Kiratarishta is an Ayurvedic medicine used in the treatment of fever and hematological conditions. It is a liquid formulation containing several potent herbs, which have been used for centuries in the treatment and prevention of several diseases. It contains self-generated natural alcohol, which along with the water present in the medication, acts as a media to deliver the water and alcohol soluble active components in the herbs to the body.
The herbs present in Kiratarishta are given below:
- Kirata (Swertia Chirata)
- Pippali (Long Pepper)
- Pippalimoola (Long Pepper Root)
- Chavya (Piper Chaba)
- Chitramoola (Plumbago Zeylanica )
- Madhu (Honey)
- Shunti (Ginger)
- Guda (Jaggery)
Indications, Benefit & Uses
Kiratarishta can be used to treat the following conditions:
Kiratarishta is effective in treating fever caused due to bacterial and viral infections. It reduces the symptoms associated with fever like weakness, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and restlessness. It produces a strong antipyretic action and controls fever. It can be used to treat acute as well as chronic fever like malaria and typhoid. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces pain, body aches, and warmth. It can help to treat typhoid by destroying salmonella typhi bacteria. It also reduces the risk of the typhoid-affected patients becoming a carrier for the salmonella typhi bacteria.
Regular sue of Kiratarishta can help in preventing fever in the immuno-compromised patients. It works by strengthening the immunity. It boosts the response of the defence cells in the blood, which act against the organisms and eliminate them thus preventing them from infecting a person and causing fever. Hence, patients who have a tendency to fall sick too often are advised to use Kiratarishta on a regular basis.
Patients suffering from a chronic debilitating illness should also take Kiratarishta during the recovery phase and for a few weeks following complete recovery as the immunity of a person is very low during this phase. Hence, a person is at a higher risk of contracting infections. Taking Kiratarishta can strengthen their immunity and prevent these infections.
Kiratarishta has been found to help in the management of several hematological conditions. It can help to treat anaemia and boost the functions of blood such as clotting. It is also a very efficient blood detoxifier. It cleanses the blood and eliminates the harmful toxic substances accumulated in the body. These harmful substances enter the body through the intake of food in the form of preservative, colouring agents, or additives. They can also enter the body via breathing. As we inhale the air, the pollutants enter our body and reach the lungs where they can cause considerable damage and reduce the efficiency of the pulmonary tissues. These pollutants may also reach all the body organs through blood circulation and cause long-term consequences. Hence, it is very important to get rid of these toxic products. Kiratarishta works as an effective blood cleanser and prevents a range of disorders that are caused due to the accumulation of these toxins.
Kiratarishta can be used in the treatment of some skin disorders like eczema, allergic dermatitis, and acne.
Kiratarishta can improve the functions of the gastrointestinal system and help in the management of indigestion. It can also be used to treat intestinal worm infestations.
Side effects of Kiratarishta
Kiratarishta is prepared from pure herbal ingredients. It does not contain any harsh chemicals. Hence, it does not cause any serious side effects. It is completely safe to use. In some cases, patients may develop pain in the abdomen, stomach irritation, and gastric upsets, especially when the medicine is taken in large doses. However, these side effects are mild in nature and do not require any active intervention. These symptoms can be avoided by taking the medication in the recommended doses and avoiding its consumption on an empty stomach. The use of Kiratarishta in children should be avoided. Pregnant women should avoid using Kiratarishta unless advised by a doctor. During lactation period, women can use it in lower doses, after consulting a doctor.
Patients with diabetes should refrain from using Kiratarishta as it contains jaggery, which can increase their blood sugar levels.
Recommended dose of Kiratarishta
Patients should take Kiratarishta in a dose of 10 ml, diluted in an equal quantity of warm water, once or twice a day. The dose can be increased to 15 ml diluted in the same manner and taken one to two times a day, in case the symptoms are severe. The doses should be taken after food to avoid gastric irritation. Patients should use this medicine for 2 to 4 weeks depending on the condition to be treated.