Ushirasava is a classical Ayurvedic fermented formulation (Asava) known for its cooling, blood-purifying, and pitta-balancing properties. Because it contains naturally cooling herbs like Ushira (Vetiver) and Padma (Lotus), it not only soothes inflammation but also supports overall vitality. Moreover, it is traditionally used in conditions linked to excess heat and impure blood, making it especially beneficial in bleeding disorders, skin diseases, and urinary issues.

The Reference Shloka —
उशीरं वालकं पद्मं काश्मर्यं नीलमुत्पलं |
प्रियंगुं पद्मकं लोध्रं मंजिष्टां धन्वयासकं ||
पाठाम किराततिक्तं च न्यग्रोधोदुंबरं शतीं |
पर्पट पुंडरीकं च पटोलं कांचनारकं ||
जंबूशाल्मलिनिर्यासं प्रत्येकं पलसम्मितं |
सर्वं संचूर्णितं कृत्वा द्राक्षायाः पलविंशतिः ||
धातकीं षोडशपलां जलद्रोणद्वये क्षिपेत् |
शर्करायास्तुलां दत्वा क्षौद्रस्यार्धतुलां तथा ||
मासं संस्थापयेद् भांडे मांसीमरीचधूपिते |
उशीरासव इत्येष रक्तपित्तविनाशनः ||
पांडुकुष्टप्रमेहार्शः कृमिशोथहरस्तथा ||
uśīraṁ vālakaṁ padmaṁ kāśmaryaṁ nīlamutpalaṁ |
priyaṁguṁ padmakaṁ lodhraṁ maṁjiṣṭāṁ dhanvayāsakaṁ ||
pāṭhāma kirātatiktaṁ ca nyagrodhoduṁbaraṁ śatīṁ |
parpaṭa puṁḍarīkaṁ ca paṭolaṁ kāṁcanārakaṁ ||
jaṁbūśālmaliniryāsaṁ pratyekaṁ palasammitaṁ |
sarvaṁ saṁcūrṇitaṁ kr̥tvā drākṣāyāḥ palaviṁśatiḥ ||
dhātakīṁ ṣoḍaśapalāṁ jaladroṇadvaye kṣipet |
śarkarāyāstulāṁ datvā kṣaudrasyārdhatulāṁ tathā ||
māsaṁ saṁsthāpayed bhāṁḍe māṁsīmarīcadhūpite |
uśīrāsava ityeṣa raktapittavināśanaḥ ||
pāṁḍukuṣṭapramehārśaḥ kr̥miśothaharastathā ||
Key Ingredients of Ushirasava
The formulation combines multiple herbs that work synergistically to purify blood, reduce inflammation, and support metabolism. For instance, herbs like Manjishta and Lodhra directly detoxify the blood, whereas Kiratatikta and Pathaaid digestion.
| Sanskrit Name | Botanical Name | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ushira | Vetiveria zizanioides | Cooling, blood purifier |
| Balaka | Pavonia odorata | Soothing, aromatic |
| Padma | Nelumbo nucifera | Cooling, pitta pacifying |
| Kashmarya (Gambhari) | Gmelina arborea | Nourishing |
| Nilotpala | Nymphaea stellata | Cooling, calming |
| Priyangu | Callicarpa macrophylla | Astringent |
| Padmaka | Prunus cerasoides | Blood purifier |
| Lodhra | Symplocos racemosa | Astringent, stops bleeding |
| Manjishta | Rubia cordifolia | Blood detoxifier |
| Dhanvayasa | Fagonia cretica | Anti-inflammatory |
| Patha | Cissampelos pareira | Digestive support |
| Kiratatikta | Swertia chirata | Bitter tonic, liver support |
| Nyagrodha | Ficus benghalensis | Astringent |
| Udumbara | Ficus racemosa | Wound healing |
| Sathi | Hedychium spicatum | Digestive stimulant |
| Parpata | Fumaria indica | Skin purifier |
| Pundarika | Nelumbo nucifera | Cooling |
| Patola | Trichosanthes dioica | Skin & liver support |
| Kanchanara | Bauhinia variegata | Glandular support |
| Jambu | Syzygium cumini | Blood sugar balance |
| Salmali Niryasa | Salmalia malabarica | Astringent |
| Draksha | Vitis vinifera | Nourishing, cooling |
| Dhataki | Woodfordia fruticosa | Natural fermenting agent |
| Jala | Water | Base |
| Sarkara | Sugar | Fermentation support |
| Kshoudra | Honey | Carrier, rejuvenative |
In addition, the combination of these herbs ensures that Ushirasava works not just locally but systemically to restore balance.
Therapeutic Indications of Ushirasava
Ushirasava’s cooling and blood-stabilizing properties make it useful in multiple conditions:
- Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders): It reduces internal bleeding and strengthens blood vessels.
- Pandu (Anemia): It helps improve hemoglobin levels.
- Kushta (Skin diseases): It purifies the blood and supports healthy skin.
- Prameha (Urinary disorders): It soothes urinary tract inflammation.
- Arshas (Piles): Its astringent properties help reduce swelling.
- Krimi (Intestinal worms): It acts as a natural anti-parasitic.
- Sotha (Swelling): It helps in reducing inflammation.
Furthermore, its mild fermentation improves absorption and digestion, enhancing overall effectiveness.
Common Clinical Uses & Combinations
1️⃣ For Epistaxis (Nosebleed)
Ushirasava is often combined with other cooling herbs to control bleeding. For instance, Kamdudha Ras, Yashtimadhu, and Amalaki Rasayana are given together.
➡ Take ½ teaspoon, three times daily after meals.
2️⃣ In Haematuria (Blood in Urine)
In addition, combining Ushirasava with Chandanasava and Durvadi Ghrita enhances urinary cooling and healing effects.
3️⃣ For Urinary Tract Infections
Since Ushirasava reduces burning and inflammation, it may be used along with:
Chandanasava + Chandanadi Vati + Vanga Bhasma
4️⃣ For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Due to its astringent and cooling herbs, it is beneficial when paired with:
Ashokarishta + Chandraprabha Vati
⚠️ These combinations should always be taken under Ayurvedic medical supervision.
Dosage of Ushirasava
| Age Group | Recommended Dose |
|---|---|
| Children | 2.5 ml – 5 ml |
| Adults | 10 ml – 15 ml |
How to Take:
Twice daily after food, mixed with an equal quantity of water.
Why Ushirasava Works
- Firstly, it cools excess pitta in the blood.
- Secondly, it strengthens blood vessels and reduces unwanted bleeding.
- Additionally, it supports liver and skin detoxification.
- Finally, its mild fermentation improves absorption and digestion.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before starting any herbal medicine, especially in cases of pregnancy, chronic illness, or ongoing medication.
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I’m Dr. Malini Bhat MD (Ayu); an Ayurvedic Doctor and a health blogger. Follow me on social media to get daily health tips which you can easily adapt to a healthy lifestyle.