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धन्वनि कुशास्तीर्णे स्निग्धकृष्णमधुरमृत्तिके सुवर्णवर्णमृतिके वा व्यपगतविषश्वापदपवन सलिलाझिदोषे कर्पणवल्मीकश्मशानचेत्योषरावसथवर्जिते देशे यथर्तु सुखपवनसलिलादित्यसेविते जातान्यनुप-
इतान्यनध्यारूढान्यबलान्यजीर्णान्यधिगतवीर्याणि शीर्णपुराणपर्णान्यसंजातान्यपर्णानि तपसि तपस्ये वामासे शुचिः प्रयतः कृतदेवार्चनः स्वस्ति वाचयित्वा द्विजातीन् चले सुमुहूर्ते नागबलामूलान्युद्धरेत्,
तेषां सुप्रक्षालितानां त्वपिण्डमात्रमात्रमक्षमात्रं वा श्लक्ष्णपिष्टमालोड्य पयसा प्रातः प्रयोजयेत्,चूर्णीकृतानि वा पिबेत् पयसा, मधुसर्पिर्भ्यां वा संयोज्य भक्षयेत्, जीर्णे च क्षीरसर्पि शालिषष्टिकम -
श्रीयात् । संवत्सरप्रयोगादस्य वर्षशतमजरं वयस्तिष्ठतीति समानं पूर्वेण ॥ ११ ॥

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{"source": "Samhita : Charaka Samhita Part 2, Chapter :1, Sthanam :Chikitsasthanam, Shloka Number: 11", "explanation": "This passage from the Charaka Samhita details the method of collecting, processing, and consuming Nagabala (Sida cordifolia) roots for rasayana (rejuvenation) purposes.  It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the plant, environment, time of collection, preparation methods, and the expected outcome of increased lifespan and overall well-being.\n\n**1. Ideal Environmental Conditions for Nagabala Growth:**\n\n* **Land Covered with Kusha Grass:**  Indicates a pure and sacred environment.\n* **Soil Quality:**  Unctuous (Snigdha), black (Krishna), and sweet (Madhura) or golden in color, suggesting fertile and balanced soil rich in nutrients.\n* **Absence of Negative Influences:** Free from poisons, harmful animals, and disturbances of wind, water, and fire. This signifies a pristine environment devoid of pollution and natural calamities.\n* **Avoidance of Specific Locations:**  Not to be collected from cultivated land, anthills, cremation grounds, near sacred trees, barren land, or human settlements. These locations are considered to possess different energies that may negatively impact the plant's potency.\n* **Optimal Sunlight, Air, and Water:** Access to these elements according to the season ensures the plant's healthy growth and development.\n\n**2. Plant Selection and Collection:**\n\n* **Undamaged and Free from Infestation:** The roots should be healthy and free from disease or pests.\n* **Mature but Not Old:**  Roots should be fully developed but not aged or decaying, indicating peak potency.\n* **Leaf Condition:** Old leaves should have fallen off, and new leaves should not have yet appeared. This specific stage suggests a concentration of energy within the roots.\n* **Time of Collection:**  Collected during the months of Magha or Phalguna (late winter) during a Cala Muhurta (auspicious time).\n* **Ritualistic Purity:**  The collector should be clean, attentive, and have performed deity worship and had Brahmanas recite auspicious mantras. This highlights the importance of reverence and intention in the collection process.\n\n**3. Preparation and Dosage:**\n\n* **Thorough Washing:**  Roots should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any impurities.\n* **Processing:**  The bark of the roots is used, either finely pounded and mixed with milk or dried and powdered.\n* **Dosage:**  Approximately 40 grams (one Akshamaatra or Tvapindamaatra) is recommended.\n* **Consumption:**  Taken with milk, or as a powder mixed with milk, or combined with honey and ghee.\n* **Post-Digestion Diet:**  Sāli or Shashtika rice with milk and ghee is recommended after the medicine is digested.\n\n**4. Benefits:**\n\n* **Increased Lifespan:**  Regular use for one year is said to stabilize the lifespan for one hundred years, free from the debilitating effects of aging.\n* **Other Benefits:**  The text mentions additional benefits similar to those described for other rasayana preparations, likely referring to enhanced vitality, strength, immunity, and mental clarity.\n\n**5. Overall Significance:**\n\nThis passage underscores the holistic approach of Ayurveda, emphasizing the importance of aligning with nature's rhythms and maintaining purity in thought and action for achieving optimal health and longevity."}
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