Mahanarayana Thailam

BASIC INFO

Mahanarayana Thailam

Mahanarayana Thailam is an Ayurvedic medicated oil that can help nourish nerves and muscle health while also helping restore the Vata balance. When a person has joint and muscle problems there can be difficulty in performing daily tasks because of restricted movement. Mahanarayana Thailam contains naturally-derived ingredients that are known to help ease stiffness, inflammation, and pain that is characterised by Vata problems such as arthritic disorders.

Mahanarayana Thailam Benefits

The Mahanarayana Thailam is composed of herbs that are accepted as per the ancient texts to offer both joint nourishment as well as muscle nourishment and strengthening. Neuromuscular disorders are classified as Vata problems in Ayurveda. Mahanarayana Thailam restores the Vata balance in order to alleviate the symptoms of these disorders usually characterised by inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints. The joint nourishment provided by the herbal ingredients in this oil helps reduce the inflammation and restore mobility. Mahanarayana Thailam uses a base of Sesame oil that is well known for its properties of strengthening and easy absorption deep into the tissues. 

Mahanarayana Thailam Ingredients

Bilva (Aegle marmelos)

• The Bael or Bilva tree

• It balances all the three Doshas

• By balancing Pitta Dosha, it relieves ulcers, inflammations and Pitta related fevers in Ayurvedic medicine 

• Bilva is one of the ten Dasha Moola herbs. This is a group of very potent herbs that are used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating a wide variety of problems. They are useful in Ayurveda for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. 

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

• It has excellent anti-anxiety and anti-stress properties

• Reduces the effects of tiredness and fatigue

• Its name refers to the strong horse-like smell that this herb has. Ashwa means horse and Gandha means smell. It also relates to its traditionally attributed ability to make one as strong as a horse. 

• This is a multi-purpose herb that is used in the Ayurvedic treatment of anxiety, insomnia, depression, immunity, weight loss, weight gain and as a sexual stimulant 

• It is an Ayurvedic adaptogen that is used in folk medicine for strengthening and bodybuilding 

• It has excellent anti-anxiety and anti-stress properties

• It is used in Ayurveda to reduce the effects of tiredness and fatigue and sustain vitality and energy levels through the day 

Brahati (Solanum indicum)

• It is an Ayurvedic anti-inflammatory herb

• It is also one of the potent Dasha Moola herbs

• It is an Ayurvedic anti-inflammatory, detoxifier, anti-oxidant, anti-helminthic, anti-bacterial, anti-hypertensive,  and analgesic

• It balances the Kapha and Vata Doshas

• It is especially useful in the Ayurvedic treatment of respiratory issues, chronic respiratory problems, colic, bad breath, skin problems, depression, premature ejaculation, diarrhoea, stress, digestive and neurological issues 

Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)

• It is useful in Ayurvedic treatments for problems such as erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infections, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Ayurveda uses this herb as a wound healer, anti-inflammatory, promotes ovulation and helps manage glucose intolerance.

• It is an Ayurvedic diuretic that restores the fluid balance in the body and to help break down kidney stones and gall bladder stones

• It is used in traditional medicine to boost energy and vitality

• It is used in Ayurvedic supplements for bodybuilding, weight loss, anti-obesity, urogenital issues and as an aphrodisiac

Syonaka (Oroxylum indicum)

• This herb has anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties which makes it good for joint nourishment

• It is one of the Dasamoola herbs

• It is also used in Ayurveda for its anti-allergic properties 

Bala (Sida cordifolia) 

• This herb strengthens the bones

• It is useful in Ayurveda for its properties of being an antioxidant, antiviral, antirheumatic, hypoglycaemic, diuretic, analgesic, antipyretic, immunoenhancing, hepatoprotective and useful in neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders 

• It is used in the treatment of Vata Dosha disorders

Paribhadra (Erythrina indica)

• Balances Kapha and Vata Doshas

• Relieves inflammation and swelling

• It is used as an antiseptic in Ayurveda and is used in Ayurvedic formulations for topical application on non-healing wounds

Kantakari (Solanum surattense)

• It is used in traditional medicine as an antitumorigenic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antipyretic

• It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to ease the symptoms of respiratory disorders such as asthma, cough, cold and laryngitis

• Ayurveda states that it is so beneficial for the throat that it can restore a person’s voice to the voice of a lion

• It is also useful in the Ayurvedic treatment of fevers, aches, and pains as well as hiccups

• It balances the Kapha and Vata Doshas while increasing the Pitta Dosha

• It supports the digestive fire Agni

Raktapunarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)

• This herb in Ayurveda has multiple benefits including anti-inflammation, anti-stress and pain relief

• It is useful in Ayurveda as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and has swelling reduction properties

• It is found in two varieties. Shweta is the white variety while Rakta is the name of the red variety

• It balances the Kapha and Vata Doshas

• It is useful in the Ayurvedic treatment of liver problems, cough, cold, abdominal pain, cardiac problems, hypertension, menorrhagia, haemorrhoids and as an aphrodisiac

• It is especially useful in the treatment of excessive water retention or oedema in patients who have been using steroids for an extended period of time

• It is used as an anti-toxic in traditional medicine

Atibala (Abutilon indicum)

• It is used in Ayurveda for its aphrodisiac and body strengthening properties

• It is used in traditional medicine to improve immunity, treat recurring fever, bleeding problems, injuries, skin problems, intestinal worms, ulcers, jaundice, liver problems, gonorrhoea and bladder problems

• Its properties as per Ayurveda are diuretic, analgesic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, laxative, demulcent and sedative

• It balances the Vata and Pitta Doshas

• It is said to be similar in properties to the herb Bala- Sida cordiflora

Agnimantha (Premna integrifolia)

• It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties as per traditional medicine

• It is used in the treatment of Vata disorders

• It is one of the Dasamoola herbs

Prasaarani (Paderia Foetida)

• This a herb that is characterised by its foul smell

• Its leaves and roots are used in many Ayurvedic medicines

• It is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anthelmintic properties

• It is useful in the Ayurvedic treatment of degenerative arthritis shoulder and neck problems 

Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens)

• It has diuretic, cardiac tonic, and anti-inflammatory properties

• It balances the three doshas

• It is useful in blood-related problems

• It is one of the Dasamoola herbs

Tila Thaila (Sesamum indicum)

• Sesame oil

• Warm in nature

• Pacifies Kapha and Vata Doshas

• It is used in Ayurveda to treat neuromuscular disorders. It is strengthening and gets well absorbed by the tissues

Dugdha (Cow’s Milk)

• Offers strength and is a rejuvenator

• Rejuvenating, cooling and high protein

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

• It is called the queen of herbs

• It is a fertility enhancer and is used as a traditional medicine tonic for the female reproductive system

• It is useful in Ayurveda as a nutritive tonic, diuretic, laxative, antitumor, aphrodisiac, rejuvenating, antacid, antispasmodic, antioxidant, demulcent, galactagogue, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, adaptogenic and immunomodulator

Rasna (Alpinia officinarum)

• This herb is used in traditional Ayurveda as an immunomodulator, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, diuretic, and anti-ulcerative

• It is used in traditional medicine to treat joint pain, digestive problems, respiratory problems and as a blood purifier

• It stimulates the digestive fire and pacifies the vitiated Vata Dosha

• It should not be used without medical supervision

Dosage

This medicated oil is to be used externally under the instructions of an Ayurvedic doctor. 

Muscle And Joint Problems - Ayurvedic Perspective

Ayurveda defines three Doshas that govern the body; Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The Vata Dosha is dry and airy, Pitta hot and fiery while the Kapha is cold, heavy, and slimy. Each person has their own unique natural Dosha balance. This balance should be maintained in order to have optimal health. When the Dosha balance is lost, health issues that correspond to the imbalanced Dosha result. This Dosha imbalance could be caused by external environmental factors, diet, habits, and age.  

All movement of the body is due to Vata or Prana which is the life force. The nervous system controls the Prana. In Ayurveda, the Prana is not in the head but in the lumbosacral region of the body. Vata disorders or Vata Vyadhi causes problems with movement in the body. This can be in the form of bone, muscle, or joint problems or a combination of them. They limit movement by causing either weakness or rigidity in the affected body part. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis is referred to as Amavata in Ayurveda. Ama is the metabolic waste that is toxic. It is formed when the digestive process is not efficient or proper. This causes the formation of Ama that over time becomes the more dangerous Amavisha. This penetrates the joints causing these problems. This creates problems with the lubrication of the joints. The Amavisha pervading the joints also causes degenerative disorders. An Ayurvedic doctor will advise that the person eats according to the recommendations of the science of Ayurveda. The digestive fire Agni is the strongest at noon and this is why one should eat the largest meal in the middle of the day. Food should be eaten fresh and warm. Overly processed and preserved food should be avoided. Foods and habits that trigger the imbalance of the affected Dosha should be avoided. Following the habits to prevent the formation of more Ama will help resolve the progression of the muscle or joint problem over time. Medication and herbs that support efficient digestion and strengthen the digestive fire Agni are good for the restoration of overall health. Maintaining a lifestyle that is active with sufficient exercise and healthy body weight also keeps stress off the joints.  So, treatment for Vata disorders aims to restore the Vata balance through medication, diet, habits, and proper digestion. External Panchakarma treatments, as well as exercises, restore movement and strength. Application of medicated oils such as the Mahanarayana Thailam helps to detoxify and reduce the inflammation and pain. 

Muscle And Joint Problems – An overview

Problems such as arthritis are an abnormal immune reaction to the body’s own tissues and thereby causing inflammation and pain. Overuse, misuse, and injuries to the joints or muscles also cause problems. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs help to ease the pain and stiffness. Degenerative diseases are managed symptomatically. The drugs used are NSAIDs, biologic agents, steroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It is also recommended that the patient lose weight, maintain a balanced diet, and have physical therapy to ease movement. Any topical application of medication to the joints is usually anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic.