Sustainability of Dashamula: Embracing Ethics and Tradition

Dashamula holds a cherished place in the world of Ayurveda, thanks to its remarkable health benefits. The name itself translates to “ten roots,” signifying its ten herbal ingredients.

It also has a traditional association with respiratory well-being: this rich blend of roots is considered a natural expectorant and supports healthy lung function. Dashamula provides grounding support for imbalanced vata dosha and plays a pivotal role in directing the downward flow of vata energy.

Dashamula’s essential role in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia is undisputed. However, in the pursuit of preserving nature’s balance and adhering to our social and environmental responsibility commitments, sourcing some of dashamula’s traditional roots has become a growing concern.

The Challenge of Sourcing

The significance of dashamula lies not only in its health benefits but also in the ethical approach towards sourcing its ingredients. Unfortunately, some of these herbs are now considered threatened species due to over-harvesting for commercial purposes, shifts in climate patterns, and habitat destruction.¹¹

This poses a significant challenge to maintaining the integrity of the traditional formulation while preserving the delicate balance of nature.

In the face of these concerns, embracing sustainable practices becomes the beacon guiding us back to the roots of dashamula—both literally and figuratively. By taking a conscious approach to sourcing, we can ensure that these precious herbs continue to thrive for generations to come.

API’s Guidance: Allowing for Substitutions

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) has taken a step in the right direction by addressing this sourcing dilemma and acknowledging the possibility of using substitutions for certain roots in dashamula.

For the brhat panchamula (main five ingredients), stem bark has been suggested as a suitable substitute for roots, while for the laghu panchamula (lesser five ingredients), the whole plants have been identified as a viable alternative.

The following table shows the specific ingredients used in Banyan’s dashamula as compared to the traditional recipe.

Our commitment to authenticity and sustainability has led us to use the whole plant for laghu panchamula herbs. This decision allows us to remain true to the essence of dashamula while ensuring the responsible sourcing of its ingredients.

Efforts Towards Sustainability: Bilva Sourcing

Among the brhat panchamula herbs, bilva stands as a majorly vulnerable species in India that is now considered as “near threatened,” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s red list of threatened species.¹²

To address this concern, the government of India has initiated efforts to revive bilva’s longevity, such as contractual farming to promote sustainability.¹³ In our commitment to preserving this precious herb, we have chosen to source the fruit of bilva as a viable alternative to the root, supporting these sustainable initiatives along the way.

The story of dashamula is not merely about ten roots coming together—it is a tale of tradition, reverence, and responsibility. 

By embracing API’s guidance and incorporating sustainable practices, we can confidently offer dashamula as a timeless remedy that honors its past and safeguards its future.

At Banyan, our commitment to nature’s gifts goes beyond herbal formulations; it extends to nurturing the very roots of the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda. Join us in our journey as we revive the authenticity of dashamula, rooted in sustainability and tradition, for a healthier and more harmonious world.