What Are Rasayana Herbs? A Practical Guide

Rasayana is a term used to describe a group of Ayurvedic herbs and wellness practices that promote youthful vitality, rejuvenation and balanced health.

Yet, the term can get confusing, especially when applied to herbs also classified as adaptogens, nootropics or others.

So, what are Rasayana herbs, and how are they used to promote health?

In this practical guide, you’ll learn what Rasayana herbs are, their properties and benefits, how to distinguish them from other types of herbs, and examples you can use to promote various aspects of well-being.

What are Rasayana Herbs in Ayurveda?

The word Rasayana comes from the words Rasa and Yana.

• “Rasa” has various connotations, but in the context of Rasayana, it is related to nutrition and elixirs.
• Ayana means the path of circulation or transportation.

So, loosely translated, a Rasayana means the path that the elixir, or “Rasa”, takes.

Rasayanas are therapeutic procedures or herbal/nutritional preparations designed to enhance nourishment and promote excellence of, health, memory, intellect, immunity and hence longevity with regular use or practice.

Regarding herbs, there are different types of Rasayanas based on their properties.

For example, Medhya Rasayanas are a class of herbs known to support memory and intellect. Medhya means intellect and/or retention.

There are various other classifications of Rasayana herbs, including those that promote:

• Cognitive prowess, memory, and intelligence
• Longevity
• Youthful vitality and graceful aging
• Beauty and clarity of voice, skin, and hair
• Physical and mental strength
• Strong organs and systems
• Wisdom and spiritual fulfillment

Regarding wellness practices or treatments, Rasayanas include observing various dietary and fitness principles and meditative and religious or spiritual practices.

For example, the therapy Vatatapika Rasavana (vata meaning air and tapa meaning sunlight) involves exposing a person to regular air and sunlight.

Panch-Karma is also considered a type of Rasayana therapy.

Regarding herbs, Rasayanas may be compared to herbal tonics, formulated to promote specific or general aspects of well-being such as digestion, energy, sleep, immunity, stress or overall wellness.

Various Rasayanas may be used during different stages and challenges of life, however, they are nearly always recommended to keep the body strong and healthy from middle-age on, about 45 years old. 

They provide multifaceted support to strengthen and rejuvenate the physical, energetic, and spiritual body and are designed to be taken long-term.

Examples of Popular Rasayana Herbs

There are various herbs classified as Rasayanas, many of which may fall into other categories, including:

• Rejuvenating tonics: Combinations of herbs designed to nourish and rejuvenate specific organs and systems.
• Adaptogens: Herbs that support a healthy stress response via their action on the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis.
• Nootropics: Herbs that support various aspects of cognitive function.
• Relaxants: Herbs that support relaxation and healthy sleep.
• Nervines: Herbs that support normal nervous system function and energetic well-being.

So yes, an herb can belong in many different categories based on its properties and traditional uses.

Speaking of which, the following are some of the best-known Rasayana herbs:

• Amalaki: Also known as “Amla” or Indian Gooseberry, this fruit has antioxidant properties, is popular in hair oils and also known to support digestion, brain health, liver function, and natural beauty.*
• Ashwagandha: Also known as Withania somnifera , winter cherry, or Indian Ginseng, this adaptogenic herb is well-known for its benefits for sleep, energy, inner peace, immunity, normal reproductive wellness, and more.*
• Bacopa: Also known as Brahmi, water hyssop, and the herb of grace is a nootropic, nervine, and adaptogen well-known for its cognitive and nervous system benefits.*
• Gotu Kola: Also known as Centella asiatica, “Brahmi,” “a pharmacy in one herb,” Indian Pennywort, and “herb of longevity” is a nootropic and an adaptogen best-known for its brain- and memory-supportive properties.*
• Triphala: Also known as the formula of “three fruits”, this is one of Ayurveda’s most ancient herbal blends. It is made from amla, haritaki and bibhitaki, and these fruits are considered the pillars of Rasayana. Triphala is used to promote digestive wellness, natural detoxification processes, and nourish overall wellness.*
• Tulsi: Also known as Holy Basil, the incomparable one, the Queen of herbs, and the elixir of life, this adaptogen is prized for its calming and focus-supporting benefits, immune support, spiritual enhancing properties, detox support, and as an herb of protection and enlightenment.*
• Shatavari: This lesser-known Rasayana is also known as Asparagus racemosus and the Queen of Herbs (next to Tulsi). It is considered the ultimate female tonic, and can be taken long-term to support female wellness at any season of life, from the menstruating years through menopause and beyond. Shatavari is an adaptogen, a whole-body tonic, and an immune supporter.*

This is not an extensive list of all Rasayana herbs (you can find that here, scroll down to Table 1), however, these are some of the most popular and well-known in the West.

General Benefits of Rasayana Herbs

As discussed previously, Rasayanas can benefit nearly anyone, especially during middle-age or in older adulthood, as well as during times of stress, sleeplessness, depletion, sluggishness, burnout, and to help you excel and adapt during physically demanding times.*

Studies have revealed various health benefits of different Rasayana herbs, which align with ancient Ayurvedic principles, including supporting

• Antioxidant activities*
• Cardiovascular health*
• Cellular health*
• Inner peace*
• Energy and vitality*
• Endurance*
• Immunity*
• Graceful aging*
• Menstruation*
• Healthy mobility*
• Hormonal balance*
• Sleep support*
• Stress response*
• Physical strength and resilience*

Note: These benefits may not pertain to all Rasayana herbs and different herbs are indicated for different presentations, doshas, health concerns, and seasons of life.

However, on-going research suggests commonalities in their benefits, including for stress, sleep, cognitive function, inner well-being, vitality, energy and immunity.*

Who Can Benefit From Rasayana Herbs?

Like a well-made tonic, Rasayanas are almost universally beneficial for promoting physical, cogntive, and energetic well-being.

As mentioned previously, they can be especially helpful if you’re in the season of middle-age to old age or are experiencing a challenging time, feel drained or burnt-out, have trouble sleeping, feel older than your years, have low energy, have lost your sense of meaning, or just need a pick-me-up.

Rasayanas are generally not recommended for children (although a trained Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend otherwise) and may or may not be appropriate during pregnancy or lactation.

Check with your Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner for individual recommendations including the best Rasayana herbs and practices, optimal dosage, and duration.

Side Effects Of Rasayana Herbs

The most pleasant side effect of Rasayanas should be increased energy, vitality, youthfulness, balance, and a positive outlook on life!

However, although Rasayanas have been used safely for thousands of years, some Rasayana herbs and practices may be contraindicated if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant, have specific dosha imbalances, or are taking medications.

Consult your Ayurvedic doctor or healthcare practitioner for individual recommendations.

How to Take Rasayanas for Well-Being: Where To Start

If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of Rasayanas, the herbs mentioned here today are excellent places to start.

Ashwagandha, for example, is one of the best-known Rasayanas in Western culture and is prized for its tonic-like effects on energy, sleep, inner well-being, and stress relief.*

Triphala is also considered an almost universal formula for promoting longevity, digestive health, youthful appearance, and overall wellness.*

For women, Shatavari can offer immense benefits for menstruation, perimenopause, menopause, and other common female complaints.*

Organic India offers a variety of Rasayana herbs, all grown within our own cooperative of Indian-owned, organic regenerative herb farms.

Some of our best-sellers include:

• Amla Capsules and Bulk Powder
• Ashwagandha in Capsules, Teas, Gummies, and Bulk Powder
• Bacopa in our Memory and Joy Joy Supplements
• Gotu Kola Capsules, Memory, and Joy Supplement
• Shatavari Capsules and Essential Female Capsules
• Tulsi Teas, Capsules, Sleep Supplement, Bulk Herb
• Triphala Capsules and Bulk Powder