Dashmool, as the name suggests, is an Ayurvedic Formulation using ten roots (“Dash” meaning ten, and “Mool” meaning roots) to treat Vata Dosha in the body. Dashmool’s warming quality is also effective in pacifying aggravated Kapha Dosha. The formulation is known to promote the flow of life (prana) in the human body.
Dashmool contains 10 roots in equal proportions. It is a combination of Brihat Panchamool and Laghu Panchamoola. The Brihat Panchamoola includes 10% proportion of Indian Bael (Aegle marmelos),10% of Arani or Agnimnatha (Premna serratifolia) also known as Premna mucronata and Preman inegrifolia, 10% of Shyonaka (Oroxylum Indicum), 10% of Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens) and 10 % of Gambhari or Beech wood also known as Kasmari (Gmelina arborea). The Laghu Panchamoola includes 10% of Brihati or Indian Nightshade (Solanum Indicum), 10% of Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), 10% of Shalaparni (Desmodium gangetium), 10% of Prishnaparni (Uraria picta) and 10% of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). The combination often roots are very useful in various health conditions related to nerves, muscles, bones, and joints. The ten roots individually possess various benefits too.
Dashmool works as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, apoptogenic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-paralytic, and anti-rheumatic /anti-arthritic medicine. It is also a great uterine detoxifier and uterine tonic. It is known to tone the muscles, reduces inflammation by providing the required nutrition in the body, calms the nerves, provide strength to the body and improves functions of all organs located in Vata locations of the body. These locations include pelvic colon, bladder, pelvis, kidneys, bones, ears and lower limbs. It supports the proper functioning of the lungs and is a great tonic for kidneys and liver.
Health benefits of Dashmool are numerous ranging from treating body aches, to a tonic for infertility and treating anemia. This Ayurvedic preparation is being used to cure and prevent various problems listed below:
1. As Anti-Inflammatory and as Analgesic
Dashmool has shown positive results in treating lower back pain, muscle spasm, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, gout and in rheumatoid arthritis. It effectively reduces inflammation by acting on the affected areas, reduces the damage to the joint tissues and also relieves pain at the same time. It is administered as kwath (herbal tea) and Arista (a powder that has been soaked and fermented in a flower-based solution). It reduces numbness and stiffness. It strengthens the muscles in the back thus improves the muscular support to the vertebral column. Dashmool helps in improving the quality of life by enhancing the mobility of joints, relieving any kind of swellings and redness in them.
2. As a Digestive Stimulant
Dashmool is very useful in case of indigestion and helps one with flatulence. It acts as a mild laxative and helps with constipation. It has a cooling effect and alleviates Kapha and Vata. It is also useful in case of diarrhea and dysentery. A dashmool enema also helps to overcome vata food allergies. The root Patala alleviates the digestive system to strengthen the inner lining and relieves indigestion in the body. It also acts as a natural detoxifier and helps the body to get rid of excess toxins. All kinds of stomach problems like bloating, need to burp a lot, abdominal discomfort or pain can be treated using Dashmool.
3. As a Stress Reliever
Dashmool Kwath is an excellent preparation that lessens stress. It reduces depression and relaxes the mind, the stressed nerves and veins. Dashmool is very beneficial in strengthening the weak nervous cells and stressed veins. Since, Dashmool is a formula to treat Vata disorders, like nervous exhaustion, memory loss, tremors, hypertension, it is very effective in calming the mind and relieving tensions. It also manages sleep disorders and keeps the blood pressure under control. Dashmool oil is used to hydrate the body and calm the nervous system.
4. As a Tonic for Lungs
Dashmool is an excellent tonic to soothe dry cough and congestion. It helps with a lot of respiratory disorders like Allergic rhinitis, asthma, whooping cough. Dashmool Ghrita is an Ayurvedic medicine prepared with the base as ghee to treat problems related to the respiratory system. It helps with cough with pain and sputum and bronchitis.
5. Treat Gynecological Problems
Problems like irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS and vaginal infections can be effectively treated using Dashmool. It is a very effective remedy for primary dysmenorrhea when a woman experiences painful periods due to menstrual cramps. For best results, Dashmool powder is mixed with sesame oil and administered rectally. This oil helps in overcoming symptoms like constipation, tiredness during periods, scanty periods and feeling of the incomplete bladder associated with periods. It also helps with other problems associated with menses like mood swings, insomnia, back pain, and anxiety. Dashmool tea is very helpful during periods. It is useful in achieving pregnancy and stops recurrent miscarriages that happen due to weak uterus or weakness in uterine muscles. Dashmool preparation called Dashmularishta is used after delivery for the prevention of postpartum problems like infections of the uterus, pain in the perineal area, excess discharge, sluggish uterus, swollen breasts, postpartum depression, backache, and fatigue.
Dashmool is known to cure tough disorders like Parkinson’s disease. It also helps in improving hearing capabilities. Dashmool is excellent medicine to boost immunity. It helps in relieving fever and fatigue. In case of low immunity, and the body is unable to throw off fever, the decoction of Dashmool helps in releasing the trapped toxins and brings the fever down gradually.
Dashmool decoction is recommended to be taken with water, empty stomach before meals.
Dashmool is available in various forms like powdered (Dashmool Churna), decoction (Dashmool Kwath or Dashmool Kashayam), enema and oil. It is useful and equally effective in all these forms. It is easy to use and readily available in stores. Dashmool Taila / oil is used in treating headaches, migraines, and disease of ears, nose, and throat. It can be used internally as well as externally like ear drops or nasal drops.
Dashmool also acts as a catalyst for other medicines to provide various health benefits. It should be taken as a general health tonic as irrespective of our body predominant doshas, the Vata dosha goes out of balance with stress in day to day activities, so Dashmool is a good way to keep one healthy.