Ativisha, commonly known as Atees, is an endangered species of herb mentioned in Ayurvedic medicine. Belonging to the Ranunculacae family, having natural habitat only in sub alpine himalayas. Trade in Ativisha far exceeds the natural availability of this plant, , leading to rampant subsitution and adulteration. The solution to this problem of non availability of Ativisha is suggested in Ayurvedic books like bhavprakash and yogratnakar where Ativisha is substituted by Musta ( Cyprus rotundus) .
The herb’s roots are the primary part used in medicinal formulations, containing a wealth of bioactive compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids
Latin Name: Aconitum heterophyllum
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Antees
- Bengali: Ataeech
- Tamil: Atividayam, Athividayam,Atividyam,Ativisam
- Telugu: Ativasaa
- Kannada: Atibeej, Ativisha
- Malayalam: Ativisam, Atividyam
- Marathi: Ativisha
- Gujarati: Atwaas
- Punjabi: Atis
Sanskrit Name:
Ativisha Benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Ativisha holds a revered place in Ayurveda as a deepan (Digestive & carminative), grahi ( absorbent) that balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), with a primary focus on calming kapha and pitta . It is especially prized for its effects on the digestive and respiratory systems.
Ras ( Taste)
- Katu ( Pungent)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Benefits of Ativisha
As an Anti inflammatory
Ativisha is an excellent anti inflammatory and helps is reducing swelling, redness and hotness associated with inflammation. This property of ativisha benefits in relieving pain and swelling in joints.
Antibacterial
Ativisha is having antibacterial properties and is found effective against gram negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, shigella flexineri, pseudomonas aeruginosa, salonella typhi.
Immunity & Vitality
The Ativisha herb benefits in strengthening the immunity by enhancing the phagocytic function and to inhibit the humaoral component of the immune system.
Reduces cholesterol and trigliceraides
Ativisha is beneficial for managing high cholesterol and triglceraddes because of its lekhaniya property mentioned in charak samhita. In research also it was found to be effective in management of dislipdeim It is worth mentioning here that, two common classes of compounds used in modern medicine to control hyperlipidemia are statins and fibrates . The statins act on HMGR and fibrates regulate HDL-LDL ratios. However ativisha ( Aconitum Hetrophyllum) is active at both the levels.
Good for heart
Atis is one such ayurvedic herb that has been found to have a positive effect on the heart. Being a natural antioxidant and a cardio-protective herb, it plays a key role in treating a host of heart ailments. It relaxes the cardiac system, by soothing the mind, which is extremely advantageous for patients suffering from arrhythmias and palpitations. It is also beneficial in treating coronary heart disease, regulating blood pressure, strengthening the heart muscles, dropping cholesterol levels in the blood, and preventing lipid accumulation, which in turn reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart blocks, heart attacks, blood clots, etc.
Medicinal Qualities of Ativisha
Deepani : Improves digestive fire
Pachan: Helps to digest indigested food and Ama.
Atisarhara : Relieves diarhhea.
Grahi: Absorbent useful in loose motions .
Vishahar : Anti toxic .
Kasahar : Relives cold and cough.
Krumihar : Useful in worm infestation, infected wound .
Jwarhara: Helps to relieve fever .
Sh0thara : Reduces swelling and inflammation.
Varieties of Ativisha
There are 3 types of ativisha that are found basedon the colour
- White colour 2. Black colour 3. Yellow colour
1. Acotinum Heterophyllum
2. Acotinum palmatum
3. Acotinum kashmiricum
How to use Ativisha
Ativisha can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Ativisha Powder (Churna): Mixed with milk or warm water, often with a pinch of cardamom for taste.
- Decoction: Prepared by boiling the Ativisha in water, useful for digestive or respiratory issues.
- Part Used : Tuberous root
- Dosage : Adults 2 to 3 gms two times a day
- Childrens 1 to 2 gms two times a day
Home Remedies of Ativisha
In Asthma : Take 2 gms of Ativisha churna add little amount of Honey to it. Licking this 3 to 4 times helps in reliveing asthma and cough.
For Indigestion, Anorexia : Take Ativisha, nagarmotha, ushir, kutaj, lodhra 2gms each . Make a decoction by adding water to it and boil it. Consume it will make digestion strong and helps in managing anorexia, and fever.
Helpful in IBS : Take Ativisha, Sonth and Giloy 5 gms each add 4 cup of water to it and boil it till it reduces to 2 cup. Consuming this decoction in 2o ml quantity twice a day for 42 days will help to overcome irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and gas.
Cautions And Contraindications
While Ativisha( Acotinum heterophyllum) has many benefits and is generally safe, excessive consumption may cause:
- Dryness of mouth, tremors and other Vata dominance symptoms .
- Allergic reactions in rare cases.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina.
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Ativisha take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly shatavari work. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been adviced with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Ativisha
Ativisha (Acotinum Heterophyllum) is main ingriedients in following medicines
Balchaturbhadra churna: It is herbal combination of herbs mainly containing Ativisha and is useful in problems realted to children such as abdominal pain, gases, fever etc .
Chandraprabha vati : A herbo-mineral medicine very popularly used in ayurvedic treatment for various was main herb. It is used in stress, fatigue and weakness.
Kutaj ghan vati : A herbal extract tablet useful in diarhhea, dysentry.
Conclusion
Ativisha (Acotinum heterophyllum) is a one of Ayurvedic herb, revered for its digestive and respiratory properties. Whether for improving digestion, pain relief, or overall vitality, Ativisha continues to be a trusted herb for promoting health and well-being in a natural and holistic way.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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