Rasna

Description

Rasnā is a controversial drug in Ayurveda, as different plant species are used under this name in different regions of India. The South Indian variety, Alpinia calcarata, grows commonly in Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, while the North Indian variety, Pluchea lanceolata (family Asteraceae), occurs in the Gangetic plains, Punjab, western Himalayas, and is also distributed in parts of Africa and Asia. Pluchea lanceolata is an erect undershrub with slender, terete, softly pubescent stems and branches; its sessile coriaceous leaves are 2–7 cm long, oblong to oblanceolate, obtuse, narrowed at the base, finely pubescent on both surfaces with entire margins and prominent nerves. The inflorescence is a compound corymb of heads, with involucral bracts in 2–3 series, purple-tinged, enclosing small flowers, and fruits are achenes. The genuine root is cylindrical, twisted, up to 21 cm long and 3–4 cm thick, dark brown with striations, peeling bark, fibrous fracture, spicy odour, and bitter taste. Alpinia calcarata has a perennial non-tuberous rootstock, slender stems 60–120 cm tall, and glossy lanceolate leaves 15–30 cm long. Its inflorescence is a 7–10 cm panicle with numerous flowers; the calyx is funnel-shaped, corolla segments 1–3 cm long, and the lip ovate-oblong streaked with purple veins. The fruit is a globose red capsule, while the rhizomes are reddish brown externally, orange-brown internally, 2–8 cm long, aromatic, fibrous, and annulated. Apart from these, other plants like Rauwolfia serpentina (Mūla Rasna), Lochnera rosea (Patra Rasna), and Vanda tessellata (Trina Rasna) are also used regionally, adding to the controversy.

Useful Parts

Roots, leaf, whole plant

Benefits

Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and pain, particularly useful in arthritis and joint disorders. Analgesic: Alleviates pain and discomfort. Digestive Health: Improves digestion and alleviates digestive disorders like indigestion and bloating. Respiratory Health: Treats respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and cough. Diuretic: Promotes urination and helps in detoxification. Nervous System: Acts as a nervine tonic, calming the nervous system.

Pharmacological Action

Aromatic Stimulant Carminative Antibacterial

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Tikta

Guna: Guru

Virya: Usna

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Vatakapha shamaka, Vata hara