Navayasa Lauha is a herbomineral Ayurvedic medicine. It is mentioned in Bhaishajya ratnavali in Pandu roga chikitsa. Pandu is a disease characterized by the pale color of the skin and can be correlated with Anemia in modern science. Navayasa Lauha is very useful and very commonly used in the treatment of all forms of anemia.
Nabayas Lauha is prepared by combining Nava (nine herbal ingredients) with Aayasa/Loha (Iron) and hence named Nayayasa Churna or Lahua. It is prepared by mixing powder of iron (9 parts) and ginger, long pepper, black pepper, tuber of Cyperus rotundus, Plumbago root (each 1 part).
Ingredients of Navayasa Lauha
Navayasa Churna is a powder preparation made with the ingredients in the formulation composition given below:-
- Shunthi Zingiber officinale
- Marica Piper nigrum
- Pippali Piper longum
- Haritaki Terminalia chebula
- Bibhitaka Terminalia bellirica
- Amalaki Phyllanthus emblica (Emblica officinalis)
- Musta Cyperus rotundus
- Vidanga Embelia ribes
- Chitraka Plumbago zeylanica
Trikatu (Sonth + Pippali + Kali Mirch) is effective for burning ama (metabolic waste and toxins) which is the prime cause of all disease. It supports better digestion and cures constipation. It stimulates the liver to secrete bile which is vital for fat digestion and absorption. It also balances Kapha.
Triphala (Amala + Harade + Baheda) is used extensively in Ayurveda for the treatment of digestive diseases. It is a tonic for the whole body. It has been used in various gastric disorders including intestinal inflammation. Amla, has significant acid lowering, cooling and anti-ulcer properties. Triphala is a rich source of tannins, which is known to affect the integrity of mucus membrane. Tannins with their protein precipitating and vasoconstriction effects could be advantageous in preventing ulcer development.
Vidanga has carminative and hepatoprotective activity. It is anthelmintic, astringent, alterative and tonic.
Chitrak reduces vata and kapha and increases pitta. It is stimulant, anthelmintic and antiseptic. It is used in Ayurveda for colitis, indigestion, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, gas and intestinal parasites.
Lauha Bhasma increases hemoglobin level. It gives strength and cures anemia.
This female-friendly herb, which is obtained from the roots of the Asparagus racemosus tree belongs to the Liliaceae family. It was botanically first discovered in the year 1799 and was considered as one of the essential Ayurvedic herbs imbued with extensive health benefits and a staple ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations.
It is usually branched, woody, spinous climbing shrub that grows to height or length of 1-2 metres. Although the plant prefers well-drained, fertile clayey-loamy to sandy-loamy soil, it also thrives well in rocky, gravelly soils. The plant is also found growing in thickets, forests, moist places, shady places, scrubby jungles, forest borders, hilly slopes, fallow lands and plains from the coast.
Shatavari, the cure of hundred diseases, is blessed with an abundance of phytochemicals that not only strengthens the immune system but also shields the body against a vast number of infections and promote overall health and well-being. The active constituents present in Shatavari also help in treating carcinogenic conditions. These chemical components that bestow the plant its medicinal properties include steroidal saponins known as shatavarins, oligosaccharides, mucilage, isoflavones, alkaloids, flavonoids like rutin and quercetin and sterols such as sitosterols.
Apart from the bioactive components, the plant parts are also imbued with an excellent source of healthful nutrients and minerals such as manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, potassium, selenium, calcium, and magnesium. Besides containing vitamins like Vitamin A and ascorbic acid, the plant also shoes presence of essential fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid.
Since time immemorial, Shatavari, “the Queen Of Herbs” has been mentioned in several ayurvedic scriptures as an ultimate remedy owing to its enormous health benefits. This incredible medicinal herb is classified as an adaptogen and helps in normalising stress and anxiety. Being a potent aphrodisiac, it improves libido, treats various infertility issues and improves the reproductive health in both men and women. It also ensures better functioning of the heart, controls diabetes, treats eye problems, aids in digestion and thus improves overall stamina and body immunity.
Ayurveda, an Indian system of medicine, describes pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruits as a Rasayana and a dietary supplement for managing a condition called Pandu, which is akin to Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Pomegranate is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, fibre, potassium, and protein. Although there are many other fruits with higher iron content, pomegranate is highly recommended for anaemia. This is because pomegranate is rich in vitamin C.
Our bodies generally absorb only 3% of the iron consumed. This is because our gut does not readily absorb iron. The high content of vitamin C in pomegranate helps our bodies to absorb the iron present in the fruit as vitamin C is integral to iron metabolism. Regular consumption of pomegranate helps to increase haemoglobin levels and fights anaemia.
Avoiding certain foods along with pomegranate is recommended. Chocolates, spinach, tea, coffee, and alcohol have compounds in them that inhibit the absorption of iron. Keep at least a 30-minute gap between these foods and pomegranate consumption for maximal iron absorption.
Recent research has shown that pomegranate extracts selectively inhibit the growth of breast, prostate, colon and lung cancer cells in culture. In preclinical animal studies, oral consumption of pomegranate extract inhibited growth of lung, skin, colon and prostate tumors.
