Physical pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory experience. Everyone experiences and endures various degrees of pain daily- numbing, tingling, dull, sharp, aching, burning, radiating, localized…whatever the nature of pain is, it never fails to hurt. While pain is an entirely subjective feeling, the endmost reason behind it is always the same- the response to inflammation. Inflammation is an immune response designed to keep you away from injuries, characterized by sensitivity and pain. A plethora of day-to-day reasons can activate an inflammatory response, and it is common.
According to Ayurveda, Vata dosha is responsible for all kinds of pain. Let it be shula (ache), bhedana (splitting pain), supti (numbness), toda (pricking pain), chedana (cutting pain)l, sphutana (cracking), or udveshtana (cramps), Vata is the culprit. It associates with the other two doshas pitta and kapha and causes pain of different nature.
Murivenna- a soothing touch
The Malayalam word ‘murivenna’ can be split into two- ‘murivu’ meaning injury and ‘enna’ meaning oil. Murivenna is a traditional herbal oil used to treat wounds and pain. Made of ingredients with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, Murivenna is still at the top of the game. It effectively manages cuts, bruises, burns, inflamed ano rectal conditions, and the inflammation of the bowels. In joint-related diseases like osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, that involve inflammation, Murivenna does a great job in reducing pain and lubricating the site. Imbibed with the virtue of Karanja (Pongamia pinnata), Kumari (Aloe barbadensis), and Sigru (Moringa oleifera) and fortified with a base of coconut oil, it upholds the efficacy of Ayurvedic wound healing and pain management. It is mainly meant for external application.
Benefits:-
- Alleviate pain- External application of Murivenna over the site of pain enhances blood circulation and reduces pain due to sprain, compression, inflammation, and fracture.
- Stimulate wound healing- activates mending of wounds, fresh and old, with its antiseptic, antimicrobial action.
- MItigate burns- by its cooling nature, the oil soothes burns. The coolness helps draw out the heat from tissues and relieve the burning sensation.
- Relieves the signs of inflammation- redness, swelling, and pain are the characteristics of a typical inflammation. The anti-inflammatory nature of its ingredients alleviates the same, thereby managing joint inflammations and other inflammatory conditions.
- Manages pain and itching over the anorectal area- Reduces the pain and related symptoms caused by the diseases of the anorectal region, including fissures, fistula, and hemorrhoids, and facilitates wound healing in a short time.
- Especially beneficial in joint disorders, as it relieves arthritis and improves bone and joint health.
- Reduces muscle spasms and improves blood circulation to that area.
- Eases different types of headaches including migraine, sinusitis, and cluster headache.
- Manages certain skin conditions like acne, scaling, and psoriasis.
Ingredients-
All ingredients in Murivenna oil are of sheeta guna (cold potency) and vatahara properties to counteract inflammation and vata aggravation. A few key ingredients are-
- Kumari (Aloe barbadensis)- Aloe is rich in Anthraquinone, a chemical component famed for reducing swelling. Various other components in Aloe are known for their antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Its cold potency eases localized inflammation.
- Karanja (Pongamia pinnata)- This tree has high amounts of triglycerides and flavonoids that help treat skin diseases, ulcers, hemorrhoids, fungal infections, and itching. Karanjin, a chemical component present in the tree is antimicrobial and insecticidal.
- Sigru (Moringa oleifera)- Moringa (drumstick) is a bone tonic because of its high calcium and mineral contents. The components like pterygospermin are cited as potential antibiotics and fungicides.
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa)- a cooling herb with anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties. It checks the oxidative stress on the cells and prevents cellular damage.
- Kera taila (Coconut oil)- virgin coconut oil has high antioxidant levels that remove toxins from the system and can speed up wound healing. It is soaked in the goodness of vitamins E and K, and several minerals. Its benefits on skin and hair are highly praised as it is antifungal and antibacterial.
Dosage and instructions
Murivenna is mainly indicated for external application but is rarely given for internal use in cases like ulcers. Can be used by all age groups.
- For external use- apply sufficient quantity to the affected site or soak in a cotton pad and firmly place it over the required area. Repeat till the symptoms subside.
- For internal use- use strictly by the physician’s instructions. 5-10 ml is consumed according to the digestive capacity of the patient.