Singhiya सिंघिया
Aconitum chasmanthum
Also known as: Singhiya (Vatsanabha)
Part used: Root
| 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 chasmanthum
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Strictly as prescribed.
Singhiya in other languages
Introduction
Singhiya is Vatsanabha (Aconitum chasmanthum), one of the Himalayan aconites and among the most poisonous plants in the pharmacopoeia. The tuberous root is the drug.
Ayurveda uses it after rigorous Shodhana — classically boiling in cow's milk — which reduces its alkaloid content. Even purified, it is a Schedule E1 drug given in milligram doses inside compound formulations.
Classification
Family Ranunculaceae. The tuberous root is officinal, only after Shodhana. Rasa: Katu, Tikta. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Vata. Classified as Sthavara Visha — a plant poison.
Uses & benefits
Used in classical Rasa preparations for fever, severe pain and Vata disorders where a rapid, penetrating action is wanted. It appears in Maha Vatvidhwansan Ras in this catalogue. It is never used alone and never in unprocessed form.
Vatsanabha in classical Rasa formulations
Its value is speed and penetration in acute fever and severe pain, which is why it appears in a small number of potent compound medicines.
Why Shodhana is not optional
Raw aconite is lethal in small quantity. The classical purification in cow's milk substantially reduces its alkaloids, and no legitimate preparation uses unprocessed root.
Dosage — how much to take
Strictly as prescribed. Purified root in doses of 15–30 mg within a compound. Never taken alone or at self-selected dose.
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 Singhiya?
The citations held for Singhiya in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Dhatvadi Varga — Vatsanabha).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Singhiya?
Katu-tikta rasa, ushna virya; requires purification. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Dhatvadi Varga — Vatsanabha.
What is Singhiya traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Used in classical Rasa preparations for fever, severe pain and Vata disorders where a rapid, penetrating action is wanted. It appears in Maha Vatvidhwansan Ras in this catalogue. It is never used alone and never in unprocessed form.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Singhiya?
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 Singhiya classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Singhiya carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Singhiya is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Singhiya is taken, and how?
Strictly as prescribed. Purified root in doses of 15–30 mg within a compound. Never taken alone or at self-selected dose. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Singhiya be avoided?
PRESCRIPTION ONLY — Schedule E1, and one of the most dangerous drugs in the pharmacopoeia. Raw aconite has caused death from a few grams; symptoms are tingling and numbness of the mouth, vomiting, irregular heartbeat and collapse. Suspected aconite poisoning is a medical emergency — go to hospital immediately. Contraindicated absolutely in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, and in heart disease. Never use unprocessed root, and never exceed the prescribed dose.
Where does Singhiya grow?
Alpine Himalaya between roughly 2,500 and 4,000 m, chiefly in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Wild populations are depleted and collection is regulated.
Classical references
- Rasa Tarangini — Visha Prakarana
Vatsanabha classed among the plant poisons; shodhana in cow's milk specified before any use. - Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Dhatvadi Varga — Vatsanabha
Katu-tikta rasa, ushna virya; requires purification.
Safety & precautions
PRESCRIPTION ONLY — Schedule E1, and one of the most dangerous drugs in the pharmacopoeia. Raw aconite has caused death from a few grams; symptoms are tingling and numbness of the mouth, vomiting, irregular heartbeat and collapse. Suspected aconite poisoning is a medical emergency — go to hospital immediately. Contraindicated absolutely in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, and in heart disease. Never use unprocessed root, and never exceed the prescribed dose.
Where it grows
Alpine Himalaya between roughly 2,500 and 4,000 m, chiefly in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Wild populations are depleted and collection is regulated.
Frequently asked questions
How dangerous is aconite?
Extremely. Raw root has caused death from a few grams. Only properly purified material in milligram doses inside a compound formulation is used, and only on prescription.
What are the signs of aconite poisoning?
Tingling and numbness of the lips and tongue, nausea and vomiting, irregular heartbeat, weakness and collapse. Treat it as a medical emergency and go to hospital at once.
