Rasna

Rasna is a revered medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and detoxifying properties. It plays a prominent role in traditional medicine in treating various health anomalies.

Research has shown that the Rasna plant is rich in several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, glycosides, protein, carbohydrates, and steroids. Employed in various Ayurvedic formulations like Maharasnadi Kwath, Rasnadi guggulu, Rasnadi churnas or powders, pastes, oil, or decoctions, it has great potential for therapeutic use.

Source of Rasna

The authenticity of the Rasna plant’s source has always been debated. The Vaidyas (Ayurvedic practitioners or traditional healers) belonging to the greater part of Northern India consider Pluchea Lanceolata to be its genuine source. In addition, according to the classics, Alpinia galanga is also considered a near source. Derived from different plant species. Each part has specific uses. Pluchea Lanceolatae utilises the whole plant, especially the leaves and is widely used in Northern India. Alpinia species use the sun-dried rhizomes. It is most commonly used in Southern India. Vanda species value aerial roots and climbing roots and stems. Leaves are cut, dried, and sold in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Bengal drug markets.

The term Rasna originally came from the Sanskrit language. It also has a synonym called Sugandhamula, and its other classical names include Yuktarasa, Surasa, Sugandha, and Shreeyasi. In Hindi it is called Rayasan, Rayasana, Rasna, and Rashana. In Punjabi, it is called Rashae, Sarmei, Reshami, Marmandai, Rasana, Reshambuti; Urdu is known as Rasna, Rauasan. Rasna botanical name is Pluchea Lanceolata, and alternative names include Gandhamula Rasya and Yuktarasa.

Time and again, Rasna has proven its diverse therapeutic abilities. As part of traditional medicine, it works on the root level to promote overall health and well-being. It is beneficial for:

1. Arthritis

Rasna is commonly employed in conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and Vata and Kapha balancing properties. It is known to nullify the presence of ama (accumulated toxins in the body) which further adds to these benefits. It also aids in relieving pain and swelling in the joints. 

2. Digestive Health

Kapha governs the digestive system. When Kapha increases in the body, it causes problems like indigestion, constipation, flatulence, piles, and abdominal colic. Rasna’s Kapha-reducing abilities combat gastrointestinal discomfort and support detoxification. Rasna decoction is administered for this purpose.

3. Nervous System

Rasna is a natural cure for all concerns related to the nervous system. It improves nerve function, managing and treating neuritis, sciatica, stress, anxiety, and chronic nervous system inflammation.

4. Respiratory Health

The expectorant properties of Rasna clear mucus and soothe respiratory tract inflammation. Hence, people with conditions like asthma, bronchitis, pleuritis, cough, and chest pain can get relief using formulations like Rasna powder, or Rasna decoction, in the prescribed dosage.

5. Women’s Health

Pluchea Lanceolata can serve as a magical tonic for women’s health. From managing menstrual discomfort to alleviating amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, ringworm, and eczema, Rasna does it all. An Ayurvedic practitioner may prescribe Rasna decocotion in the required dosage.

6. Neurological Activity

Rasna essential oil is endowed with cholinesterase inhibitory activity. Research has shown that it has positive effects on managing neurodegenerative disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

7. Delaying Symptoms of Ageing

It might be a lesser-known fact, but Rasna works as a drug of choice to delay the process of aging. People experiencing early symptoms of aging can benefit from it.

Rasna serves various purposes, with health improvement being the central aspect. It is used in four primary forms: Rasna powder or Rasna churna, Rasna decoction, Rasna paste, and Rasna oil.

1. Rasna Powder

Rasna powder (Rasna churna) is made from dried leaves, stems, and roots of the plant. It contains nutrients with anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and fever-reducing properties. Clinical studies suggest that Rasna powder has been effective in managing symptoms of body aches, anorexia, lethargy, fever, indigestion, swelling, joint pain, and stiffness. Also, no significant side effects were observed, and it was beneficial for both patients with acute and chronic symptoms. It enhanced overall life quality. Sometimes, other herbs are added to Rasna Churna to increase efficacy and is called Rasnadi churna.

2. Rasna Decoction

A decoction is the hot aqueous extract of Rasna plant.. In Ayurvedic practice, it is prepared by boiling the plant material until the original volume is reduced to one-fourth. Clinical studies suggest it helps manage arthritis, rheumatism, and neurological disorders. Rasna plant’s roots carry antipyretic, laxative, and thermogenic properties. These aid in reducing pain, and people have innovatively used them to seek relief from the sting of scorpions and skin diseases. 

3. Rasna Paste and Rasna Oil

Rasna paste may be formed by grinding the Rasna plant’s parts into a fine consistency. It offers numerous health benefits. People have specifically used it to manage skin diseases by blending it with cow's urine. So, it may be helpful for most common skin ailments, such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and others. Rasna paste is also termed as Rasnadi lepa.

Rasna oil is acquired from the plant's crude extract. The bioactive compounds inside act as Kapha and Vata-reducing agents, making the treatment of rheumatism easier. Practitioners give it externally as Rasnadi Oil. Other than this, Rasna is also used to prepare:

• Narayana Oil
• Bala Oil
• Sadabindu Oil
• Chandanabala Lakshadi Oil
• Prasarini Oil
• Kutajaprasarini Oil

• Pregnant and lactating women must exercise caution before using Rasna. 
• Consulting an Ayurvedic doctor in such cases is strictly advised. 
• They diagnose and address individual conditions and provide personalised treatment plans that meet all their needs and goals. 
• Using it carelessly, without proper guidance and supervision, can cause all sorts of ill effects.

• Rasna is a versatile Ayurvedic herb with significant medicinal value.
• Rasna's botanical name is Pluchea Lanceolata. Its synonyms are Sugandhamula, Gandhamula Rasya, and Yuktarasa.
• Widely used in traditional medicine, the Rasna plant holds immense medical value.
• All parts of Pluchea Lanceolata are packed with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and detoxifying properties.
• It is widely known for its anti-arthritic properties that aid in managing Joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis etc.
• It benefits digestive, nervous, respiratory, mental, joint, and women’s health. 
• Rasna ingredients make it possible to delay symptoms of ageing.
• Pluchea Lanceolata is consumed in various forms: Rasna decoction, Rasna churna, Rasna paste, and Rasna oil.
• It has broad therapeutic applications, but precautions are necessary for pregnant women and those on medications to avoid complications.

Conclusion

Pluchea Lanceolata, or Rasna, holds a significant place in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to balance Vata and Kapha doshas. Grown in the warm, sandy regions of India, this small yet potent shrub has been used for generations to support joint, muscle, and overall health. Deeply rooted in the Ayurvedic philosophy of healing through nature, Rasna exemplifies how traditional herbs continue to offer valuable therapeutic benefits. With its rich medicinal properties and time-honoured use, Rasna remains an integral part of holistic wellness practices in Ayurveda.