Arjunarishta – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

पार्थत्वचं तुलामेकां मृद्धीकाऽर्द्धतुलां तथा । भागं मधूकपुष्पस्य पलविंशतिसम्मितम् ॥७३॥
चतुर्द्राणेऽम्भसः पक्त्वा द्रोणमेवावशेषयेत् । धातक्या विंशतिपलं गुडस्य च तुलां क्षिपेत् ॥७४॥
मासमात्रं स्थितो भाण्डे भवेत्पार्थाद्यरिष्टकः । हृत्फुप्फुसगदान् सर्वान् हन्त्ययं बलवीर्यकृत् ॥७५॥

Reference : Bhaishajya Ratnavali/ Hridrogadhikar /Shalok 73-75

Abstract

Cardiovascular disorders are rapidly rising in prevalence across the globe, primarily due to urban lifestyle stress, poor dietary choices, sedentary habits, and increasing exposure to environmental toxins. These factors contribute to conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. Ayurveda identifies the Hridaya (heart) as a Marma sthana (vital organ) and the seat of Ojas (vital energy), Rasa (plasma), and Rakta dhatu (blood tissue). Maintaining cardiac health is essential for overall well-being. Among the various herbal preparations described in classical texts, Arjunarishta is one of the most celebrated formulations for managing heart-related conditions.

Introduction

Arjunarishta is a classical Ayurvedic formulation renowned for its Hridya (cardiotonic), Balya (strengthening), Shothahar (anti-inflammatory), Raktashodhak (blood-purifying), and Rasayana (rejuvenating) actions. It helps in restoring cardiac rhythm, strengthening myocardial tissue, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting the overall vitality of the cardiovascular system. Clinically, it is used to manage symptoms like palpitations, breathlessness, fatigue, and mild hypertension. Beyond cardiovascular health, it also supports mental calmness and stress relief, making it a holistic remedy in heart care. Modern research increasingly validates its traditional uses, positioning Arjuna Arishta as a valuable adjunct in the management of cardiovascular conditions.

Ingredients

1. Arjun Chhal (Terminalia arjuna)
2. Munakka (Vitis vinifera)
3. Mahua Pushpa (Madhuca indica)
4. Gud (Jaggery – Saccharum officinarum)
5. Dhawa Pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa)
6. Water (Jal)

Description Of Ingredients

1. Arjun Chhal (Terminalia arjuna)

Arjun Chhal is the chief ingredient in Arjunarishta and is extensively revered in Ayurveda as a potent Hridya (cardiac tonic). It has a natural affinity for the heart tissue and supports cardiac functioning by strengthening the Rasa (plasma tissue) and Rakta dhatus (blood tissues), which are directly connected to Hridaya (heart). It also exhibits Shothahar (anti-inflammatory), Stambhak (styptic), and Kashaya rasa (astringent taste), which help in controlling bleeding disorders, reducing edema, and stabilizing heart rhythms. It is rich in flavonoids, glycosides (like arjunetin and arjunolic acid), and coenzyme Q10, which are cardioprotective. It improves myocardial strength, reduces LDL cholesterol, and possesses strong antioxidant and anti-ischemic properties, making it highly beneficial in conditions like ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and left ventricular dysfunction.

2. Munakka (Vitis vinifera)

It is a Raktavardhak (blood-enricher) and Balya (strength-promoting) dravya in Ayurveda. It nourishes Rasa (circulatory fluid) and Rakta dhatu (blood tissue), which helps improve blood volume and quality, thereby supporting cardiac output and oxygen delivery to tissues. Its mild Virechak (laxative) and Pushtikar (nourishing) actions also help maintain metabolic balance and relieve constipation, a known aggravating factor in Vatavyadhi, including heart ailments. It has an antioxidant potential due to polyphenols like resveratrol, which improve endothelial function and reduce arterial stiffness. Its iron and natural sugar content help combat anemia and fatigue, both of which burden cardiac function in chronic conditions.

3. Mahua Pushpa (Madhuca indica)

These flowers serve both nutritive and fermentative roles in Arjunarishta. In Ayurveda, Mahua is regarded as Agnideepak (digestive stimulant) and Tarpanak (nourishing and soothing). It mildly supports Madakari (ferment-inducing) action due to its natural sugars, aiding in the self-fermentation process of Asava–Arishta preparations. This herb is a source of natural sugars, enzymes, and essential micronutrients, aiding in fermentation and also enhancing the tonic effect. Though indirectly, by supporting proper digestion and assimilation, it contributes to maintaining Ojas (vitality) and cardiac strength.

4. Gud (Saccharum officinarum)

It is a Deepan-Pachan (digestive and carminative), Raktavardhak, and also serves as the main substrate for fermentation. In Asava-Arishta kalpana, Gud acts as a natural fermentable sugar, helping develop the self-generated alcohol that aids in the extraction and preservation of phytoconstituents. Jaggery also helps in detoxifying the blood, mildly dilates vessels, and provides essential minerals like iron and magnesium that support cardiac contractility and prevent arrhythmias. It enhances palatability and contributes to the holistic nutritive value of the preparation.

5. Dhawa Pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa)

Dhawa Pushpa is traditionally categorized as a Sandhan dravya (natural fermenting agent) and Raktastambhak (hemostatic). Its role in Arjunarishta is pivotal—it not only facilitates controlled fermentation but also imparts antimicrobial, astringent, and stabilizing actions. The Kashaya rasa (astringent taste) of Dhawa aids in Shothahar (anti-inflammatory) and Raktashuddhikar (blood-purifying) effects, which are highly relevant in vascular conditions. Modern studies have identified tannins and natural yeast cultures in Woodfordia fruticosa, which help modulate gut flora and support healthy fermentation. It also has antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, making the formulation microbiologically safe and pharmacologically active over time.

Method Of Preparation

• Take 5 kg of Arjuna Chaal (Terminalia arjuna) and prepare it in Yavakut form (coarsely powdered).
• Mix with 2.5 kg of Munakka (Vitis vinifera).
• Add 1 kg of Mahua Pushpa (Madhuca indica).
• Boil this mixture in 48 liters of water to prepare a Kwath (herbal decoction).
• Reduce the Kwath (herbal decoction) to one-fourth its volume, i.e., approximately 12 liters, and filter it.
• Pour the warm Kwath into a large earthen pot.
• Immediately add 5 kg of Gud (Saccharum officinarum) and let it dissolve completely.
• Once the mixture cools down, add 1 kg of sun-dried Dhawa Pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa), which acts as a Sandhan dravya (natural fermenting agent).
• Seal the pot using a Sharav (clay lid) and cover the mouth with Kapad-Mitti (cloth and clay mixture) to ensure airtight closure.
• Place the sealed pot in an Ekant Nirvaat Ghar (quiet, undisturbed, and low-ventilation room) for natural fermentation.
• Place Puaal or Bhoosi (straw or husk) beneath the pot as cushioning material.
• After 1 month, open the pot and filter the fermented liquid.
• Wash and dry the same pot thoroughly, then pour the filtered Parthadyarishta (fermented Arjuna-based decoction) back into it for Gaad (sediment/dregs) to settle.
• After 15–20 days, carefully decant the clear upper layer into another clean container, leaving the thick sediment behind.
• Transfer the clear Parthadyarishta into sterilized glass bottles, seal with corks, label them, and store in a stable environment.
• After 1 year of maturation, the preparation becomes therapeutically potent.

Medicinal Properties

• Hridya (Cardiotonic)
• Balya (Strength promoter)
• Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
• Daha shamak (Relieves burning)
• Stambhak (Anti-hemorrhagic)
• Agni Deepak (Improves digestion)
• Vatanulomak (Carminative and balances Vata)

Classical Indication

Hriday Vikaar (heart disorders)

Indications

This classical formulation is helpful in conditions such as:

• Hridroga (heart diseases)
• Daurbalya (general debility)
• Hrudaya Gati Vikar (Irregular heartbeat)
• Dhatu Kshaya (Tissue depletion)
• Breathlessness
• Pandu (Anemia)

Dosage

Administer 12 to 25 ml, diluted with an equal quantity of water, twice daily after meals

Contraindication

• It is generally well tolerated and does not produce side effects when taken in the recommended dosage.
• Avoid in infants, pregnant, and lactating women unless advised by an Ayurvedic physician

Conclusion

Incorporating this classical preparation into a wellness regimen offers multifaceted support for internal balance and vitality. Arjunarishta is thoughtfully designed to support cardiovascular resilience, improve circulatory efficiency, and restore systemic balance. By promoting cardiac vigor, aiding blood nourishment, and alleviating subtle inflammatory processes, it offers a multi-layered approach to maintaining heart health. Arjunarishta serves not only as a supportive remedy but also as a preventive ally in long-term cardiac well-being.