Atis, Ativisha (Aconitum Heterophyllum)

Ativisha or Atis is an important ayurvedic herb which is a greenish-blue wild flower. This herb is found in alpine and sub-alpine regions of Himalayas. Sushrutha and Charaka have mentioned the medicinal values of the root of this herb in their books. The roots of this plant are bitter and astringent which acts on kapha and pitta. Ativisha is an excellent medicine to treat the common diseases in children like fever, cough, cold, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Properties of Ativisha as mentioned in ‘Charaka Samhita’: Antidote for many poisons, Nontoxic and brittle, Gets absorbed and spreads rapidly inside the body, Anti- inflammatory, Aphrodisiac, Astringent.

Ativish is the first choice in treating common paediatric problems. It improves appetite, digestion and assimilation and corrects the body metabolism. Ativisha has the best digestive, carminative and absorbent properties compared to all other herbs and hence used in treating numerous diseases.

Active Ingredients of Ativisha

The main chemical constituents of Ativisha are as follows:

•   ATIDINE
•   ATISENOL
•   ATSINE
•   BANZOLHETERATISINE
•   F-DIHYDROATISINE
•   HETERATISINE
•   HETEROPHYLLIDINE
•   HETEROPHYLLINE
•   HETEROPHYLLISINE
•   HETIDINE
•   HETISINONE
•   HISTISINE

Other Names Of Ativisha

•   Sanskrit Name : Aruna, Ghunapriya, Visha.
•   Assamese Name: Aatich
•   Bengali Name : Ataicha
•   English Name : Atis Root
•   Hindi Name : Atis
•   Tamil Name : Atividayam
•   Telugu Name : Ativasa
•   Kannada Name : Ativisha, Athihage
•   Kashmiri Name : Kath

Classification of Ativisha

•   Kingdom : Plantae
•   Division : Magnoliophyta
•   Class : Magnoliopsida
•   Family : Ranaunculaceae
•   Genus : Aconitum
•   Species : A. heterophyllum

Classification according to Ayurveda

Habitat of Ativisha

Present in alpine and sub-alpine region of himalayan region at altitudes between 1,800 - 4,500 m.

Practical Uses Of Ativisha

Ativisha is helpful in following health conditions.

•   Fever & Infections
•   Malaria
•   Intermittent fever
•   Breathing difficulties
•   Bronchitis & Cough
•   Nausea & vomiting
•   Common cold & Rhinitis
•   Loss of appetite
•   Diarrhea
•   Indigestion
•   Intestinal worms
•   Piles
•   Diabetes
•   Dyslipidemia
•   Glycosuria

Parts Used

Roots, seeds are used.

Effect on Doshas

Pacifies Kapha and Pitta.

Ayurvedic Properties of Ativisha

Side effects of Ativisha

•   Excess usage may cause dryness in mouth, tremors and chillness.
•   It may also cause nausea, vomiting, convulsions and dehydration.
•   The usage of this medicine during pregnancy is restricted.