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Vajikarana (view source)

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=== Abstract ===

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<div style="text-align:justify;">''Vajikarana'' is a branch of Ayurveda which is intended to increase virility, improve quality of germinal cells as well treatment of various sexual dysfunctions. In this chapter code of conduct related to sex, dietary regime, qualities of normal sperm, factors affecting virility, qualities of sexual partner, role of mind in infertility, aphrodisiac and therapeutic formulations etc. are described. Simple and easy to prepare formulations are described in the chapter. Though these are described for males but we can apply same principles and formulations to female also for more preponderant effect. ''Vajikarana'' is generally misinterpreted as sexology. This myth is broken in this chapter by mentioning other effects of wider applicability and can be used for improving progeny and creating better world. The chapter is restricted to principles, regime and formulations. Aetiological factors, pathology of sexual dysfunctions and other aspects are mentioned in other chapters of this text.

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<div style="text-align:justify;">''Vajikarana'' is a branch of [[Ayurveda]] which is intended to increase virility, improve quality of germinal cells as well treatment of various sexual dysfunctions. In this chapter code of conduct related to sex, dietary regime, qualities of normal sperm, factors affecting virility, qualities of sexual partner, role of mind in infertility, aphrodisiac and therapeutic formulations etc. are described. Simple and easy to prepare formulations are described in the chapter. Though these are described for males but we can apply same principles and formulations to female also for more preponderant effect. ''Vajikarana'' is generally misinterpreted as sexology. This myth is broken in this chapter by mentioning other effects of wider applicability and can be used for improving progeny and creating better world. The chapter is restricted to principles, regime and formulations. Aetiological factors, pathology of sexual dysfunctions and other aspects are mentioned in other chapters of this text.

'''Keywords''': ''Vajikarana, Shukra, Vrishya'', libido, sexual dysfunctions, infertility, healthy progeny.

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=== Introduction ===

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Sexual relationships are among the most important social and biological relationships in human life. India played a significant role in the history of sex, right from writing of the first literature that treated sexual intercourse as a science. Since ancient times, India pioneered the use of sexual education through art and literature. This subject was not considered taboo in Ayurveda and it was included as separate branch ''vajikarana'' in which various aspects related to sexuality are scientifically dealt. If we see the literal meaning of ''vajikarana'', we find that this word is made up of two words – ''Vaji'' and ''Karana''. ''Vaji'' refers to horse and karana refers to power. So, ''vajikarana'' can be said to be a modality by which one can perform sexual activity for long time and frequently like a horse. But the effect of this branch is much more and helps to achieve good physique, potency, strength and complexion; it revitalizes the reproductive power; helps in getting healthy and good progeny; resolves various sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction, infertility, premature ejaculations etc. Hence it can be said that subject is concerned with aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny.

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Sexual relationships are among the most important social and biological relationships in human life. India played a significant role in the history of sex, right from writing of the first literature that treated sexual intercourse as a science. Since ancient times, India pioneered the use of sexual education through art and literature. This subject was not considered taboo in [[Ayurveda]] and it was included as separate branch ''vajikarana'' in which various aspects related to sexuality are scientifically dealt. If we see the literal meaning of ''vajikarana'', we find that this word is made up of two words – ''Vaji'' and ''Karana''. ''Vaji'' refers to horse and karana refers to power. So, ''vajikarana'' can be said to be a modality by which one can perform sexual activity for long time and frequently like a horse. But the effect of this branch is much more and helps to achieve good physique, potency, strength and complexion; it revitalizes the reproductive power; helps in getting healthy and good progeny; resolves various sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction, infertility, premature ejaculations etc. Hence it can be said that subject is concerned with aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny.

Literature related to ''vajikarana'' is present in all the three great treatises which show that this subject was considered paramount for betterment of humans. In [[Charak Samhita]] it is placed before describing treatment of various diseases and in ''Sushruta Samhita'', it is described after discussion of disease treatment. In ''Ashtanga'' it is mentioned in ''Uttara Sthana'' and is last chapter of this text. The order of placement depends upon basic theme of a text. Charak has given prime importance to promotion and preservation of health, whereas Sushruta and Vagbhata emphasized upon the treatment of diseases. This shows with time, Ayurvedic concept of promotion and prevention of health became less important in comparison to disease management.

[[Vajikarana]] is divided in four sections - ''Samyoga Sharamooliya'', ''Asikti Kshirika, Mashaparnabhritiya'' and ''Pumana Jata Baladika''. If we analyze the name of these sub-sections we will find that out of four, name of three sections (''Samyoga Sharamooliya, Asikti Kshirika, Mashaparnabhritiya'') are based on the first formulation described. Last section is named to give emphasis on their effect. The name of four sub-sections or ''pada'', itself suggests that in [[Vajikarana]] chapter, accentuation is given more to formulations. On analyzing these formulations one interesting fact which comes out is that out of 50 formulations mentioned very few can be considered as therapeutic preparations. Only four ''gutika'' or ''vati'' (tablets) are mentioned whereas seven ''mamsarasa'' (meat soup), ten types of milk preparations, four types of eggs, six types of ''pupalika, audana, payasa, rasala'' (different rice and milk preparations), etc. are given. Most of them are common dietary preparations included in normal diet and can be easily prepared. While stating difference in ''rasayana'' and ''vajikarana'', it is stated that ''vajikarana'' should be administered regularly to an individual.

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Ayurveda considers ''brahmacharya'' as one of the three ''upastambha'' or pillars of life. It refers to a certain code of conduct related to sexual life. It is said that sexual activity should be neither practiced as complete celibacy nor excessive indulgence should be done as both will have detrimental effect on body as well as mind. It is recommended that the person below 17 years of age and more than 70 years of age should not consume ''vajikarana'' preparations. These preparations have to be consumed by ''Jitendriya Purusha'' or man who has control on his senses and desires. If ''vajikarana'' preparations are consumed by a man who has lost control over his senses and desire, he may prove harmful to society. Excessive coitus leads to ''shosha'' or loss of ''dhatus'' and suppression of sexual desire leads to impotency. Rules regarding coitus frequency, time, pattern changes due to seasonal variation, pre and post coitus preparations etc. are described at different places in ''Samhita''. Before administration of ''vajikarana'' therapy purification should be done so that vitiated ''doshas'' and toxins are removed from the body and blocked channels are opened. This leads to increased bio-availability of ''vajikarana'' drugs for beneficial results. ''Vajikarana'' treatment benefits include increased sexual performance, improving health of future progeny as well as treatment of many sexual disorders like infertility, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

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[[Ayurveda]] considers ''brahmacharya'' as one of the three ''upastambha'' or pillars of life. It refers to a certain code of conduct related to sexual life. It is said that sexual activity should be neither practiced as complete celibacy nor excessive indulgence should be done as both will have detrimental effect on body as well as mind. It is recommended that the person below 17 years of age and more than 70 years of age should not consume ''vajikarana'' preparations. These preparations have to be consumed by ''Jitendriya Purusha'' or man who has control on his senses and desires. If ''vajikarana'' preparations are consumed by a man who has lost control over his senses and desire, he may prove harmful to society. Excessive coitus leads to ''shosha'' or loss of ''dhatus'' and suppression of sexual desire leads to impotency. Rules regarding coitus frequency, time, pattern changes due to seasonal variation, pre and post coitus preparations etc. are described at different places in ''Samhita''. Before administration of ''vajikarana'' therapy purification should be done so that vitiated ''doshas'' and toxins are removed from the body and blocked channels are opened. This leads to increased bio-availability of ''vajikarana'' drugs for beneficial results. ''Vajikarana'' treatment benefits include increased sexual performance, improving health of future progeny as well as treatment of many sexual disorders like infertility, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

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Ayurveda has given immense importance to women in relation to sexual activity. Woman has been referred as ''kshetra'' or medium in which seed (or sperm) is implanted and fetal growth and development takes place. To get healthy progeny, woman should have certain qualities like she must be from different clan, physically and mentally salubrious and she should be pure (she should have taken post menstrual bath etc.). Such claims are still valid as it is seen that marriages in blood relatives or in same clan have more preponderance of genetic disorders. Chance of having healthy progeny is influenced by the mental state of partners. In ancient times, society was male dominant and females were not given equivalent status & rights like their male counterparts. At many places, social beliefs and rituals prevalent at that time has affected Ayurvedic literature. In ''vajikarana'' also most of the descriptions are related to males only. Rules, formulations, code of conduct etc. mentioned apply to females also and so ''vajikarana'' principles and formulations should not be restricted to males only and should be administered to females also.

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[[Ayurveda]] has given immense importance to women in relation to sexual activity. Woman has been referred as ''kshetra'' or medium in which seed (or sperm) is implanted and fetal growth and development takes place. To get healthy progeny, woman should have certain qualities like she must be from different clan, physically and mentally salubrious and she should be pure (she should have taken post menstrual bath etc.). Such claims are still valid as it is seen that marriages in blood relatives or in same clan have more preponderance of genetic disorders. Chance of having healthy progeny is influenced by the mental state of partners. In ancient times, society was male dominant and females were not given equivalent status & rights like their male counterparts. At many places, social beliefs and rituals prevalent at that time has affected Ayurvedic literature. In ''vajikarana'' also most of the descriptions are related to males only. Rules, formulations, code of conduct etc. mentioned apply to females also and so ''vajikarana'' principles and formulations should not be restricted to males only and should be administered to females also.

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It can be stated that ''vajikarana'' is the special branch of Ayurveda which improves the reproductive system and enhances sexual function. It deals with aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny. The principles described can provide solution to increasing sexual dysfunctions and declining fecundity. Scientific research is needed in the field of ''vajikarana'' therapies.

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It can be stated that ''vajikarana'' is the special branch of [[Ayurveda]] which improves the reproductive system and enhances sexual function. It deals with aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny. The principles described can provide solution to increasing sexual dysfunctions and declining fecundity. Scientific research is needed in the field of ''vajikarana'' therapies.

</div>

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Nutrition status is also a major cause of sub-fertility. Sexual dysfunction due to malnutrition can be easily overcome. Nutrition is important for DNA synthesis leading to development of spermatozoa and oocytes. Diet also provides exogenous antioxidants (vitamins C and E). Dietary formulations mentioned are perfect amalgamation of energy and nutrients required for production and maturation of sperm.

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In Ayurveda, ''ahara'' or diet has been considered to be a form of medicine (''bhaishajya'') and the role of diet is not limited to nutrition only. Properly planned diet can be used for prevention as well as treatment of the diseases. ''Shukra'' is one of the seven ''dhatus'' and is formed by successive evolution of ''dhatus'' starting from ''rasa dhatu'' and diet forms the substrate (Cha. Chi. 15/16). So, ''ahara'' is one important factor on which quality of ''dhatu'' depends.

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In [[Ayurveda]], ''ahara'' or diet has been considered to be a form of medicine (''bhaishajya'') and the role of diet is not limited to nutrition only. Properly planned diet can be used for prevention as well as treatment of the diseases. ''Shukra'' is one of the seven ''dhatus'' and is formed by successive evolution of ''dhatus'' starting from ''rasa dhatu'' and diet forms the substrate (Cha. Chi. 15/16). So, ''ahara'' is one important factor on which quality of ''dhatu'' depends.

Various simple dietary preparations which can increase quantity as well as quality of sperm are mentioned. The substance acts in various modes in the body, one of those is the principle of ''dravya samanya'' (similarity in substance) i.e. consumption of food item similar to body tissues increase them due to similar constitution. Keeping this fact in mind semen of different animals has been used with fat. ''Snigdha dravya'' (unctuous substances) increase semen by similar properties. However, this mode of therapy may not have individual acceptance or practical in current period so principle of ''guna samanya'' (''dravya'' with similar properties) may be used.

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Milk is integral to Ayurvedic diet regime. In the list of best factors for sustaining life, milk is considered best among all substances providing life (Cha.Su.25/40). Milk has a nutrition value as it provides essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, and affects absorption of nutrients. Milk fat has a wide-ranging spectrum of fatty acids and lipids. Milk protein is rich in amino acids leading to stimulation of muscle synthesis, positive health effects on blood pressure, inflammation, oxidation and tissue development.

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In Ayurveda, milk has been said to have beneficial effect on semen quality. However, in present era due to change in feeding regime of dairy animals, composition of milk might have been changed. This change has resulted into increase in estrogens, fat content etc. which are attributed to cause adverse effect on semen quality. Few researches have claimed that milk and dairy products have negative effect on semen as observed in male mice.<ref>Ma YX, Ebine N, Aoki K, Kusunoki M, Misumi J, Effects of cow's milk on reproduction in ICR male mice, Biomed Environ Sci. 2009 Apr;22(2):161-3.</ref> In another study, intake of full-fat dairy was observed inversely related to sperm motility and morphology.<ref>Afeiche M, Williams PL, Mendiola J, Gaskins AJ, Jørgensen N, Swan SH,Chavarro JE., Dairy food intake in relation to semen quality and reproductive hormone levels among physically active young men. Hum Reprod 2013 Aug;28(8):2265-75</ref> High intake of saturated fats was negatively related to sperm concentration whereas higher intake of omega-3 fats was positively related to sperm morphology.<ref>Jill A. Attaman et al., Dietary fat and semen quality among men attending a fertility clinic, Hum. Reprod. (2012) doi: 10.1093/humrep/des065</ref> It has been suggested that environmental estrogens could be responsible for the decline in sperm counts.

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In [[Ayurveda]], milk has been said to have beneficial effect on semen quality. However, in present era due to change in feeding regime of dairy animals, composition of milk might have been changed. This change has resulted into increase in estrogens, fat content etc. which are attributed to cause adverse effect on semen quality. Few researches have claimed that milk and dairy products have negative effect on semen as observed in male mice.<ref>Ma YX, Ebine N, Aoki K, Kusunoki M, Misumi J, Effects of cow's milk on reproduction in ICR male mice, Biomed Environ Sci. 2009 Apr;22(2):161-3.</ref> In another study, intake of full-fat dairy was observed inversely related to sperm motility and morphology.<ref>Afeiche M, Williams PL, Mendiola J, Gaskins AJ, Jørgensen N, Swan SH,Chavarro JE., Dairy food intake in relation to semen quality and reproductive hormone levels among physically active young men. Hum Reprod 2013 Aug;28(8):2265-75</ref> High intake of saturated fats was negatively related to sperm concentration whereas higher intake of omega-3 fats was positively related to sperm morphology.<ref>Jill A. Attaman et al., Dietary fat and semen quality among men attending a fertility clinic, Hum. Reprod. (2012) doi: 10.1093/humrep/des065</ref> It has been suggested that environmental estrogens could be responsible for the decline in sperm counts.

===== Feeding of animal affects quality of milk =====

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Milk composition can be altered by the feeding regime of cow. Content of several fatty acids such as c9, t11-CLA and the ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are affected by the amount of grass and supplemental feeds (concentrate) in the diet. Milk content of several vitamins and minerals are also influenced by the cow's diet.<ref>Anna Haug, Arne T Hostmark, and Odd M Harstad Bovine milk in human nutrition – a review, Lipids Health Dis. 2007; 6: 25.</ref> In a study it was found that concentrations of micro-components like CLA, and to a lesser extent EPA and DHA, can be significantly enhanced through the use of diet formulation and nutritional management of dairy cows.<ref>Lock AL, Bauman DE, Modifying milk fat composition of dairy cows to enhance fatty acids beneficial to human health, Lipids, 2004 Dec;39(12):1197-206</ref> In another study effect of diet and cooling interactions on milk composition were studied in cows. So, it can be said that diet definitely affects milk composition and in turn effects are also modulated. If cow is fed with ''masha'' then the qualities of milk will increase and thus such milk is said to be good aphrodisiac that have more beneficial effects on sperm quality. Masha itself has properties of increasing ''shukra'' as it has ''snigdha'' and ''madhura'' qualities.

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According to Ayurveda, cow milk is better than other milk. Beneficial role of cow’s milk has been established by some recent researches. A study unambiguously clarified at the cellular level that cow's milk increased the activities of human PPARalpha, PPARdelta, and RXRalpha. The nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) have been shown to play crucial roles in regulating energy homeostasis including lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, inflammatory responses, and cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival because PPAR agonists have the potential to prevent or ameliorate diseases such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and obesity.<ref>Suhara W, Koide H, Okuzawa T, Hayashi D, Hashimoto T, Kojo H., Cow's milk increases the activities of human nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and delta and retinoid X receptor alpha involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis, obesity, and inflammation, J Dairy Sci. 2009 Sep;92(9):4180-7</ref> Milk is itself regarded as ''Sadyo Shukrakara'' (means instant aphrodisiac) in Ayurveda as it increases sperm quality soon after the consumption.

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According to [[Ayurveda]], cow milk is better than other milk. Beneficial role of cow’s milk has been established by some recent researches. A study unambiguously clarified at the cellular level that cow's milk increased the activities of human PPARalpha, PPARdelta, and RXRalpha. The nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) have been shown to play crucial roles in regulating energy homeostasis including lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, inflammatory responses, and cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival because PPAR agonists have the potential to prevent or ameliorate diseases such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and obesity.<ref>Suhara W, Koide H, Okuzawa T, Hayashi D, Hashimoto T, Kojo H., Cow's milk increases the activities of human nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and delta and retinoid X receptor alpha involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis, obesity, and inflammation, J Dairy Sci. 2009 Sep;92(9):4180-7</ref> Milk is itself regarded as ''Sadyo Shukrakara'' (means instant aphrodisiac) in [[Ayurveda]] as it increases sperm quality soon after the consumption.

===== Rice and its preparation with milk =====

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''Shashitika'' rice is ''snigdha, madhura'' and ''sheeta'' and so by Ayurvedic principle of ''guna samanya'' (similar properties) it helps in improving semen quality.<ref>Chakrapani, Charak Samhita of Charak with Ayurveda Dipika commentary, Sutrasthana, 5/3, Rastriya Sanskrit Sansthana, Delhi, 2006.</ref> ''Balya'' and ''brimhaniya'' drugs are added to rice for increasing strength of patient. ''Masha, shali, shashtika, godhuma'' provide combination of both carbohydrate and protein. It can be taken with milk and meat juice which again adds nutritive value. As digestive power varies with persons, dose fixation should be done individually after assessment of ''agni''.

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''Shashitika'' rice is ''snigdha, madhura'' and ''sheeta'' and so by Ayurvedic principle of ''guna samanya'' (similar properties) it helps in improving semen quality.<ref>Chakrapani, Charak Samhita of Charak with [[Ayurveda]] Dipika commentary, Sutrasthana, 5/3, Rastriya Sanskrit Sansthana, Delhi, 2006.</ref> ''Balya'' and ''brimhaniya'' drugs are added to rice for increasing strength of patient. ''Masha, shali, shashtika, godhuma'' provide combination of both carbohydrate and protein. It can be taken with milk and meat juice which again adds nutritive value. As digestive power varies with persons, dose fixation should be done individually after assessment of ''agni''.

''Payasa'' is dietary preparation which is popular as sweet dish in India. It is prepared from combination of milk and rice. It has property to increase sperm quality. If made from various aphrodisiac drugs its effect is much more. ''Payasa'' is included in normal diet regime so it can be easy aphrodisiac formulation by changing contents of ''Payasa''.

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#śukravardhana (shukravardhana, शुक्रवर्धन) Qualitative and quantitative increase in the Śukra(semen)

#tanu rētōdōṣa (tanu retodoSha, तनु रेतोदोष): Increased liquidity or thin semen : Very thin semen

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#vājīkaraṇa (vAjIkaraNa, वाजीकरण) One of the eight branches of Ayurveda which deals with management of defective sperm and spermatogenesis along with sexual potencification. In this, administration of therapeutic procedure or medicine is done which helps to have healthy progeny from generation to generation provides instant vigor, exhilaration, stallion sexual vigor and indulgence in sexual act without any obstacles, excessive affection of the women, enhance the body tissues and maintenance of the state of Semen even in the aged persons.

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#vājīkaraṇa (vAjIkaraNa, वाजीकरण) One of the eight branches of [[Ayurveda]] which deals with management of defective sperm and spermatogenesis along with sexual potencification. In this, administration of therapeutic procedure or medicine is done which helps to have healthy progeny from generation to generation provides instant vigor, exhilaration, stallion sexual vigor and indulgence in sexual act without any obstacles, excessive affection of the women, enhance the body tissues and maintenance of the state of Semen even in the aged persons.

#vidārī (vidArI, विदारी) Pueraria tuberosa

#visraṁ (visraM- विस्रं) - A smell like that of raw meat, smell like blood ; An attribute of Pitta.

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