Ativisha अतिविषा
Aconitum heterophyllum · Ranunculaceae
Also known as: Atis, Ativisha, Atees
Part used: Root
Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum) is a Himalayan herb whose dried root is one of the few Aconitum species safe to use without detoxification. Ayurveda uses it for children's fevers, diarrhoea and indigestion, and it is among the most commonly prescribed paediatric drugs in the classical texts.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Aconitum heterophyllum
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Root powder 0.5–2 g, often with honey; widely used in children's digestive and fever formulas.
Ativisha in other languages
Introduction
Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), or Atis, is unusual among aconites — a non-toxic, tridoshic root safe even for children. It is a classical digestive and antipyretic used for diarrhoea, fever and weak digestion in the young.
Classification
Of the Ranunculaceae family, Ativisha is grouped among the Deepana (digestive), Grahi (absorbent) and Jwaraghna (antipyretic) dravyas. Its bitter-pungent taste and warming potency kindle Agni and clear Ama.
Uses & benefits
Ativisha is the safest of the aconites and the one Ayurveda gives to children. It is used in diarrhoea and dysentery, in fevers with digestive weakness, and in Ama conditions where the tongue is coated. Unlike other Aconitum species it requires no Shodhana before use.
Ativisha for children's fever
The classical paediatric febrifuge, given for fevers with digestive upset. Unlike its toxic relatives, this species needs no Shodhana before use.
Ativisha for diarrhoea
Both Deepana and Grahi — it restores appetite while checking a loose stool, which is exactly the combination needed in infective diarrhoea.
Ativisha for indigestion
Bitter and warming, used for loss of appetite and slow digestion in children and adults alike.
Ativisha for Ama
Classically an Amapachana drug, given where undigested residue is thought to underlie fever, heaviness and coated tongue.
Ativisha for vomiting
Used in nausea and vomiting associated with digestive disturbance, usually in a compound with other bitters.
Ativisha for cough
A secondary indication, used where cough accompanies fever and poor appetite.
Ativisha for worms
Named among the Krimighna drugs, given for intestinal worm infestation in children.
Ativisha in Balachaturbhadra
One of the four drugs in Balachaturbhadra Churna, the classical children's powder for fever, cough and diarrhoea.
Ativisha for Kapha conditions
Its bitter, drying character makes it useful where congestion and sluggish digestion occur together.
Ativisha as a safe Aconitum
Its distinguishing feature: alone among the commonly used Aconitum species it is non-toxic in its natural state, which is why it can be given to children.
Dosage — how much to take
Root powder 0.5–2 g, often with honey; widely used in children's digestive and fever formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Ativisha?
The citations held for Ativisha in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Atisara & Jwara context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Haritakyadi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Ativisha?
Cited for diarrhoea and fever. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Atisara & Jwara context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Ativisha?
Described as tridoshic, Deepana and Grahi. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga.
What is Ativisha traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Ativisha is the safest of the aconites and the one Ayurveda gives to children. It is used in diarrhoea and dysentery, in fevers with digestive weakness, and in Ama conditions where the tongue is coated. Unlike other Aconitum species it requires no Shodhana before use.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Ativisha?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Ativisha classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Ativisha carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Ativisha is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Ativisha is taken, and how?
Root powder 0.5–2 g, often with honey; widely used in children's digestive and fever formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Ativisha be avoided?
The genuine Ativisha (A. heterophyllum) is non-toxic; ensure correct sourcing. Use under guidance.
Where does Ativisha grow?
Ativisha grows in the alpine Himalayas, its tuberous root harvested from the high hill regions of northern India.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga
Described as tridoshic, Deepana and Grahi. - Charaka Samhita — Atisara & Jwara context
Cited for diarrhoea and fever.
Modern research
-
Antisecretory and antimotility activity of Aconitum heterophyllum and its significance in treatment of diarrhea
(see source). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (2014)
A study reporting Aconitum heterophyllum (Ativisha) has antisecretory and antimotility activity, supporting its classical use in diarrhoea.
View study doi:10.4103/0253-7613.125182
Safety & precautions
The genuine Ativisha (A. heterophyllum) is non-toxic; ensure correct sourcing. Use under guidance.
Where it grows
Ativisha grows in the alpine Himalayas, its tuberous root harvested from the high hill regions of northern India.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ativisha poisonous like other Aconitum species?
No, and this is the point of the drug. Aconitum heterophyllum is the one species in the genus used in Ayurveda without prior detoxification. Its relatives — Vatsanabha and others — are genuinely toxic and require rigorous Shodhana before any use.
Can Ativisha be given to children?
It is one of the most commonly prescribed paediatric herbs in the classical texts, particularly for fever with diarrhoea. Dose it by a physician's direction rather than by guesswork, and see a doctor for any fever in a young child.
What is the dose of Ativisha?
Root powder 1–3 g per day for adults, with honey. For children the dose is proportionately smaller and should be set by a physician. It is usually given within a compound such as Balachaturbhadra Churna.
What is Ativisha used for?
Fever, diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting and worm infestation — particularly in children. Its combination of Deepana (kindling digestion) and Grahi (checking the stool) is what makes it the classical choice for a child who is feverish and has an upset stomach.
Is Ativisha endangered?
Yes. Aconitum heterophyllum is a threatened Himalayan species under serious collection pressure and is listed as endangered. Check that any product names a cultivated or sustainably sourced origin — adulteration and substitution are widespread.
What is Ativisha called in Hindi?
Atis or Atees. You may also see it as Patis. The Sanskrit Ativisha means "beyond poison" — a reference to it being the safe member of a dangerous genus.
Are there side effects?
Well tolerated at classical doses. It is bitter and drying, so prolonged use may aggravate Vata. Because of the risk of substitution with genuinely toxic Aconitum species, buy only from a licensed manufacturer, never loose from an unverified source.
