Rasayana: The Ayurvedic Science of Rejuvenation

How Rasayana therapy nourishes body tissues (Dhatus) and builds Ojas (vital essence)

The life force that governs all bodily activities is known as Prana. Balanced Prana helps improve oxygenation to the cells thereby boosting cellular function and counteracting degenerative effects of aging. Excess Prana speeds up degenerative process whereas deficient Prana causes lack of motivation.

Prana, Tejas and Ojas are the vital essence of the three Doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha respectively. Kapha dosha deals with the synthesis of new cells (anabolic), Pitta Dosha governs assimilation of nutrients into the tissues and Vata Dosha is responsible for catabolic activities. There is constant destruction and regeneration of the cells in our body through diet and exercise. For maintaining homeostasis of the tissues, continuous replenishment is required. However, in a diseased condition or when Doshas are in imbalanced state at the elemental level, appropriate herbs, therapies, diet and lifestyle are recommended to replenish the tissues.

Agni (Digestive and metabolic fire) plays an important role in bio-transformation and tissue metabolism. The metabolic toxic wastes are known as Ama. There will be hypo-functioning of Agni when it is hampered leading to accumulation of toxic wastes in the micro-circulatory channels known as Srotas. These channels should be cleared of toxins so as to restore nutrition to the tissues. Rasayana is the process through diet, lifestyle, herbs and therapies to attain excellence of tissues by eliminating the toxins, restoring the functioning of Agni and improving the circulation of nutrients in the Srotas.

Even in a healthy person, the functioning of Agni is compromised over the period of time as we age due to Ama or free radical formation which leads to the slowing down of the nutrient circulation in the body. Hence Rasayana is needed even in a healthy person.

Thus, Rasayana can offer preventive and curative health benefits in degenerative, autoimmune, neurological and metabolic problems. They help to nourish all 7 tissues of the body, thereby strengthening the Ojas or essence of tissues leading to good health. Higher quality and quantity of Ojas can be produced only when the digestion and tissue health are optimal.

There are different Rasayana explained in Ayurveda texts which are listed below

Age-specific Rasayana

Prakriti-specific Rasayana

Dhatu (Tissue)-specific Rasayana

Organ specific Rasayana

Season-specific Rsayana

Disease-specific Rasayana

Desha (Place)-specific Rasayana

General benefits of Rasayana

Rejuvenative

Restorative

Healing

Anti-inflammatory

Degeneration preventive

Anti-aging

Immunity boosting

The above benefits of Rasayana are through its free radical eliminating, cellular detoxifying, tissue repairing, cell proliferation inducing and immune promoting properties.

Key Rasayana herbs

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) - Its Rasayana properties are due to the rich content of Vitamin C and antioxidants in it. It helps neutralize free radicals that mainly contribute to aging along because of the presence of antioxidants such as flavonoids, tannins and Vitamin C. It protects and repairs cellular DNA by preserving length of DNA telomeres, the shortening of which is a key marker of cellular aging. Amalaki enhances immunity, improves the resilience and reduces the likelihood of diseases and wards off diseases which is a common issue as the body ages. It also helps protect against age-related decline in cardiovascular performance by enhancing the functioning of cardiac muscles. It helps improve memory and mental clarity by managing stress. Amalaki helps balance the 3 doshas and nourish all the 7 tissues of the body.

Because of all the above properties, it supports collagen synthesis thus helping reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improve skin tone. It also helps stimulate hair growth and prevent premature graying of hairs and hair fall. It aids in digestion and metabolism, improving body’s ability to absorb nutrients more effectively which is necessary during old age as our digestion and metabolism slows down as we age. Amalaki is also good to improve vision and reduce geriatric problems such as insomnia, loss of appetite, physical disability, etc.

Amalaki can be consumed as fresh fruit or fresh juice or in powder form. Also, Amalaki is one of the major ingredients in Rasayana formulations like Amalaki Rasayana and Chyavanaprash. Its Rasayana benefits are attributed to its immune-modulating properties, ability to protect and repair cellular components and its rich anti-oxidant content. Amalaki is also used as a key ingredient in oil formulations as it helps control excess sebum production, remove dead skin cells, reduce dark spots and rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin. Amalaki is used in making scrubs, masks, oils and creams.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - It promotes cellular health and protects skin from damage because of its anti-oxidant, adaptogen and ant-inflammatory properties. It promotes skin renewal by reducing oxidative stress due its rich antioxidant content. The adaptogen properties of Ashwagandha helps improves overall wellness and nourishment of the skin and hairs by lowering cortisol levels through effective management of stress. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm skin rashes and allergy, repair and restore the skin. It also helps protect against environmental pollutants that irritate the skin.

Ashwagandha roots have therapeutic benefits and Ashwagandha powder, tablets or capsules can be taken daily with warm water. Also, it is a key ingredient in various skin care serums and creams. Ashwagandha is also infused with milk and used in the Ksheeradhara treatment (pouring of medicinal milk on forehead) to relieve stress and calm the mind. Face treatment using medicated rice bolus prepared by cooking rice in milk and Ashwagandha helps to tone the facial muscles, reduce wrinkles and brighten the skin.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) - Guduchi enhances immune cell activity by increasing the WBC and other immune cells such as T and B cells. The antioxidants in Guduchi protects immune cells from damage and ensures its proper functioning. Anti-inflammatory properties of Guduchi resolves inflammation which could otherwise compromise the healthy immune response. Guduchi helps regulate immune response to infections by promoting the production of immune signaling molecules known as cytokines. Thus, Guduchi stimulates the immune system and treats auto-immune problems, metabolic problems and acute infections. As the resistance to infections and diseases become prevalent as we age because of decline in immune function naturally, taking Guduchi regularly will help strengthen the immune system.

Guduchi is also a blood purifier and liver detoxifier, thus helps achieve a clear skin. The antioxidant, anti-stress, immunomodulating properties of Guduchi are because of the alkaloids and terpenoids in it. The stem of Guduchi offers these health benefits. Guduchi can be taken in powder, tablet or juice form and when combined with Amalaki, it enhances rejuvenation of the body. Guduchi extracts are used in some facial serums, transdermal creams and face packs too.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) - Shatavari contains phytoestrogens which are plant based natural compounds that mimic estrogen and help regulate the hormones in a safe way. Shatavari is an herb that is beneficial to woman during their different stages of life. It is useful for the different symptoms such as night sweats, hot flushes and vaginal dryness that occur due to fluctuating estrogen levels during perimenopausal and menopausal period. It helps reduce cramps and bloating and prevent / treat acne breakouts that occur during pre-menstrual period due to hormonal fluctuations. It is also a fertility tonic. It is also a mood stabilizer that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and improve energy levels by supporting endocrine functions. Shatavari helps cope up with stress levels and lower the cortisol levels which also disrupts hormone balance. When consumed daily, it helps regulate the water levels in the body thereby helping keep the skin hydrated and prevents dryness and flakiness of the skin. Just like the other Rasayana herbs, Shatavari also possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties that boosts collagen production. Shatavari in the form of powder, capsules or tablets can be taken orally with water or milk. Shatavari can be used in face packs for hydrating the skin and Shatavari infused oils can be used for deeply moisturizing the skin.

Modern research validating these herbs for cellular health

The validation of the effects of Ayurveda Rasayana herbs have begun through modern research with specific examples – Ashwagandha is studied for its effect on stress and cognition, Guduchi for immunomodulation, Shatavari for hormonal balance and Amalaki for antioxidant and anti-aging effects. Ayurveda describes Rasayana herbs offering rejuvenation and longevity health benefits and modern research aims to correlate these health benefits with specific phytochemical constituents and mechanism of action of the herbs. Links to some of the research articles are below -