First-of-its-kind Initiative in the State, Integrating Water Conservation and Ayurvedic Medicine in Butigarh
Chief Minister lauds the efforts to Preserve Forest Wealth and raise awareness about Ayurveda among the Masses
Raipur, 09 October 2024/ An extensive campaign is being conducted in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh to promote water conservation and Ayurveda. A unique initiative has been launched to encourage Ayurvedic and natural medicine in the region, marking a pioneering effort in the state.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai lauded this innovation by the AYUSH Department and Dhamtari District Administration, and encouraged further efforts to preserve the state’s forest resources and enhance public awareness about Ayurveda. As part of this initiative, the district administration has established an ‘AYUSH Ras-shala’ (Herbal Beverage Center) in the Singpur (Butigarh) village, a forested area of the district, to integrate Ayurveda into the lives of the local population.
Butigarh is naturally blessed with medicinal plants, and thus, a herbarium is also being developed in the area. The Ras-shala has been constructed to promote, propagate, and utilize these medicinal plants. Through this Ras-shala, local residents, students, and tourists will be able to experience the benefits of these herbal drinks.
Water holds immense importance in Ayurveda, as it helps maintain the balance of all major elements in the body. The “Jal Jagar” program in Dhamtari district is showcasing the significance of water conservation along with the utility of Ayurvedic beverages and medicines. Ayurvedic practitioners at the exhibition highlighted the importance of Butigarh and the Ras-shala, explaining how adopting pure water and Ayurvedic nutrition can contribute to a healthier lifestyle for families and communities.
Decoction for Enhanced Physical and Mental Health
Ayurveda Medical Officer, Dr. Avadh Pachauri, stated that 160 varieties of medicinal herbs have been identified, out of which 25,000 plants have been planted in Butigarh in the initial phase. Some of these herbs are already being used in powdered or tablet form for Ayurvedic treatments. As Butigarh further develops, the Ras-shala will serve as a medium to increase awareness about Ayurveda. Additionally, efforts are underway to preserve endangered medicinal plants in Butigarh for future research. Presently, decoctions prepared from various herbs are being provided to visitors at different AYUSH centers, including patients, pregnant women, adolescents, and children, resulting in notable improvements in their physical and mental health.
‘Arjun Ksheerpak’—A Boon for Heart Patients
Dr. Pachauri emphasized that, since the COVID-19 pandemic, sudden heart attacks resulting in on-the-spot deaths across all age groups have become a growing concern, leaving no time for intervention. The regular consumption of ‘Arjun Ksheerpak’—a preparation made from the bark of the Arjun tree—can significantly reduce instances of instant heart attacks. The Arjun bark possesses unique medicinal properties that strengthen the arteries of the heart and enhance cardiac muscles. This preparation is especially beneficial for individuals suffering from heart ailments or those at high risk of cardiac arrest.
Ayurvedic Medicines Highly Beneficial in Daily Life
District AYUSH Officer Dr. Gurudayal Sahu shared that at the recent ‘Jal Jagar’ festival, the AYUSH Department’s exhibition on Butigarh and the Ras-shala displayed the medicinal properties of various plants like ‘Moringa’ (Drumstick Tree), including the method of preparing its soup. Furthermore, extracts from different herbs were obtained through distillation, enabling the preparation of medicines useful in daily life. The aim of Butigarh and the Ras-shala is to raise public awareness about the benefits of medicinal plants. Many Ayurvedic herbs are readily available in households and can effectively combat seasonal ailments when used appropriately. Dr. Gurudayal also highlighted efforts to promote the cultivation of ‘Rashi Ratna’ plants. Extensive planting of medicinal herbs is not only preserving nature but also significantly contributing to water conservation, while enhancing positivity in everyday life through the beneficial properties of these plants.
Ras-shala Inspired by Ancient Ayurvedic Text ‘Rasa Shastra’
One of the ancient Ayurvedic texts, Rasa Shastra, describes various methods for preparing medicines using different apparatuses to purify and formulate potent remedies. Maharishi Nagarjuna is considered the pioneer of these techniques, which were historically employed to treat numerous ailments. In ancient times, Ayurvedic practitioners used instruments like ‘Dola Yantra’, ‘Ulukhala Yantra’, ‘Kachchapa Yantra’, and ‘Swedani Yantra’ to prepare medicines that are still effective for treating various health conditions. The AYUSH Rasshala in Butigarh aims to create fresh herbal juices, extracts, decoctions, and beverages from these plants, thereby boosting the body’s immunity and offering numerous health benefits.
