Rasanjana
To create an ink
Modern description
Rasanjana ink is used for eye ailments and skin conditions, traditionally made from Berberis species and sometimes elephant tusk.
Purpose
To create an ink
Indications
- Eye disorders (conjunctivitis, trachoma, corneal ulcers)
- Skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis)
- Wound healing
- Bleeding disorders
- Fever
- Liver disorders
- Pitta disorders
- Splenomegaly
- Oral ailments
Classical indications
- Netra Abhishyanda (Conjunctivitis)
- Vrana (Wound)
- Mukharoga (Oral disorders)
- Shwasaroga (Asthmatic condition)
- Hikkaroga (Hiccup)
- Raktaroga (diseases due to vitiation of blood)
- Karnaroga (diseases of ear)
- Sthaulya (Obesity)
Karma
- Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)
- Vranaropana (wound healing)
- Kaphapittahara (reduces Kapha and Pitta)
- Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
- Vishaghna (anti- poisonous)
- Krimihara (anti- microbial)
Key ingredients
- Daruharidra root/stem
Adult dose
250 mg to 1 gram, typically divided into 2-3 doses per day.
Pediatric dose
As directed by a physician, typically a small amount applied locally.
Preparation steps
- Clean Daru Haridra roots and dry them under shade.
- Grind the roots into a fine powder.
- Boil Daru Haridra powder in water until the volume reduces to one-fourth.
- Filter the decoction to remove solid particles.
- Heat the filtered liquid on a low flame, stirring continuously, until a thick, concentrated pasty form is left behind.
- Add equal quantity of cow's milk (goat's milk can also be used as per some Ayurvedic references).
- Dry the paste to obtain a solidified herbal resin called Rasanjana.
Safety contraindications
- Pregnancy, lactation, and in children.