is called an abscess. Both conditions can cause a great amount of discomfort due to painful stools and continuous pus discharge. It is useful in curing both the conditions. It not only reduces the symptoms but also prevents recurrence. However, the dosage must be taken in the manner prescribed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.

 

Side Effects And Precautions

Being free of chemicals, Vidangarishta does not have any major side effects. However, certain minor side effects can develop due to improper dosage or reaction with other drugs:

• Stomach irritation
• Abdominal pain

This is why it is recommended not to consume Vidangarishta on an empty stomach.

Certain precautions that must be taken:

• Since no evidence is available on the effects of Vidangarishta on pregnant or lactating women, it is best to be avoided in such a condition.
• When consuming other drugs (allopathic or ayurvedic), a few hours gap must be maintained.
• The formulation must be consumed only on the recommendation of a doctor, especially if you are a diabetes patient.