Rasayana

According to Ayurveda, the word Rasayana is the unification of two words Rasa + Ayana.
Rasa : Nourishing fluids immediately produced, after digestion.
Ayna : Circulation ( of the Body fluids).
Thus, the term implies : The production of adequate amount of nourishing fluid after digestion and the permeation of this fluid throughout the cells of the body, providing an optimum nourishment.

The present connotation is : Herbs, Spices, Regimens, Minerals or Fruits, providing overall nourishment to the body, thereby , promoting the longevity, preventing the occurrence of a disease, it is the key to a Vibrant Health.

Rasayanas may be ingested in any of the following forms

As a Herb in its crude form.
As a Paste.
In the Powdered form.
In the form of Tinctures, Pills or Teas.

NOTE : Impairment or incapacitation of circulation of the Body fluids, is the pre-eminent cause of disease, ailment or decay.

Adequate amount of Rasa( juice), means, Body Tissues in a fine fettle.

Rasayana is also considered to be the source of all the three Body humours, namely , Vata, Pitta, Kapha. The humours are also known as Bio-energies or Doshas.

Vata Energy : Regulates body functions associated with mobility or motion, circulation of blood, breathing, nervous system and life force.
If, In balance: There is creativity and vitality.
If, Out of balance: Causes Anxiety, Fear, Constipation.

Pitta Energy : Controls the body's metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and body's temperature, hunger, thirst and sight.
In balance: Leads to contentment and intelligence.
Out of balance: Leads to Rashes, Sweating, Irritability, etc.

Kapha Energy : Governs structure and stability of body. Supplies water to all body parts, moisturizes the skin, lubricates the joints.
If, In balance: Expressed as love and forgiveness.
If, Out of balance: Causes Swelling, Tiredness, Lack of Appetite

Few known Rasayana Herbs are :

Bala (Sida Cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) , Kashmari (Gmelina Arborea) - These herbs are best known for increasing the strength of Tissues and Organs .

Pippali (Piper longum) - Acts as 'Respiratory Rasayana' Used to cure Abdominal diseases and Acid Reflux.

Lahsuna (Garlic ) - Enhances the Tissue enzymes. Cures diseases like Asthma, Breast Cancer, High Blood Pressure, etc.

Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) - Acts as 'Digestive Rasayana' , eliminates the waste products from the tissues and organs. Best known for treating Obesity.

Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Vacha (Acorus Calamus), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis), Mandukaparni (Centella Asiatica) - helps to increase the intellect and Memory, thus, known as 'Medhya Rasayana' (Brain Tonic).

Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul) - Helps the removal of waste products or toxins (Ama) .

Amlaki (Embelica Officinalis) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) - Decrease the catabolic process and thus postpones Ageing. Also, known as Adaptogenic tonics. Best used for treating Diabetes.

Bhallataka (Semicarpus Anacardium) - Is a famous Imune System booster.

Punarnava (Boerrhevia Diffusa) - Promotes the functions of the Kidney and , removes pain and strengthens the Digestive System.

Shatavari (Asparagus Recemosus) - Best known as a female Rejuvenator. It is used to cure Infertility, Leucorrhea and decreased Libido.