Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S

Acharya Charaka has explained a simple formulation in Chikitsa Sthana Chapter 2, 3rd quarter – Vajikarana Adhyaya which might just prove to be a boon to those men suffering from erectile dysfunction. This formulation is called Vrushya Pippali Yoga.

Vrushya – that which gives a ‘bull power’ while performing sex

Pippali – Piper longum

Yoga – formulation

So, it is a formulation which is prepared using Piper longum / long pepper and bestows sexual vigour and virility and enhances sexual performance in individuals. This formulation can be used by those having problems with erection and having sex and also by healthy individuals to maintain erection and to have a happy and blissful sex life, especially so in aging individuals.

Ref – Charaka Chikitsa, Chapter 2, Quarter 3, Verses 12, 13 (Cha.Chi.2.3/12, 13)

Vrushya Pippali Yoga

त्रिंशत् सुपिष्टाः पिप्पल्यः प्रकुञ्चे तैलसर्पिषोः।
भृष्टाः सशर्कराक्षौद्राः क्षीरधारवदोहिताः॥
पीत्वा यथाबलं चोर्ध्वं षष्टिकं क्षीरसर्पिषा।
भुक्त्वा न रात्रिमस्तब्धं लिङ्गं पश्यति ना क्षरात्॥(इति वृष्य पिप्पलीयोगः)

[च.चि.२.३/१२,१३]

Ingredients

–        Pippali – Piper longum – 30 numbers

–        Taila – oil and Sarpi – ghee – 1 prakuncha – 1 pala = 48 grams quantity together (both are taken equal in quantity such that the quantity is 1 prakuncha)

–        Sharkara – sugar

–        Kshaudra / Madhu – honey

–        Kshira Dhara – fresh milk collected from the udder of the cow

Observations –

The quantity of sugar and honey have not been mentioned. We can assume that they both together shall be taken in 48 grams.

We know that ghee and honey should not be taken in equal quantities but we should also see that there are other ingredients in this formulation and not just honey and ghee.

Method of preparation and intake

First, paste of the 30 Pippali should be made.

This paste should be fried in oil and ghee taken in 48 grams.

Once the heat comes down, the fried Pippali paste should be added with sugar and honey and mixed thoroughly.

To the vessel comprising this mixture, a stream of milk drawn directly from the udder / nipple of the cow should be added (milk is extracted into the vessel). Now, all the ingredients are properly mixed.

This recipe is called as Vrushya Pippali Yoga and is ready to consume.

Dosage

Yatha Balam – it is advised that it shall be taken according to one’s strength and capacity.

Here, we need to see that 30 Pippali seems to be a higher dose. It is the same quantity that one would take on the third day of Vardhamana Pippali Rasayana procedure, in strong persons.

So, a person having good strength and tolerance (since it is a strong medicine) shall readily take 30 Pippali doses. Those of moderate strength shall take 20 and those having less strength should take 10 Pippali (it is 21 Pippali and 9 Pippali respectively in case of Vardhamana Pippali – on 3rd day).

For how many days should this recipe be consumed?

It has also not been mentioned for how many days this recipe should be consumed. So, we shall assume that it shall be taken until ‘the desired results are obtained’.

Should it be consumed daily?

This too has not been specified. So, does it work in one go, i.e. is a single dose sufficient? It might probably not be so.

Pippali is one of the herbs whose excessive consumption has been contraindicated in the texts. So, it should be cautiously used. So, keeping the strength of the persons of current time, we shall assume that this dose of Pippali shall be consumed once a week until results are obtained. One should strictly adhere to the dietetic restrictions while taking this recipe.

Dietetic Restrictions

Shashtikam Kshira Sarpisha – During the course of taking this aphrodisiac recipe, one should adhere to a strict diet and consume only Shashtika Rice – paddy harvested in 60 days’ time along with ghee and milk. This is mandatory to keep the intense properties of Pippali in check, a kind of counter-food.

Can healthy people take this recipe?

With age, the sexual competence and potency and virility of the person would decrease, though not as a rule. Healthy persons, especially those who discover decreased libido and erection or those who are in transition of ageing decades shall consume this recipe, but after consulting the physician.

It is a Vrushya / Vajikarana Yoga – an aphrodisiac. Vrushya Yogas are considered to be ‘Swasthasya Urjaskaram’ type of medicine i.e. preventive medicine. So, this Yoga can also be used by healthy persons and as preventive medicine for sexual disorders.

Any other restrictions?

Yes. Rasayana and Vajikarana Yogas are said to work best when taken after Shodhana. Therefore, it is better to undergo purificatory therapies before taking this Vrushya recipe.

Benefits of Vrushya Pippali Yoga

The text says – ‘The genital organ of the man remains strongly erected all through the night and it does not become weak and laxed even after ejaculation of semen’.

Based on this description, Vrushya Pippali Yoga can be readily prescribed for those having erectile dysfunction. Though this recipe can be considered as Vrushya – a general aphrodisiac since it is explained in the context of Vajikarana chapter, the specific indication is for ‘maintaining the erection for a long time’ and hence a best recipe for erectile dysfunction.

This recipe shall also be used by those who have decreased libido and weakness during sex. Since milk, ghee and honey are used in this recipe, it is also a food and medicine combo.

The recipe also enhances the ‘performance time’ in sexual act and hence bestows bliss and sustained orgasm.

It can also be used to treat Premature Ejaculation.

Other points of interest

Pippali itself is a Rasayana and hence is the best medicine for all dhatus. It also works by enhancing the agni and dhatu agni and creates a pathway of production and maintenance of best quality semen and sperms – shukra dhatu.

Oil, Ghee and Honey – which are the best medicines for vata, pitta and kapha respectively are a part of this recipe. Therefore, this can be a beneficial recipe for impotence and erectile dysfunction caused by all three doshas. It has a Tridosha balancing effect / action.

Milk used in the recipe is a Rasayana and so is Ghee. They have been counted by Acharya Charaka as Nitya Rasayanas i.e. Rasayanas which can be used daily.

The recipe thus bestows RASAYANA plus VAJIKARANA / VRUSHYA impact.