Gandhak Rasayan – Uses, Indications, Dosage, Interaction

Gandhak Rasayan (also spelled as Gandhaka Rasayana) is a traditional ayurvedic mineral-based medicine, which contains detoxified Sulfur processed with herbal juice as the main ingredient.

Gandhak Rasayan is a great antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial ayurvedic medicine. It is beneficial in almost all types of infections due to its broad-spectrum antibiotic activity.

Ingredients & Composition of Gandhak Rasayan

Shuddha Gandhak or purified/detoxified Sulfur is the main ingredient used in the preparation of Gandhak Rasayan. Gandhak is detoxified using clarified butter (Ghee) before using it in preparation for Gandhak Rasayan. Then it is processed with Cow’s Milk. After that, it is again processed with the following herbal decoctions and juices separately.

• Chaturjat decoction
• Haritaki (Harad) – It is used as an anti-allergic and anti-fungal medicine that helps treat various skin problems such as rashes allergy, itching, etc.
• Shuddha Gandhak – It contains amino acid which plays a vital role in the formation of antibodies, cells protein, and tissues. It also helps in blood purification and to treat skin diseases such as eczema, pimples, and more.
• Giloy (Guduchi) – It has blood purifying properties and helps in removing endotoxins from the body; hence it improves the skin complexion.
• Amla – It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. It helps in nourishing the skin and scalp. It also acts as a blood purifier and improves the skin complexion.
• Bahera – It has all the antibacterial properties which are helpful in treating various skin ailments.

Chaturjat contains cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), tejpat (Malabar leaf or Cinnamomum tamala), and Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea).

• Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) Decoction
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) Decoction
• Amla (Indian Gooseberry or Phyllanthus emblica) Decoction
• Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) Decoction
• Ginger (Zingiber Officinale ) rhizome juice
• Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) juice

Some companies also add sugar after processing with herbal decoctions and juices.

Medicinal Properties of Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan has the following healing properties.

Primary Action

• Antibacterial
• Antimicrobial
• Antiviral
• Broad-spectrum Antibiotic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Demulcent
• Antipruritics

Secondary Action

• Anthelmintic
• Digestive stimulant (mild effects)
• Aphrodisiac
• Anti-leprosy
• Antioxidant
• Antipyretic (mild effects)
• Analgesic (reduces tenderness and pain of soft tissues)
• Adaptogenic
• Blood purifier

Therapeutic Indications of Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan is helpful in following health conditions.

Skin & Hairs

• Itching and burning sensation (due to any underlying pathology)
• Urticaria or hives and angioedema
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Leprosy (as supportive therapy and cannot work alone)
• Boils
• Scabies
• Acne or pimples
• Dandruff
• Fungal infections of the scalp
• Ringworm

Lungs & Airways

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Rhino-sinusitis or Purulent discharge from the nose
• Breathing trouble associated with bacterial infections of the respiratory system

Teeth & Gums

• Pyorrhea
• Pain in gums
• Inflammatory disorders of gums (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)

Men’s Health

• Infertility or oligospermia due to pus in seminal fluid

Overall

• Acne – This special herbal formulation helps to reduce acne and acne scars on the skin surface. It prevents acne from coming back. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
• Leprosy – It is a very dangerous disease especially if left unrelieved. Children are more likely to get the disease than adults. These tablets help to reduce sores on the skin.
• Ringworm – It helps to reduce the infection caused by ringworm. Ringworm can attack the hair as well as nails.
• Scabies – It reduces the itching caused by the bacteria. It reduces the little red bumps caused by the disease.
• Blood Impurities – It helps to flush away toxins from the skin. It helps to enhance the immune system.

Benefits & Medicinal Uses of Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan works well in all health conditions with a common symptom of burning sensation. It is beneficial in diseases such as urinary tract infections, burning sensation in hands and feet, burning sensation in the skin, itching, burning sensation of the tongue, etc. The main medicinal uses and benefits of Gandhak Rasayan are discussed as follows.

Urticaria or hives and angioedema

A small red spot occurs on the skin due to an allergic reaction to allergens. It causes itching and sometimes a burning sensation on the skin. Gandhak Rasayan is a drug of choice in Ayurveda for this condition. However, sometimes, it may not work alone, so your doctor may also suggest other remedies including Jasad bhasma and Haridra Khand. If burning becomes worse, then Giloy Satva, Praval Pishti, Moti Pishti, and Mukta Sukti Pishi Should be added.

Scabies

Internally, Gandhak Rasayan helps to eliminate itching and scabies rashes. However, you also require local application of neem oil or neem leaves and turmeric (Curcuma Longa) paste to get rid of this infection.

Acne and pimples

Gandhak Rasayan reduces acne and pimples. It helps by purifying blood, eliminating blockage, stopping secondary infections. Generally, it is used along with Shankh bhasma and Mukta Sukti Bhasma or Pishti.

Dosage of Gandhak Rasayan

The dosage of Gandhak Rasayan can vary according to age, health condition, and several other factors. The safest dosage of Gandhak Rasayan is around 250 mg to 500 mg twice or thrice a day.

Caution & Side Effects of Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan is POSSIBLY SAFE if prepared strictly according to ayurvedic principles. Changes in preparation methods or eating raw sulfur can lead a variety of adverse effects.

The excess dosage (more than 2 grams a day) of Gandhak Rasayan can cause the following side effects.

• Loose stools
• Loose stools with abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Stomach upset

Interaction with Food

Following food items should be avoided while administering Gandhak Rasayan:

• Excessively sour food items
• Excess salt
• Pitta aggravating diet and routines
• Coitus
• Dicotyledons
• Excessively alkaline foods and medicines
• Excess green leafy vegetables

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

No information is available about the safety and efficacy of Gandhak Rasayan in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, stay on the safer side and avoid using Gandhak Rasayan in pregnancy and breastfeeding or consult your family physician or ayurvedic doctor before use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Can I consume Gandhak Rasayan along with alcohol?

• Ans: No, consuming Gandhak Rasayan with alcohol may lead to severe side effects.

2) What are the components of Gandhak Rasayan?

• Ans: The main active ingredient of Gandhak Rasayan is Gandhak which is a traditional ayurvedic herb and has been used in India since ancient times. Other ingredients present in the medicine are haritaki, gandhak, Amalaki, and bahrea, detoxified ghee, ginger, and bhringraj.

3) What are the storage requirements for Gandhak Rasayan?

Ans: Following are the storage requirements of Gandhak Rasayan:

• The shelf life of Gandhak Rasayan is 10 years, therefore; it can be kept at room temperature.
• The medicine must be kept away from the reach of children and pets

4) How long do I need to administer Gandhak Rasayan till I see improvement in my condition?

• Ans: A person may see improvement in his/her condition depending upon the way their body responds to the medicine. However, a person may witness improvement within 1 month of regular administration of the medicine.

5) How many times do I need to administer Gandhak Rasayan in a day?

• Ans: The most commonly prescribed dosage for Gandhak Rasayan is 2-3gms a day.

6) Is Gandhak Rasayan safe to be consumed by lactating mothers?

• Ans: Yes, Gandhak Rasayan can be administered by lactating women in low doses.  The doctor may prescribe this medicine so as to increase the strength of the uterus and the lower back.

7) Is Gandhak Rasayan safe to be administered to children?

• Ans: The medicine must not be administered to infants, but children above the age of 5 years can be given this medicine in low doses.

8) Is Gandhak Rasayan safe to be consumed by pregnant women?

• Ans: No, Gandhak Rasayan is not considered safe to be consumed by pregnant women. The medicine may be administered by pregnant women only if deemed absolutely necessary by a doctor.

11) Do I need to avoid particular food items while administering Gandhak Rasayan?

• Ans: No, Gandhak Rasayan does not interact with any food items, hence there is no need to avoid particular food items while administering this medicine. However, the doctor may ask the patient to avoid the consumption of certain food products depending upon the medical condition.

12) Can I consume Gandhak Rasayan to relieve mental stress without referring to a doctor?

• Ans: Yes, you can consume Gandhak Rasayan to relieve mental stress without consulting a doctor. Gandhak Rasayan is an Ayurvedic medicine that helps to treat anxiety and depression. However, it is strongly recommended that the patients consult a doctor prior to administering the medicine.

13) Can Gandhak Rasayan be prescribed to cure pimples?

• Ans: Yes, Gandhak Rasayan can be prescribed to cure pimples.

14) Can Gandhak Rasayan be prescribed for the treatment of arthritis?

• Ans: Yes, Gandhak Rasayan can be prescribed for the treatment of arthritis. The medicine has anti-inflammatory properties which make it a suitable medicine to alleviate inflammation from the joints and muscles.

15) Can Gandhak Rasayan be prescribed for the treatment of depression?

• Ans: Yes, Gandhak Rasayan can be prescribed for the treatment of depression.

16) Is it safe to drive after consuming Gandhak Rasayan tablets?

• Ans: No, it is not safe to drive after the consumption of Gandhak Rasayan. The consumption of this medicine may cause a slight sedative effect.

17) Should I administer Gandhak Rasayan before or after having a meal?

• Ans: Gandhak Rasayan can be consumed after food. However, the patients are advised to follow the instructions given by the doctor on how to consume the medicine.

18) Does this medicine have a habit-forming tendency?

• Ans: No, the medicine does have any habit-forming tendencies.

19) What will happen if overdose on Gandhak Rasayan?

• Ans: Overdosing on Gandhak Rasayanmay lead to severe side effects. If an overdose is suspected, patients must immediately visit a doctor.

20) What are the common side effects associated with Gandhak Rasayan?

Ans: The common side effects associated with Gandhak Rasayan are –

• Bloating
• Loose stool

21) Is Gandhak Rasayan available as an over-the-counter medicine?

Ans: Yes, Gandhak Rasayan is an ayurvedic medicine that can be purchased without a prescription from a doctor.

22) Can I take Gandhak Rasayan along with other allopathic medicines?

• Ans: Consuming allopathic medicines may cause severe drug interactions therefore, consumption of both types of medicines together must be avoided.  A person may consume both the drugs together only if prescribed by a doctor.

23) Can I immediately stop the consumption of this medicine as soon as I see improvement in my condition?

• Ans: No, it is not advisable to abruptly stop or alter the dosage of the medicine even if an improvement in the condition is experienced. Leaving the course of medicine in between may not completely cure the condition it has been prescribed for. The doctor must be consulted before stopping the consumption of the medicine as he may prescribe an alternate dose if side effects persist.

25) Can Gandhak Rasayan be prescribed to patients suffering from respiratory disorders?

• Ans: Yes, the medicine can be administered to patients suffering from respiratory disorders. This is because medicine has antibacterial properties because of which can help in fighting against the bacterial infections of the respiratory system.

27) Is Gandhak Rasayan a prescription-only drug?

• Ans: No, Gandhak Rasayan is not a prescription-only drug. The medicine is generally prescribed for the treatment and prevention of various medical conditions.

28) What are the general precautions and warnings to be followed while taking Gandhak Rasayan?

Ans: followings are the warnings and precautions that must be adhered to while administering Gandhak Rasayan–

• The patients must inform the doctor about any ongoing medicines and treatment prior to starting the consumption of Gandhak Rasayan.
• Patients hypersensitive to the ingredients present in Gandhak Rasayan must not consume the medicine as it may lead to severe side effects.
• Patients are advised not to take the medicine with certain food items to avoid adverse effects.

 

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