Wellbeing 004 --- Sudarshana Churanam: The Wonder Drug For Fevers

Made from more than 50 herbals, Sudarshana churanam is truly a wonderful combination that is prescribed by ayurvedic vaidyars as a first line of defense against many fevers. With fevers of different kinds assuming epidemic proportions in the country, 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. The detailed composition of the drug has been given in the Sarangadhara Samhita written in the early part of the 14th century AD. I have personal experience of the efficacy of the drug ; if taken when you are feeling a little feverish, it stops the fever in its tracks. Considering the number of ingredients, 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 actual fever which is probably viral, the dose then is 3 tablets 3 times a day. The reason Sudarshana tablets are so effective is because the fifty or so herbals have been so chosen that some help to improve your immune system, some others are natural coolants and refrigerants, while yet others help improve the digestive process or attack stubborn coughs and colds.

The main ingredient which makes up 50 percent of the composition is Andrographis paniculata. Called nilavembu in Tamil, it is bitter and has antipyretic, antifungal, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and liver protective properties. The active ingredient of Andrographis paniculata is andrographolide, which research suggests is an interesting pharmacophore with anti-cancer and immunomodulatory properties.

The other 50 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.

If one looks at the other herbals which form part of the drug, one can can only marvel at the incredible manner in which everything that is needed to redress the fevers, the attendant coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, indigestion, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, flatulence and the vitiation of the three doshas, has been included in the drug while ensuring the protection of the liver and other vital organs.

Guduchi or Tinospora cordifolia is a natural immune booster amd blood purifier which grows abundantly just about everywhere. Sudarshan includes aromatics such as sandalwood and vetiver which are natural coolants and refrigerants among other things. The drug contains ordinary everyday herbs such as wild snakegourd 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 I could go on and on about the wonders of Sudarshana churanam. While I marvel at the wisdom of the vaidyars of yore who came up with this wonderful formulation, 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.

--- The writer was earlier Health Secretary, Govt. of Tamil Nadu and is currently CMD, TN Industrial Investment Corporation; Sheelarani.arogyamantra@gmail.com