A REVIEW ON RASAYANA YOGAS OF YOGARATNAKAR

The treatise "Yogaratnakara" describes entire Ayurveda in a very organized and unique style. The aushadhis (medicines) which delays the process of ageing, prevents body from disease, strengthen eyes, increase rasadi dhatus (major structural components of the body) and virya (virility) is known as rasayanam (rejuvenation). By consumption of rasayana (rejuvenation), human being can acquire long life, memory power, intelligence, healthy body, youthfulness and strength in sense organs. In yogaratnakar, eighteen rasayanas are mentioned. In mandukaparnayadi yoga, there are four elements specified; nevertheless, shankapushpi is said to be more effective in terms of medhya vardhaka (increase intellect) activity. Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Emblica officinalis) rasayana (rejuvenation) is more potent when taken with one of these components—Vamshalochan (Bambusa arundinacea), Pippali (Piper longum), Saindhava lavana (rock salt), or Sita (sugar candy). Pippali (Piper longum) is indicated in shula (pain), chardi (vomiting), kasa (cough), jvara (fever). Lavana (salt) is having snigdha (unctuousness), laghu (light) guna (qualities) and shitala (coldness). Ritu (season) haritaki (Terminalia chebula) yoga (formulation) is indicated with different ingredient in specific season. Haritaki itself is mentioned as rasayana (rejuvenation) and it has shown clinically effective results in common cold, fever and improve good quality of life. In other formulations also herbal or mineral ingredients with rasayana (rejuvenation) properties are present. Rasayana (rejuvenation) is only helpful when administered in the right dose, at the right time, and with the suitable pathya.