5 incredible health benefits of Vatsanabha (Himalayan monk’s hood)

Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox), also known as Himalayan Monk’s hood or Indian aconite is one of the powerful herbs in Ayurveda. It is called the Himalayan monk’s hood because the flowers of this plant resemble the hoods of medieval monks. This ayurvedic herb is native to India and it grows in the high alpine region of Himalayas. One striking feature of Vatsanabha is that it is one of the most poisonous herbs in Ayurveda. A heavy dose of this herb may cause fatal effects. But Ayurveda has found a way to purify this herb and use it for health nourishing purposes.

Purification of Vatsanabha roots:

The roots of Vatsanabha plant are used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. For the purification of Vatsanabha roots, the small roots are dipped in cow’s milk or goat’s milk and then boiled for three hours to get rid of the poison. Milk is considered as the best medium to remove the poison of blue aconite.

The purified herb is used as a rasayana in Ayurveda. It balances all the three doshas but it is mainly used to pacify Vata and Kapha dosha. It is antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic in nature. It is also used as a cardiac tonic.

Health benefits of Vatsanabha:

Here are some of the incredible health benefits of Vatsanabha that makes it prominent in the ayurvedic system.

1. Vatsanabha for respiratory disorders:

Vatsanabha or Himalayan Monkshood is an excellent herb for respiratory disorders. It helps in expelling the extra phlegm out of the system and provides relief. It is also used in the treatment of asthma and chronic lung infections.

2. Vatsanabha for heart health:

The root extracts of Vatsanabha is a powerful hypotensive agent and is used as a cardiac tonic. In Ayurveda, it is used as a heart and nerve sedative. It is effective in reducing rapid or irregular heartbeat due to agitation or illness.

3. Vatsanabha for sexual health:

Vatsanabha is a natural aphrodisiac. This herb is proven to increase sex drive in men. It boosts the production of sperm and prevents premature ejaculation in men. It is also very effective in treating seminal ejaculations and urinary disorders.

4. Vatsanabha for joint pains and spleen disorders:

The anti-inflammatory activity in Vatsanabha helps relieve joint pains and arthritis. It can reduce inflammation and is very helpful in the treatment of neuralgia and rheumatism. Vatsanabha is also effective in treating enlarged spleen and other spleen disorders.

5. Vatsanabha for digestive problems:

The active enzymes in Vatsanabha increase the gastric acid secretions in the stomach, which can enhance digestive health. It increases the appetite, improves digestion, and nourishes the whole digestive system.

Although Vatsanabha is one of the most poisonous herbs known to man, Ayurveda has found an effective way to purify and use this plant for the benefit of mankind. Thus, Vatsanabha can benefit our health in numerous ways.