Dashamoola or Dashamula (also known as Dashmool) is a name given to ten roots of medicinal plants which is used widely in Ayurveda for many health conditions (related to nerves, muscles, bones and joints). Dashamoola is used mainly for Vata Dosha (has also been noted to normalize Kapha Dosha).
Dashamoola: the ten roots
The 10 herbal roots used in the Ayurvedic formulation of Dashamoola are:
- Bilva (Indian Bael)
- Agnimantha (Arani)
- Shyonaka
- Patala
- Gambhari or Kashmari (Beech wood/Kasmari)
- Bruhati (Indian Nightshade)
- Kantakari
- Shalaparni
- Prishnaparni
- Gokshura
These ten roots are divided into Brihat Panchamoola and Laghu Panchamoola.
Brihat Panchamoola
- Bilva (Indian Bael)
- Agnimantha (Arani)
- Shyonaka
- Patala
- Gambhari or Kashmari (Beech wood/Kasmari)
Laghu Panchamoola
- Bruhati (Indian Nightshade)
- Kantakari
- Shalaparni
- Prishnaparni
- 5. Gokshura
There are many combination compounds that involve Dashamula to address certain conditions. For example, Dashamula with Ashwagandha and Bala is commonly used in an oil for lower back pain, Dashamula with trikatu and vasa for respiratory conditions and Dashamula with tulsi is used to cure fever.
Other most promising uses of Dashamoola are remedies to treat arthritis, swelling, pain, inflammation and respiratory problems (asthma and cough).
Various Dashmool formulations are used in the market. Some of them are Dashmularishta, Dashmool Churna, Dashmool Oil, Dashmool Rasayana, Dashamoola Haritaki, Dhanwantharam Kashayam, Dasamulakatutrayadi Kashayam and Dasamoola Kashayam.
The best time to take Dashamoola is after a meal and the best adjuvant is warm water.
Though there are no side effects observed with Dashamoola, it is advised to consult an Ayurvedic Acharya before any kind of consumption.