Rakta Dhatu (Blood i.e., RB Dhat) is second in order of the sequential formation of Dhatus (D7)/tissues. Its healthy state is directly influenced by the precursor i.e., Poshak Rakta Dhatu (Raw-RB Dhat), tissue specific fire (i.e., RB-Fire Rakta dhatu agni) and its origin or channels carrying blood (Liver, spleen & arteries).
Blood purification involves breaking the disease – pathogenesis, cleansing the channels, balancing Pitta (P-Dosh i.e., fire element) and replenishing RB-Dhat. Blood purification is specifically useful in skin diseases, external inflammations, ulcers, wound healing, eczema, cosmetic purposes, bleeding disorders, liver and spleen disorders, menstrual disorders, and for the general well-being.
P-Dosh – in the liver called Ranjaka Pitta – has an important role in the RB-Dhat formation by transforming the precursor Raw RB-Dhat into the final product RB-Dhat. This is one of the reasons that herbs acting on P-Dosh and the liver are specifically helpful in blood purification. The blood purifying herbs listed below are given either as a single drug therapy or in combination, after examining the patient and depending on the severity of symptoms and strength of the patient.
5 Herbs And Spices To Purify Your Blood
1. Manjishta/Indian Madder (Rubia Cordifolia)
Bright red colored roots and dried stem are the active part used internally and externally.
Divided Doses Per Day:
- Powder – 2-4 gm
- Decoction – 20 ml once or twice a day
- Paste and oil for external application
Constituents: Glycosides
Formulations: Mahamanjishtadi kadha, Kumkumadi tailam; Raktachandanadi lepa
Bestowed with the properties to pacify P-dosh with its bitter, astringent, and sweet taste, manjishta is a drug of choice for treating the skin diseases due to its effective anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory action. Manjishta is used to cure acne, pigmentation, in wound healing, and in arthritic swelling like gout.
Its hepatoprotective action detoxifies the liver, increases the immunity, and also regulates the menstrual cycle in women; hence used as a general tonic. Manjishta is also used to control and replenish the blood loss in bleeding disorder like intestinal ulcers, bleeding piles etc…
Contraindication: It is contraindicated to use with blood thinners like warfarin, coumadin; during pregnancy
Note: Manjishta may temporarily turn urine orange or brown.
2. Neem/Margosa Tree (Azadirachta Indica)
Green tender leaf, twig, and stem; reddish-brown bark, seed oil, root, and fruits are used internally and externally since ancient times.
Divided Doses Per Day:
- Neem leaf powder – 250-500 mg
- Neem decoction – 20 ml
- Neem oil, decoction, paste for local application
Constituents: Triterpenoids and Sterols, Nimbin and Nimbiol
Formulations: Panchatikta ghrita (ghee), Panchaguna tailam (oil), Nimbapatola kashay, Sudarshan churna
Owing to its bitter, astringent and cooling properties, it pacifies P-Dosh and K-Dosh and is a drug of choice for relieving itchy skin in Urticaria and other skin allergies. Its antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory actions are used in treating psoriasis, leprosy, diabetic wounds, abscesses, oral diseases like bleeding gums and ulcers.
Contraindication:
- It has a contraceptive action and is contraindicated during pregnancy.
- It’s also spermicidal in unregulated doses.
- It causes an increase in V-Dosh hence to be avoided in children and elderly.
3. Haridra/Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
Yellowish brown rhizome is used for internal and external medication.
Divided Doses Per Day:
- Dried rhizome powder – 1-3 gm
- Paste and turmeric water for local application
Constituents: Essential oil and coloring matter (curcumin).
Formulations: Haridra khanda
Turmeric has subtle bitter and pungent taste and has a hot potency. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and is an effective household herb to stop bleeding in gums and minor cuts, treating bruises, and cracked heels. It is used in cosmetic preparation as a facial mask in combination with other herbs to cure acne, pigmentation, and for a radiant glow on the skin.
A simple remedy like heating a quarter teaspoon of turmeric in a cup of milk is good for clear skin, cold, cough, sinusitis, sore-throat, and indigestion. Turmeric cleanses the channels (Srotoshodhan) and has hepatoprotective action. It is used to cure anemia, jaundice, and fatty liver.
Note: During external application, it can leave a yellowish tint on the skin as well as could stain the clothes.
4. Kumari/Aloe Vera
Transparent gel is used for internal and external medication.
Divided Doses Per Day:
- Leaf pulp juice – 10-20 ml
- Dried leaf pulp powder – 250-500 mg
- Gel for local application
Constituents: Anthraquinone, glycoside
Formulations: Kumaryasava, Rajahpravartini vati
Aloe vera with its bitter taste and cooling property is an effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herb used internally and externally for treating sunburns, wound healing, eczema, insect bites.
Its penetrating action enables better absorption of the gel through the pores of the skin and is an anti-ageing tonic. The soothing gel is applied on the face to treat dry and wrinkled skin, acne as well as on the scalp to treat hair fall and dandruff.
Aloe vera’s penetrating and laxative action help in detoxifying and cleansing the intestine and liver, relieve indigestion and act as a laxative. It induces menstruation and relieves painful menstruation, irregular menstrual cycles, and PCOD.
Contraindication: Pregnancy, during menstruation phase, infants, ulcerative colitis.
Note: Self-medication with unregulated doses can cause abdominal cramps, excessive purgation, dehydration, and hypoglycemia. The bitter yellowish latex beneath the skin is a strong purgative.
5. Khadira/Cutch Tree (Acacia Catechu)
Brownish red stem bark, heartwood are widely used for internal and external medicines.
Divided Doses Per Day:
- Stembark – 20-30 gm for making decoction
- Powder – 2-4 gm
Constituents: Catechin, catechu-tannic acid, and tannin.
Formulations: Khadiradi Taila, Arimedadi Taila, Khadiradi Gutika
Khadira is a powerful astringent with a cooling effect and relieves P-Dosh & K-Dosh post digestion. It is very effective in controlling bleeding and discharges, hence, used in hemorrhagic disorders, urinary and vaginal discharges, and in diarrhea.
It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and used to clear the discharge and swelling in gums, wounds, ulcers, abscesses, leprosy, acne, and bleeding piles. It relieves itching and provides stability to the body.
Contraindication: During pregnancy and lactation.
Meaning Of Ayurvedic Terms
- Vata Dosha – V- Dosh is the bio-element with dominant air and ether
- Kapha Dosha – K-Dosh is the bio-element with dominant earth and water
- Pitta Dosha – P-Dosh is the bio-element with dominant fire
- Saptadhatus (D7) – Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, Shukra
- Rakta dhatu (RB Dhat) – Tissue forming blood
- Poshak Rakta Dhatu (Raw RB-Dhat) – Precursor or nutrient from the previous tissue that forms blood after metabolism
- Rakta dhatvagni (RB-Fire) – Metabolic fire at the tissue level to form blood
- Ranjaka Pitta – P-Dosh in the liver
- Srotoshbodhan – Cleanse the channels or passages
