Significance of Ativisa

Ativisa, or Aconitum heterophyllum, is a herb central to Ayurveda, Rasashastra, and health sciences. In Ayurveda, it treats poisoning, inflammation, skin issues, and aids blood formation. Rasashastra uses it in medicinal preparations for various conditions, contributing to digestion and appetite. Health sciences recognize Ativisa for its antidiarrheal, hypoglycaemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. It's a component in formulations like Ashtanga Agada and Nagaradi Kwath, addressing diarrhea, dehydration, and promoting digestion.

Synonyms: Aconite, Indian aconite, Monk's hood

In Dutch: Ativisa; In Finnish: Ativisa; In Spanish: Actividad

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Ativisa'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Ativisa is identified as a root, explicitly permitted for use by Bhikkhus as medicine when they are unwell, according to the text.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) The text specifies ativisa as one of the roots that the Bhikkhus could use as medicine when they were sick, as permitted.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Ativisa'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Ativisa, or Aconitum heterophyllum, is a pungent herb used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine. It balances bodily energies, aids digestion, reduces swelling, and is used in various medicinal preparations for different ailments.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry

(1) Ativisa is one of the ingredients, along with mercury, sulphur, iron, borax, and others, that is measured in one tola and combined to create the described medicinal pills.[2] (2) One unit of this substance is mixed with the powdered compound, implying its inclusion as an ingredient in the medicinal formulation.[3] (3) This is one of the ingredients used to prepare a decoction to be drunk after taking the medicine.[4] (4) Ativisa is one of the elements that is combined with mercury, sulphur, iron, and other ingredients, to create a medicinal preparation intended for treating a variety of health conditions.[5] (5) A plant-based ingredient used in the formulation, known for its medicinal properties.[6]

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances

(1) A specific type of ingredient mentioned as one of the powders that can be added for effect in preparing kshara.[7] (2) A warm, pungent, and bitter herb that aids digestion and increases hunger.[8]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

(1) This is Katu and Tikta in Rasa, Katu Vipaka, hot potency and pacifies Kapha and Pitta. It is useful for treating cough and antimicrobial.[9] (2) This is an ingredient in Pushyanug Churna, and it helps in formation of good quality Rakta Dhatu by Rakta Shodhan and Rakta Prasadana Karma.[10] (3) This is the plant Aconitum heterophyllum, used in a paste form along with honey to treat Mooshika poisoning.[11] (4) This drug is part of the Tonsenorm compound and is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, specifically targeting the balance of bodily energies and reducing swelling.[12] (5) This is a common name for Aconitum heterophyllum, a perennial herbaceous plant used in traditional medicine systems across Asia, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).[13]

From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga

(1) It has Tridoshashar, especially KaphaPittashamaka, Shothahara properties, serving as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.[14] (2) Ativisha is a drug for air purification and its botanical name is Aconitum heterophyllum, as stated in the text.[15] (3) Ativisha is a part used, specifically the tuber, with Katu and Tikta Rasa.[16] (4) Ativisha is one of the ten herbs in the Arshoghna Mahakashaya group, and it is known for its specific therapeutic properties in addressing Arsha.[17]

From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine

(1) Ativisha, also known as Aconitum heterophyllum, is an Ayurvedic plant examined for its medicinal properties, particularly its use in treating diarrhea and fever, especially in children.[18]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

The concept of Ativisa in scientific sources

Science Books

Ativisa, or Aconitum heterophyllum, is a medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic formulations like Ashtanga Agada and Nagaradi Kwath. It's known for antidiarrheal, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties, promoting digestion and treating dehydration.