Vatsanabha (Aconitum balfourii)

                                                               VATSANABHA

Latin Name- Aconitum balfourii

Family- Ranunculaceae

Synonyms- Amritum, Ugravisha, Garalam, Nagam, Nabhi, Pranaharam, Maranam etc.

Introduction- It is a perennial herb with tuberous root and reaches up to 1 m height. It contains large amount of toxic alkaloid pseudaconitine. Aconite is a Greek word meaning arrow. It was used as an arrow poison in early Chinese history. Leaves are palmately 5 lobed. The root is paired; mother tuber and daughter tuber attached to it.

Part Used- Root

Antidote- Borax (Tankan) is considered to be the main antidote. 

Uses- 1. It is an excellent remedy for chronic fever.

          2. Root paste is applied at the site of scorpion sting.

Important Formulations- Anandabhairava rasa, Hinguleshwar rasa, Kaphaketu rasa, Mritunjaya rasa, Rambana rasa, Tribhuvankirti rasa

Dry tubers of Vatsanabha