Ativisha – Aconitum heterophyllum

Ativisha is a worldwide known plant having many medicinal values. Though it is not having poisonous effect, it is mentioned in Upavisha category in Ayurveda. It possess many medicinal properties. It is a popular drug used in children’s diseases, hence got the name Shishu Bhaishajya. As it breaks very easily, it is also known as Bhangura.

Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has been working on Ativisha plant for discovering more medicinal properties. Our experts found out that the plant can act as an antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, digestant, expectorant and diuretic agent. It is very effective in cough and fever in children. Ativisha can also be used for diseases likedysentery, vomiting, stomach disorders, helminthiasis, malarial fever, haemorrhoids, haemorrhages, internal inflammatory conditions etc. It also possesses hepatoprotective activity. The plant shows potent immunostimulant properties also. The chemical studies of the plant have revealed that various parts of the plant contain alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids, saponins, glycosides, quinones, flavonoids, terpenoids, etc.

Action of Ativisha – Aconitum heterophyllumin Allergies

IAFA has been conducting various studies on Ativisha to found out the antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant. The plant contains phytoconstituents like Atisine, a non-Crystalline
substance which is bitter and non-toxic. Besides this, it also contains
aconitic acid, tannic acid, pectin, starch, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearicglycerides.

Vernacular Names and Botanical Classification

Botanical name	Aconitum heterophyllum
Family	Ranunculaceae
Native Names
Sanskrit Name	Ativisha, Aruna, Bhangura
Hindi Name	Atis
English Name	Indian atees
Malayalam Name	Atividayam
Tamil Name	Atibaje
Telugu Name	Ativasa

Ayurveda Reference of Ativisha – Aconitum heterophyllum

Morphology of Ativisha – Aconitum heterophyllum

Plant grows upto 60 cm
Stem – erect and branches are compressed
Leaves – ovate-cordate, lower leaves are broader in size than the upper ones
Flowers – blue or violet in colour
Fruits – smaller in size
Seeds – blackish in colour
Roots – biennual, horn shaped and fragile

Geographical Distribution of Ativisha–Aconitum heterophyllum

Ativisha is distributed in India, Pakistan, Nepal. In India it grows in high altitude like Kashmir and Madradesa.

Phytoconstituents of Ativisha – Aconitum heterophyllum

The plant Ativisha contains phytoconstituents like Atisine, a non-Crystalline
substance which is bitter and non-toxic. Besides this, it also contains
aconitic acid, tannic acid, pectin, starch, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearicglycerides.

Parts Used of Ativisha – Aconitum heterophyllum

Root tuber

Dosage of Ativisha – Aconitum heterophyllum

Powder (churna) – 0.6 -2 gm

Medicinal Properties of Ativisha – Aconitum heterophyllum

Deepani – increases the secretion of digestive juices
Pachana – helps to the digestion of indigested food
Grahi – absorbent
Arsoghna – useful in piles
Krimighna – removes worm infestation
Visaghna – anti toxic
Rakthasodaka – purifies blood
Sothahara – relieves swelling
Jvaraghna – relieves fever

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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Home Remedies of Ativisha – Aconitum heterophyllum

Ayurveda is purely based on naturally available herbs for treatment purposes. Ativisha is a easily available plant and can be used to treat diseases like,

Cough in children (Kasa) – 0.5 g of Ativisha powder is given along with honey for 3 days
Dysentery (Atisara) – 1 g of powder along with Vacha powder and honey two times for 2 days.
Grahani (IBS) – Decoction prepared from Ativisha, Vacha and Mustha is given orally for 7 days
Ulcers (Vruna) – Syonaka, Kantakari and Ativisha are made into paste and applied over the wounds.
Intestinal worm infestation (Krimi) – Powder of ativisha (1gm) and vidangam (2gm) along with honey is taken internally for 5 days.
Rat bite (Mushikadamsa) – Root of Ativisha is made into paste and taken internally along with honey.
Fever (Jvara) – Decoction of Ativisha along with Sunti is taken internally for 3 days.
Indigestion (Ama) – 2 gm of Ativisha powder along with honey is taken internally for 3 days.