Nityodita Rasa – A Classical Ayurvedic Herbo-mineral Preparation for Treatment of Hemorrhoids / Piles (Arshas)

Abstract

Arsharoga (piles) is a chronic, painful, and debilitating anorectal disorder that often hinders daily life. Ayurveda has various herbomineral formulations (Rasaushadhis) that are mentioned for their management. Among them, Nityodita Rasa stands out as an effective formulation specifically indicated for Vatakapha-janya Arsha and Jirna Raktarsha (chronic bleeding piles). The ingredients of this formulation exhibit deep tissue penetration, anti-inflammatory, lekhana (scraping), and anulomana (carminative) properties. This article explores its classical reference, formulation details, preparation methodology, therapeutic actions, and modern relevance.

Introduction

Nityodita Rasa offers a unique multi-targeted approach with ingredients capable of shothahara (anti-inflammatory), vedanasthapana (analgesic), lekhana (scraping), and rasayana (rejuvenative) actions. Arsha (piles), being a tridoshaja disorder, often involves vitiation of Vata and Kapha, leading to pain, swelling, bleeding, and prolapse. The patients with sedentary lifestyles, irregular diets, and post-partum females are particularly vulnerable.

Classical Reference

Rasendra Sar Sangraha, Arsharogadhikara, 2/10–11

“Nityodita Rasah Sarvah Vatakapha-janya Arsha Jirna Raktarsha Prashamanah”

This reference indicates its targeted action on chronic and bleeding piles, and all Vata-kapha predominant piles.

Ingredients

1. Rasasindura (Red Sulphide of Mercury) – 5 g
2. Abhraka Bhasma (Purified and incinerated mica) – 5 g
3. Loha Bhasma (Iron calx) – 5 g
4. Tamra Bhasma (Copper calx) – 5 g
5. Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox) – 5 g
6. Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified sulphur) – 5 g
7. Shuddha Bhallataka (Purified Semecarpus anacardium) – 30 g
8. Bhavana Dravya: Suranakanda Swarasa (Juice of Amorphophallus campanulatus) – Q.S.

Product Description

1. Rasasindura (Red Sulphide of Mercury) is prepared from Parada (Purified Mercury) and Gandhaka (Purified Sulfur). Rasasindura (Red Sulphide of Mercury) is Ushna Virya (hot in potency) and Laghu (light in digestion) in nature. It acts as a Yogavahi (catalyst) and Rasayana (rejuvenative), enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of other ingredients. In Nityodit Ras, it helps pacify Vata and Kapha Dosha, supports Deepana (digestive stimulation), and assists in reducing Shotha (inflammation) associated with Arsha (piles/hemorrhoids).
2. Abhraka Bhasma (Purified and incinerated mica) is a powerful Rasayana (rejuvenator) and Balya (strength promoter) that supports Dhatu Pushti (tissue nourishment) and stabilizes Agni (digestive fire). It is Tridosha Shamak (balances all three doshas) and enhances Ojas (vital energy). In the context of Nityodit Ras, it aids in restoring strength in chronic Arsha conditions and reduces associated debility and weakness.
3. Loha Bhasma (Iron Calx) is known for its Pandu Hara (anti-anemic) and Raktavardhak (blood-enriching) properties. Loha Bhasma is Ushna Virya (hot in potency) and Tikshna (sharp-acting). It improves Agni (digestive capacity), reduces Ama (toxins), and is especially helpful in managing Rakta Arsha (bleeding piles). In Nityodit Ras, it enhances blood formation and tissue repair in anorectal disorders.
4. Tamra Bhasma (Copper Calx) – Tamra Bhasma is Deepana (digestive stimulant), Bhedana (purgative), and Krimighna (anthelmintic) in action. It pacifies Kapha and Vata Dosha, reduces Ama (toxins), and supports Yakrit (liver) function. In Nityodit Ras, it is useful in breaking down Sanchita Mala (accumulated waste) and addressing chronic constipation and flatulence associated with Arsha.
5. Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox) – After rigorous purification, Vatsanabha becomes Tikshna (sharp), Ushna (hot), and Vata-Kapha Shamak. It acts as a potent Vedana Sthapaka (analgesic), Jantughna (anti-parasitic), and Hridaya Balya (cardiac tonic). In Nityodit Ras, it alleviates severe Vedana (pain) and Shoola (colic) in piles while enhancing circulation and local heat in anorectal channels.
6. Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur) is Krimighna (anti-microbial), Vishaghna (detoxifier), and Raktashodhaka (blood purifier). It is Snigdha (unctuous), Ushna (hot), and enhances Mala Nirharana (bowel evacuation). In Nityodit Ras, it acts as a mild Virechaka (purgative), easing the evacuation of stools and reducing straining in patients with Arsha (piles).
7. Shuddha Bhallataka (Purified Semecarpus anacardium) is a highly potent Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive), and Arshoghna (anti-piles) herb. After proper purification, it becomes Ushna Virya (hot in potency), Tikshna (piercing), and Kaphavatahara (pacifying Kapha and Vata). In Nityodit Ras, it acts as a key drug for reducing Gulma (lump), Shotha (inflammation), and pain in internal and external piles, improving digestion and local blood circulation.
8. Suranakanda Swarasa (Juice of Amorphophallus campanulatus) is used as Bhavana Dravya (triturating liquid), Suranakanda (Elephant foot yam) is Arshoghna (anti-piles), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), and Vatanulomaka (carminative). It helps reduce local Shopha (swelling), promotes Virechana (purgation), and acts as an Anulomana (bowel regulator). In Nityodit Ras, it enhances the penetration of the formulation into Raktavahi Srotas (blood-carrying channels) and supports the expulsion of toxins in anorectal conditions.

Method Of Preparation

1. All powders were sieved, mixed, and triturated in a Khalvayantra (mortar and pestle)
2. Suranakanda Swarasa (Juice of Amorphophallus campanulatus) was added gradually and triturated (Mardana) for three days.
3. 250 mg (approx. 2 Ratti) vatis formed with Goghrita-applied palms, dried, and packed.

Medicinal Properties

• Vata-Kaphaj piles (dry, painful, non-bleeding) – Take Nityodita Rasa with Goghrita (Cow ghee) or Eranda Taila (Ricinus communis); support with Triphala Churna (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica), Abhayarishta.
• Jirna Raktarsha (chronic bleeding piles) – Take Nityodita Rasa with cold milk or Mochras decoction (Bombax ceiba); support with Nagakeshara Churna (Mesua ferrea), Arshoghni Vati, Kutajghan Vati (Holarrhena antidysenterica).
• Shushka piles (dry piles with pain, hard stool) – Take Nityodita Rasa with Castor oil in warm milk (Ricinus communis); support with Gandharvahastadi Kashayam, Erand Paak (Ricinus communis).
• Bahya Shotha (perianal inflammation) – Take Nityodita Rasa with hot water + Saindhav Lavana; support with Dashmool Kwatha (combination of 10 roots including Oroxylum indicum, Desmodium gangeticum, etc.), Nirgundi oil application (Vitex negundo).
• Post-Hemorrhoidectomy Recovery Take Nityodita Rasa with Ghrita + Haridra (Curcuma longa) + Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra); support with Jatyadi Ghrita, Shatdhaut Ghrita, Abhrak Bhasma (Purified Mica).
• Agnimandya (digestive weakness with piles) – Take Nityodita Rasa with Dry ginger decoction (Zingiber officinale); support with Chitrakadi Vati (Plumbago zeylanica), Hingwashtak Churna (contains Ferula asafoetida and other digestive herbs).
• Pandu (anemia due to chronic bleeding piles) – Take Nityodita Rasa with Draksha Swarasa (Vitis vinifera) or Anjeer decoction (Ficus carica); support with Punarnava Mandur (Boerhavia diffusa), Tapyadi Loha, Navayas Loha.
• Guda Vedana (anal pain) – Take Nityodita Rasa with Guggulu + Milk (Commiphora mukul); support with Nirgundi Taila (Vitex negundo) externally, Mahayograj Guggulu (polyherbal with Commiphora mukul base).
• Postpartum piles – Take Nityodita Rasa with Dashmool Ghrita or Ajwain water (Trachyspermum ammi); support with Dashmoolarishta, Prasoothika Paripachaka Ghruta.
• Piles with chronic constipation – Take Nityodita Rasa with Triphala decoction at night; support with Isabgol (Plantago ovata) + Ghee + Warm milk.
• Piles due to sedentary lifestyle – Take Nityodita Rasa with Honey + Ginger juice (Zingiber officinale); support with Medohar Vati, Trikatu Churna (Zingiber officinale, Piper longum, Piper nigrum).
• Piles with itching and burning sensation – Take Nityodita Rasa with Coconut water (Cocos nucifera) or Sandal decoction (Santalum album); support with Chandanasava, Yashtimadhu Churna (Glycyrrhiza glabra).
• External piles with recurrent swelling – Take Nityodita Rasa with Eranda Taila abhyanga (Ricinus communis) + hot fomentation; support with Mahasudarshan Ghan Vati (polyherbal including Swertia chirata), Varunadi Kwatha (Crataeva nurvala).
  

Dosha Effect

• Vata-Kapha Shamak: Ideal for Vata-Kapha Arsha (Vata-kapha dominant piles)
• Slightly increases Pitta, hence caution is advised in Pitta dominant piles.

Indications

• Piles of Vata-Kapha dominance (Vatakapha-janya Arsha)
• Chronic bleeding hemorrhoids (Jirna Raktarsha)
• Shotha (Inflammation) of anal region
• Painful defecation
• Anemia is associated with piles

Dosage And Administration

• 250 mg twice daily with ghrita or milk, preferably after meals.

Contraindications

• Pittaja Arsha (Piita dominant Piles)
• Children, pregnant, and lactating women.
• Avoid in gastritis and peptic ulcer conditions.
• Administer under qualified supervision due to Vishadravya (toxic herbs) content.

Conclusion

Nityodita Rasa emerges as a powerful and time-tested Rasaushadhi for chronic and complicated Arsha (piles), especially when conventional treatments fail. Its synergistic blend of purified metals, minerals, and vishadravyas (toxic herbs), combined with the unique anulomana (mild laxative) and lekhana (scrapping) properties of Suranakanda (Amorphophallus campanulatus), makes it ideal for painful and bleeding piles.