Health Benefits of Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum – Indian Atis Root)/Atis -aka- Ativisha (in Ayurveda), Atees (in Hindi), Indian Atis Root (in English) or Aconitum Heterophyllum botanically, is a herb plant that grows tall about 2000 feet above sea level and found in the Himalayan regions and colder parts of India, for example, Kashmir and identified as a characteristic species of Nepal, Sikkim, and Chumbi areas.
Atis contains carminative activities so that the herb can help indigestion and constipation problems. The antibacterial property of the plant is also helpful in treating diarrhea by preventing pathogenic microorganisms.
Atis roots can also be useful in healthy weight loss because the herb can reduce triglycerides levels and increase the HDL-cholesterol levels. Apart from this, the plant also has antipyretic, anthelmintic, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory, and antitussive properties.
According to Ayurveda, the herb can handle the symptoms of insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes as it has Tikta (bitter) taste and Kapha balancing activities. Atisha is one of the common herbs used in ayurvedic pediatric medicine also.
Ground Atis roots can be eaten with honey to relieve the cough and cold as the plant is Ushna (hot) in nature and prohibits the accumulated mucus.
Due to the same reason, the plant roots have been used as the best fever managing natural medicine in children and newborns.
Atis seeds with honey can be used for topical applications to provide instant relief from tonsillitis and throat infections. The Atis roots are recommended for reducing migraines also.
General Plant Information of Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)
Atisha is an Ayurveda herb commonly known as Indian Atis Root. The herb has been widely used to treat digestion problems and fever conditions in children. The botanical name of the plant is Aconitum Heterophyllum that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family.
The aerial parts of the plant are annual, and the roots are biennial. The stem is erect and clasping that grows up to 15 – 20 cm. There are no branches or rarely one or two. The leaves of the plant are sessile, glabrous, and different in shape and size.
| FLOWERING & FRUITING | August to October (in the 3rd year of growth) |
|---|---|
| PARTS USED | Dried tuberous roots |
| PLANT TYPE | Herb |
| DURATION | Biennial |
| DISTRIBUTION | Himalayan regions ( 3000 m to 4200 m or below 2200 m altitude) |
| HABITAT | Sub-alphine, Alphine climates |
| PROPAGATION | Seeds, Young Leafy Stems or Tuber Segments |
Plant Parts Used
Atisha root and tubers are the most widely used part for medicinal use as they contain active constituents.
Roots
The plant roots are tuberous and paired. The shape of the roots is conical or cylindrical, about 2 – 7.5 cm long (maximum) and 0.4 – 1.6 cm thick (maximum). When the plant starts tapering to the end, the thickness is gradually reduced. The color of the roots is yellowish and greyish white externally. The scars of fallen rootlets and a rosette of rudimentary leaves form wrinkle marks on the external surface.
The roots are starchy and white with a surface pointed to the center with 4 – 7 yellowish to brown dots arranged concentrically, towards the end of fibrovascular bundles. It is odorless, bitter, and has no tingling sensation.
The plant has four different classifications as White, Black, Red, and Yellow. The white variety is considered the best that grows faster and higher.
Flowers
The flowers of Atis are hooded, large, and in white to violet color. They are present in lax leafy panicles or slender racemes. It has a hairy corolla and five carpels with 10 to 18 follicles.
Synonyms of Ativisha
Aconitum Heterophyllum, Indian Trees, Atibage, Ativish, Ati Vasa, Aruna, Ghunapriya, Visa, Aatich, Ataicha, Atis Root, Ativishni Kali, Ativikhani Kali, Ativisha, Athihage, Atividayam, Ativisha, Atushi, Atisa, Atees, Ativasa, Kashmeera, Shuklakanda, Bhangra, Vishva.
Ayurveda Names: Ativisha, Aruna, Shuklakanda, Bhangra, Ghunavallabha, Ghunapriya, Kaashmira, Vira, Visha, and Shishubhaishajya.
Sanskrit Names: Ativisha, Bhangra, Ghunapriya, Ghunavallabha, Kashmeera, Mahaushadham, Peetavallabha, Shishubhaishajya, Shuklakanda, Shphahaa, Shrungi, Shyamakanda, Vishva, and Visha.
Scientific Classification
All the plants in the world are classified as seven main levels scientifically. They are the Kingdom, Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.
A genus contains many species that are related and have similarities. The botanical name of the plant is formed Genus (in uppercase), followed by Species (in lowercase).
Species is the bottom level that shows the group of the plant.
| KINGDOM | Plantae (Includes All extinct or living plants) |
|---|---|
| SUB KINGDOM | Tracheobionta (Contain lignified tissues or xylene for holding minerals and water) |
| SUPER DIVISION | Spermatophyta (Produce seeds) |
| DIVISION | Magnoliophyta (Flowering plant) |
| CLASS | Magnoliopsida (Flowering plants produce an embryo and paired cotyledons) |
| SUBCLASS | Magnoliidae |
| ORDER | Ranunculales |
| FAMILY | Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) |
| GENUS | Aconitum |
| SPECIES | Aconitum Heterophyllum |
Common Names of Ativisha (Indian Atis Root)
- Botanical Name: Aconitum Heterophyllum
- English Name: Indian Atees
- Unani Name: Atees
- Siddha Name: Athividayam
- Tamil Name: அதிவிடயம்/Athividayam
- Malayalam Name: അതിവിടയം/Ativitayam, ஆட்திரணம்/Atthiranam
- Telugu Name: అతివస్స/Ativasa
- Kannada Name: ಅತಿವಿಷ/Ativisha, ಅಥಿಹಾಗೆ/Athihage
- Hindi Name: अतीस/Atees, Atis
- Marathi Name: आटविष/Ativish
- Punjabi Name: ਤਿਸ/Atis
- Gujarati Name: અતીવીષની કાલી /Ativishni Kali
- Bengali Name: আতাইচা/Ataicha
- Assamese Name: Aatich
- Oriya Name: ଅଟୁଶି/Atushi
- Persian Name: واججتورکی/Vajjeturki
- Tibbi Name: Atees
- Konkani Name: Atibaje
- Urdu Name: اتیس/Atees
Medicinal Properties of Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)
- Antipyretic
- Antiperiodic
- Antidote
- Digestive
- Stomachic
- Antiemetic
- Amapachak – detoxifier
- Anthelmintic
- Antidiarrheal
- Aphrodisiac
- Blood purifier
- Antimalarial
- Anti-dysenteric
- Breastmilk detoxifier
- Anti-obesity
- Antitussive
- Styptic
- Anti-hemorrhoidal
- Absorbent
- Carminative
- infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antihyperlipidemic
- Antioxidant
- Antihyperglycemic
- Anti-diabetic
- Hemostatic
- Hepatoprotective
15 Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)
Ativisha is a multipurpose herb that helps to reduce fever and prevent infections. It benefits respiratory and digestive health. It improves appetite, metabolism, and can digest food. It can reduce fat accumulation, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, and Aam toxins from the body. Atisha tubers or roots are used in the treatments related to blood, stomach, skin, lungs and airways, intestines, and liver.
Various diseases like IBS, Piles, and Hemorrhoids can also be treated with Ativisha. The herb is a natural detoxifier that removes toxins from blood and body tissues. Ativisha can also improve breast milk consistency.
1. Treats Ingestion
The decoctions of Atis, dry ginger, Cyperus Rotundus, and Tinospora cordifolium can be eaten together to digest all the undigested food you had, and it gives you better relief.
In Ayurveda, ingestion is called Agnimandya that causes when the pitta doshas are imbalanced. Sometimes the food we consumed would not digest because of low digestive fire (Mand Agni in Ayurveda) that develops the Ama formations, which means the toxic and it leads to ingestion.
Atis or Ativisha helps to digest the Ama (toxins) with its Pachana (digestion) and Deepana (appetizer) properties.
2. Prevents Vomiting
According to Ayurveda, vomiting occurs when the three doshas are imbalanced, especially Pitta and Kapha. The imbalance is caused by improper eating habits and eating excessive foods such as Amla (sour), Ati-Sheeta (cold diet), Apakwa Ahaara (raw or uncooked food), Guru (heavy diet), Kashaya (pungent), Teekshna (sharp), and Vidahi (causing burning sensation).
These habits lead to Ama (toxic due to improper digestion) formation in the body and cause indigestion. As Atis has digestive properties, it helps digest the foods that created Ama and caused Vomiting and gives you complete relief from the conditions. The balancing properties of Atis such as Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestion), and Tridoshas called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the reasons for this effect.
3. Treats Diarrhea
Ativisha is an antidiarrheal and absorbent that helps reduce the liquid content in the stool and binds it. Also, it lowers the frequency of loose stools. For these activities, the herb is widely used with South (dried ginger) and Nagarmotha powders.
In Ayurveda, diarrhea is called Atisara, which is a condition where the affected person experiences watery stools more than three times a day. The imbalance of Vata dosha affects digestive fire functions and causes Agnimandya (indigestion).
Improper eating habits, impure water, and toxins due to improper food are other reasons for diarrhea. The Vata balancing, appetizer, digestive activities, helps to treat diarrhea and manage the weak digestive fire.
4. Treats Piles
Because of the sedentary lifestyle we are living today, Piles become the most common issue developed due to chronic constipation. When Vata dosha becomes imbalanced in the body, constipation is created.
The damages Vata causes weak digestive fire and leads to decisive constipation; thus, you feel extreme pain and swelling around the anal region. It should be treated on time. These conditions lead to Pile mass formation when ignored or untreated. Atis helps manage constipation, thus preventing piles formation.
5. Reduces Arthritis Pain
In rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, because of imbalance Vata dosha, the patients feel the pain, which is called Arthritic pain.
The topical application of Atis on affected areas helps reduce the pain with its Vata balancing activity.
6. Reduces Nervous Pain
It is a condition that occurs when there is a disturbance felt in the nerves like obstructed blood flow as a result of the Vata dosha imbalance.
The topical application of atis reduces pain by balancing the Vata dosha.
7. Fever Management
Atis, with its antipyretic property, has been used to treat and prevent fever. Ativisha is the most common ayurvedic medicine used to reduce fever in children and infants. The herb acts as a diaphoretic and stimulates perspiration that helps reduce the fever.
Pulverized Atis (6 Ratis) can be consumed three to four times a day with a minimum of two to three hours to treat fever.
8. Treats Common Cold & Flu
Ativisha powder mixed with honey and basil leaf juice is given to treat the common cold and flu. It is the best medicine for treating infections of the upper respiratory tract and cold in children.
The mixture also provides relief from running nose, fever, nasal blockage, nasal irritation, and sneezing, and it prevents secondary infections too.
9. Heals Constipation
Powder of Ativisha root (Aconitum heterophyllum), Haritaki (fruit rind of chebulic myrobalan), Vach (rhizome of the sweet flag), Chitrak (leadwort root/Plumbago zeylanica), Pippli fruit (Piper longum), Yavakshara (salt of sodium & potassium), and costus rhizome (Saussurea lappa) are mixed and consumed with warm water two times a day at 3 to 6 grams as dose.
10. Prevents Cough & Bronchitis
Ativisha powder mixed with Pistacia Integerrima and honey can be given to treat cough and bronchitis. The mixture clears the lungs, prevents inflammation, and regulates the mucus secretions.
11. Treats Malabsorption
Ativisha contains metabolism-enhancing properties, digestive, and stomachic actions that improve metabolism and digestion.
According to Ayurveda, Malabsorption is related to Ama (toxins). Ativisha has digestive properties that help digest and assimilate the foods that help give proper treatment for malabsorption syndrome. Ativisha with Cumin seeds powder (Jeera powder or Trikatu Churnam) must be taken for this treatment.
12. Treats Mumps & Parotitis
The decoction extracted from an equal amount of roots of Ativisha, Aswagandha, Musli, Guduchi (stem), and Atibala can be taken a day thrice as a dose of 14 – 28 ml for parotitis and mumps.
13. Treats Diabetes and Leucorrhoea
The half teaspoon of dried (in the shade) and powdered mixture of roots of Ativisha, leaves of Ajuga parviflora, and roots of Podophyllum hexandrum is given two times a day in the early morning and night after food for three months as a carminative and to treat diabetes and leucorrhoea.
14. Treats Chronic Fever
The 5 to 10 ml of aqueous root extract of Ativisha can be taken twice a day in the early morning with an empty stomach and at night after food. It should be continued for 1 to 4 weeks in chronic fever and diarrhea. It can be given to treat colds also.
15. Cures Loose Motions with Mucus
An equal part mixture of Ativisha, Triphala, and Cyperus scariosus can be taken two times daily at a dose of 3 grams to treat loose motions.
Finely powdered 50 grams of Ativisha, Cyperus scariosus, Pippali, and Pistacia lentiscus gall can be taken 1 gram a day with honey to get rid of cold, cough, vomiting, gastroenteritis, and loose motion.
Chemical Constituents of Ativisha (Indian Atis Root)
- Atidine
- Atisenol
- Atsine
- Banzolheteratisine
- Diterpene Alkaloids
- F-Dihydroatisine
- Heteratisine
- Heterophyllidine
- Heterophylline
- Heterophyllisine
- Hetidine
- Hetisinone
- Histisine
Ayurvedic Properties of Ativisha (Indian Atis Root)
| SANSKRIT | ENGLISH | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| RASA | Tikta, Katu | TASTE | Bitter, Pungent |
| GUNA | Laghu, Ruksha | PHYSICAL QUALITY | Light, Dry |
| VIRYA | Ushna | POTENCY | Hot |
| VIPAKA | Katu | METABOLIC PROPERTY | Pungent |
| DOSHA KARMA | Tridoshas (Kapha Dosha) | EFFECT ON HUMORS | Balance Tridoshas |
| PRABHAVA | Vishahara | EXCLUSIVE ACTION | Anti-toxic |
Therapeutic Indications
- Breathing Difficulties
- Bronchitis & Cough
- Common Cold & Rhinitis
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea
- Dyslipidemia
- Fever & Infections
- Glycosuria
- Indigestion
- Intermittent Fever
- Intestinal Worms
- Loss of Appetite
- Malaria
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Piles
Ayurvedic Actions of Ativisha (Indian Atis Root)
| QUALITIES (GUNA) | ACTIONS (KARMA) |
|---|---|
| AMA NASHAK | Toxin Digester |
| ATISARGHNA | Controls Diarrhea |
| DEEPANA | Promotes Appetite |
| GRAHI | Digestive, Inspissant, Dry the body fluids |
| JWARAHARA | Reduces Burning Sensation |
| KASAHARA | Treats Cough |
| KRIMIGHNA | Destroys Worms |
| PACHANA | Digest Ama Toxins |
| RAKTADOSHAHAR | Purifies Blood |
| VISHAHARA | Poison Destroyer |
Ayurvedic Usage with Different Herbs
- Pediatric Disorders: Ativisha, Karkatasrngi, and Long pepper.
- Atisara: Powder of Ativisha, Bhanga, and Vacha (Acorus Calamus).
- Fever With Diarrhea: Ativisha, Giloy, Ginger, Kutaja, and Musta as a decoction.
- Dysuria: Ativisha, Amla Dravyas, Goksura, Kantakari, and Sunti as Peya with Phanita.
- Visha Roga: Ghee prepared from cow milk and ativisha as nasal drops for acute poisoning.
- Rat Bite: Grind Ativisha roots with honey. The paste is given orally.
- Colic Pain: One part of Ativisha and three parts of Ankota with rice water.
- Colitis: Ativisha, Guduchi, and Sunti.
- Intestinal Worm Infestation: Ativisha and Vidanga.
How to use Ativisha (Indian Atis Root)
1. As Powder
Usage i:
- Take one teaspoon of Ativisha powder and add honey to it.
- Have it in the morning to get rid of indigestion.
Usage ii:
- Take half to one teaspoon of Ativisha powder.
- Add rose water to it and apply it on the affected area. Leave it for 10 minutes.
- Wash it thoroughly with water.
- Continue this for 2 to 3 times a week to treat ulcers and boils.
2. As Extract
- Take 1 to 2 pinches of Ativisha extract and add honey to it.
- Give it in the morning to children in fever, bloating, and loose motion.
3. As Kwatha
- Take 2 to 3 teaspoons of Ativisha kwatha.
- Add an equal amount of water and honey to it.
- Drink two times a day after food to get relief from indigestion.
4. As Oil
- Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of Ativisha oil.
- Add sesame oil to it and apply gently to the affected area.
- Continue this for 2 to 3 times a week for joint pain and inflammation.
Dosage of Ativisha (Aconitum Heterophyllum)
| NEWBORNS (UNDER 28 DAYS) | 100 to 125 mg |
|---|---|
| INFANTS (1 – 6 MONTHS) | 125 to 200 mg |
| INFANTS (6 – 12 MONTHS) | 200 to 300 mg |
| TODDLER (1 – 3 YEARS) | 300 to 400 mg |
| PRESCHOOLER (3 – 5 YEARS) | 400 to 600 mg |
| GRADE-SCHOOLER (5 – 12 YRS) | 600 to 750 mg |
| TEENAGER (13 -19 YEARS) | 750 to 1000 mg |
| ADULTS (19 TO 60 YEARS) | 1000 to 2000 mg |
| GERIATRIC (ABOVE 60 YEARS) | 500 to 1000 mg |
| PREGNANCY | 250 to 500 mg |
| LACTATION | 250 to 500 mg |
| MAXIMUM DOSAGE | 6 g/day (in divided doses) |
| CONSUMPTION | Two times a day with honey after food |
Precaution and Side Effects of Ativisha
Aconitum, Aconitum heterophyllum (Ativisha) is the only non-toxic plant that has therapeutic and ayurvedic benefits.
The chemical constituents of Aconitum heterophyllous are ascribed with non-toxic properties, i.e., aconites, adding sine comprise major alkaloid contents.
The hypotensive effect of atisine was evaluated and found in every test dose, but the whole plant boasts the hypertensive property. Ativisha does not have toxic aconitine alkaloids, and so it is safe for infants.
If ativisha is purified and taken in the right dose advised by professionals, there is no worry about side effects. Overdose that is more than 2 grams in a single take causes constipation. The herb is naturally dry, so when you consume it in an improper dose, it causes dryness in the body and xerostomia.
