A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
वरणादि घृत Varanadi Ghṛta
1. Reference
Authentic Text: Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam (Sūtrasthāna, Chapter 15 - Śodhanādi Gaṇa)
This formulation is classified within the group of medicines used for purification (Śodhanādi).
2. Composition (Sanskrit & Botanical Equivalents)
वरणा (Varanā) (Crataeva nurvala)
सैरीयक (Sairyaka) (Barleria prioritis)
सैरीयक (Sairyaka) (Kydia calycina)
शतावरी (Śatāvari) (Asparagus racemosus)
चित्रक (Citraka) (Plumbago zeylanica)
मोरट (Mōraṭa) (Marsdenia tenacissima)
विल्व (Viļwa) (Aegle marmelos)
विषाणिका (Viṣāṇikā) (Gymnema sylvestre)
बृहती (Bṛhatī) (Solanum indicum)
बृहती (Bṛhatī) (Solanum xanthocarpum)
करंज (Karañja) (Pongamia pinnata)
अता करंज (Atā Karañja) (a type of Karañja)
जय (Jaya) (Premna integrifolia)
जय (Jaya) (a type of Premna)
बहल पल्लव (Bahala Pallava) (Moringa oleifera)
दर्भा (Darbha) (Desmostachya bipinnata)
रुजाकर (Rujākara) (भल्लातक) (Bhallātaka) (Semecarpus anacardium)
.
3. Therapeutic Indications
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (From Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam):
Mandāgni: Impaired digestive and metabolic fire, leading to improper assimilation and toxin (āma) formation.
Ādhyavāta / Ūrustambha: A disorder where Vāta Doṣa, aggravated by fat (medas), causes stiffness and heaviness, primarily in the thighs; often correlated with conditions like femoral neuropathy or metabolic osteoarthritis.
Śiraśūla: Headache of various etiologies.
Gulma: A phantom, movable tumor-like mass in the abdomen often caused by vitiated Vāta; correlated with functional gastrointestinal disorders, splenic disorders, or benign growths.
Antar Vidradhi: Internal abscess or suppuration.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation):
This Ghṛta has a broad scope due to its deep-penetrating (snehana) and channel-clearing (srotoshodhana) properties, particularly effective for Kapha-Meda disorders.
Metabolic & Endocrine Disorders: Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Metabolic Syndrome X, Hypothyroidism, Fatty Liver Disease, Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD).
Musculoskeletal & Neurological Disorders: Cervical & Lumbar Spondylosis, Intervertebral Disc Prolapse (IVDP), Bell's Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Entrapment Neuropathies (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - CTS).
Disorders of Growth & Proliferation: Cysts (Granthi), Fibroids, Lipomas, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Tumors (Arbuda), Gliomas, Intracranial Meningiomas.
ENT & Respiratory Disorders: Chronic Sinus Headache, Nasal Polyp, Sinusitis.
Other: Urolithiasis (Urinary Calculi), Atherosclerosis, Internal Abscesses.
4. Pharmacological Properties (Dravyaguna)
Dosha Karma (Action on Bio-Humors): Kapha-Vāta Śamana. Pacifies and alleviates aggravated Kapha and Vāta Doṣas.
Dhātu Karma (Action on Body Tissues): Durmedo Hara. Corrects pathological fat metabolism; acts on the Medovaha Srotas (channels carrying fat) to reduce excessive fat tissue (Medas Dhātu) and combat atherosclerosis.
Agni Karma (Action on Digestive & Metabolic Fire): Dīpana. Kindles and enhances the digestive fire. Slightly Pācana. Has a mild action of digesting and eliminating toxins (Āma).
Srotas Karma (Action on Body Channels): Srotoshodhana. Purifies and clears obstructed bodily channels. Ēkhanā. Possesses a penetrating quality, allowing the formulation to reach deep-seated tissues. Chēdanā. Has an excising or cutting action, useful for breaking down abnormal growths.
Roga Karma (Disease Curing Action): Granthi Vilayana. Dissolves cysts, nodules, and granulomas. Kṛmighna. Acts as an anthelmintic, destroying parasites.
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Śūla Praśamana. Alleviates pain, especially colicky and sharp pain. Śōpha Hara. Reduces swelling, inflammation, and edema.
5. Pharmacodynamics (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka)
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Predominantly Kaṣāya (Astringent), Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry)
Vīrya (Potency) Uṣṇa (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) Katu (Pungent)
Modern Correlate Actions: The formulation exhibits pharmacological actions that correlate with its Ayurvedic properties, including Lipolytic (breaks down fat), slightly Diuretic (promotes urine flow), and Anti-inflammatory.
6. Approved Manufacturers
The following reputable manufacturers produce Varanādi Ghṛta:
Arya Vaidya Sala - Kottakkal
The Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Limited
Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala
Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy
Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Group (SNA Oushadhasala Pvt. Ltd.)
Vaidyaraj Oushadhasala
Dhanwanthari Vaidyasala
Asoka Pharmaceuticals
Arya Vaidya Nilayam
Thaikkattu Mooss ETM Oushadhasala (INDIA) Ltd.
SKM Siddha and Ayurveda (Sahasrayoga)
Ayursiddha Pharmaceuticals
Changampally Ayurveda Vaidyasala
Everest Ayurvedic Medicines
Deseeya Ayurvedic Pharmacy
Pam Labs
Viswakeerthy Herbals (INDIA) Pvt. Ltd.
Vaidyaratna Prabha Vaidyasala