A wonder drug to treat fever

Sheela Rani Chunkath

First Published : 22 Nov 2009 09:15:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 20 Nov 2009 11:08:09 PM IST

50 herbs cures all.

The reason Sudarshana tablets are so effective is because of its ingredients. It contains
50 or so herbs that help to improve your immune system, act as

natural coolants and refrigerants, and also improve the digestive process or attack
stubborn coughs and colds, bronchitis, asthma, indigestion, diarrhoea, lack of appetite,
flatulence and the vitiation of the three doshas. The detailed composition of the drug has
been given in the Sarangadhara Samhita written in the early part of the 14th century AD.

Made from more than 50 herbs, Sudarshana churanam is truly a wonderful combination
that is prescribed by ayurvedic vaidyars as a first line of defence against many fevers.
With fevers of different kinds assuming epidemic proportions in India — many of which do
not respond to antibiotics or standard allopathic treatment — it is time that we looked
more closely at this truly remarkable ayurvedic formulation.

If taken when you are feeling a little feverish, it stops the fever immediately. Sudarshana
is easy to consume as it is available in tablet form. My vaidyar prescribes one tablet a day
as a prophylactic if there are various fevers raging in the neighbourhood. If you have fever
which is probably viral, the dose then is three tablets three times a day.

The main ingredient that makes up 50 per cent of the composition is Andrographis
paniculata. Called nilavembu in Tamil, it is bitter and has antipyretic, antifungal, antibiotic,
anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and has liver protective properties. The active ingredient

Page 1 of 2
 A wonder drug to treat fever
of this is andrographolide, which research suggests is an interesting pharmacophore with
anti-cancer and immunomodulatory properties.

The other ingredients, include Triphala (the three myrobalans) which acts as a colon
cleanser and as an antioxidant agent, preventing free radical formation.

Another ingredient, Trikatu (the three warming herbs, dried ginger, pepper and long
pepper) stimulates and maintains the digestive and respiratory systems.

Two turmeric varieties, Curcuma longa and Coscinium fenestratum, impart natural
antibacterial properties to the drug. These two besides helping to detoxify the liver have
remarkable anti-inflammatory properties besides being a natural painkiller. The two
kantakatris, the Indian nightshade and Jacquin’s nightshade, have been traditionally used
to treat high fevers.

Guduchi or Tinospora cordifolia is a natural immunity booster amd blood purifier which
grows abundantly just about everywhere. Sudarshana includes aromatics such as
sandalwood and vetiver that are natural coolants and refrigerants among other things.

The drug contains ordinary everyday herbs such as wild snake gourd and drumstick
seeds as well as the more esoteric bamboo manna called tabasheer in Hindi. Talisapatra
or the Himalayan fir tree is a specific for respiratory infections while Devadaru or Cedrus
deodara has antiseptic properties and cures headaches and fevers.

The list is long and while I could go on about the wonders of Sudarshana churanam. I am
nevertheless distressed that in spite of these formulations in the

ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, we are still indiscriminately using antibiotics for viral fevers
with its toxic side effects which can cause damage to the liver and kidneys and other vital
organs.

Source: The Indian Express

Page 2 of 2