A rudraksha is the seed of the   Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree and plays an important role in a spiritual seeker's life. Sadhguru looks at the various types of these beads and their benefits, including the panchmukhi and ek Mukhi.

Rudraksha is the seed of a particular tree species which usually grows at a certain altitude in the mountains – mainly in the Himalayan region. Unfortunately, most of these trees were used to make railway sleepers, so there are very few of them remaining in India. Today, they are mostly found in Nepal, Burma, Thailand, and Indonesia. They are there in some parts of the Western Ghats in South India, but the best quality ones come from a certain altitude in the Himalayas because somehow the soil, atmosphere, and everything influences it. These seeds have a very unique vibration.

No single tree is as rich with scriptural references, spiritual myths, and legends as the Rudraksha. Its beads have long been sought for their supposed medicinal and magical properties. The word Rudraksha (botanical name: Elaeocarpus Ganitrus) is derived from the words Rudra (Shiva) and aksha (eyes). Ancient spiritual texts like the Shiv Purana and the Devi Bhagwatam are replete with the numerous therapeutic properties and the spiritual significance of these herbal beads. The various colors, shapes, sizes, and number of cuts or faces, called mukhis, determine the value of the bead. This helps to determine its significance in treating different ailments. The powerful Rudraksha beads heal on a mental, physical, emotional, material, and spiritual level.

Rudraksha beads work on different chakras of the body and when strung according to this therapy, they start cleansing the chakras in a very short duration. From regulating blood pressure, to treating skin problems, backache, headache, psychiatric cases and providing relief from tension, phobia, and insomnia, and giving success in business, education, and relationships they have an admirable success rate.

With the development of modern science, many scientists have carried out research for evidence to support ancient beliefs about Rudraksha. Their findings and research have validated and confirmed the divine power of Rudraksha beads. Individuals from every walk of life irrespective of caste, creed, religion, nationality, or gender can use the divine Rudraksha to attain maximum spiritual, physical, and material benefits.

Rudraksha Beads range from 1 Mukhi to 21 Mukhi, each bead is capable of aligning our mind and the energy around us to specific outcomes in health, happiness, spiritual upliftment, prosperity, creativity, intuitive ability, material fulfillment, harmony in the family, power to attract, self-empowerment and fearless life.

Scientific research on Rudraksha

Scientific research on Rudraksha, the seed of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its perceived spiritual and medicinal properties. While Rudraksha has been revered in Hindu mythology and spiritual practices for centuries, scientific studies have aimed to explore its potential benefits and understand its properties from a scientific perspective.

One area of scientific research on Rudraksha focuses on its physiological and psychological effects. Studies have investigated the impact of Rudraksha beads on various aspects of the human body, including blood pressure, heart rate, stress levels, and brain activity. Some research suggests that wearing Rudraksha beads can lead to a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, potentially promoting a state of relaxation and calmness. These effects may be attributed to the electro-magnetic properties of Rudraksha and their influence on the body's bioelectric field.

Furthermore, research has explored the potential antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties of Rudraksha beads. The seeds contain bioactive compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. These properties have been studied in relation to the potential use of Rudraksha in traditional medicine and herbal remedies.

In addition to its physiological effects, scientific research has also delved into the psychological impact of Rudraksha. Some studies have investigated the effects of wearing Rudraksha beads on mental states, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being. It has been suggested that Rudraksha may have a calming effect on the mind, potentially reducing anxiety, improving focus, and enhancing overall mental clarity.

The composition and structure of Rudraksha beads have also been subjects of scientific inquiry. Researchers have used advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze the surface morphology and crystalline structure of the beads. These studies have provided insights into the unique texture, shape, and configuration of Rudraksha, highlighting its intricate and fascinating natural structure.

Furthermore, scientific investigations have examined the electromagnetic properties of Rudraksha beads. It is believed that Rudraksha emits specific frequencies and vibrations that interact with the human energy field, known as the aura. Research in this area has explored the electromagnetic characteristics of Rudraksha and its potential influence on the subtle energy systems of the body.

It's important to note that while scientific research on Rudraksha has provided valuable insights into its properties and potential benefits, further studies are still needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and validate its traditional uses. The existing research on Rudraksha is limited in scope and sample size, and more rigorous scientific studies are required to establish conclusive evidence regarding its effects on human physiology and psychology.

Scientific research on Rudraksha has shed light on its potential physiological, psychological, and electromagnetic properties. The investigations have explored its impact on blood pressure, heart rate, stress levels, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant properties, and mental states. While the research provides interesting findings, it is essential to approach the subject with scientific rigor and conduct further studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of Rudraksha's effects and its potential applications in various fields, including medicine, well-being, and energy healing.

While the prominence of the Rudraksha bead thrives on its religious significance and scriptural authority, there is another side of the coin. There have been numerous research studies and projects on unfolding the mysterious powers and effects of Rudraksha on the human body.

Decoding Mysterious Rudraksha with Modern Science:

With the development of modern science, scientists researched for evidences that support the ancient belief on the significance of Rudraksha bead. The merits of Rudraksha were evidenced in the late 1960s by a group of scientists led by Dr. Suhas Rai, Institute of Technology University in Banaras India.

Rudraksha on Blood Circulation:

One of the best-known research papers was published by Dr. Suhas Roy of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology in Banaras, India. Dr. Roy’s research confirmed that the healing powers of Rudraksha beads flow from their electromagnetic properties. When Rudraksha beads are placed over the heart, they act to stabilize the heartbeat. Similar to magnets, the beads work on the principle of Dynamic Polarity. Blood circulation and heartbeat automatically induce a magnetic field around the body and particularly the heart region. Depending on the polarity and intensity of this induced magnetic field, Rudraksha beads transmit subtle electrical and inductive impulses with opposing polarity and intensity.

Accordingly, a proportionate balancing force is exerted on the heart to regulate it if it starts beating above or below normal rates. This action helps to ensure ideal blood circulation in the body. Another study by Dr. Jayantha Kumar Sarma (Professor & HOD Department of S.J.G.C.H.S. Ayurvedic Medical College Ghataprabha Karnataka and his associates found that the Ethanol extract of Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Rudraksha) induces significant reduction in normal blood pressure when administrated intravenously in anesthetized living beings. (Source: Study published in US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Click here) 

Rudraksha as Curing Agent:

Dr. S.P. Gupta, in the year 1985 has shown that consuming Rudraksha powder orally can cure high blood pressure without any side effects. Mr. Vasantrao Vaidya from Maharashtra has shown that when Rudraksha is dipped into water, the electrical property of the water change. Dr. Gode has proved that Rudraksha has sterol and polyphenolic compounds and does not have any alkaloids. The Rudraksha has been found to balance/neutralize any excess charge deposited on the human body.  

Composition of Rudraksha (Physical body and Ingredients)

Rudraksha contains carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and trace elements in a combined form. Rudraksha tends to have a positive effect on stress, anxiety, depression,  palpitations, and lack of focus or concentration. It even cools down the body temperature and calms down the mind which is even fickly and unstable. If you suffer from anxiety, you may keep a bigger five Mukhi Rudraksha with them. They the anxiety or nervousness hits you may hold them tight in your right palm for ten minutes. It would help you regain confidence and stability. Rudraksha is best for pregnant women.  Wearing Garbh Gauri Rudraksha greatly helps women who have issues conceiving a child and are prone to abortion.

If you are suffering from a prolonged cough, you may use the paste of 10 Mukhi Rudraksha beads. When taken with milk, it relieves you of prolonged cough. It may be used as an effective cure for skin diseases, sores, ringworm, pimples, boils, and burns also. For a child suffering from frequent fever, a Three Mukhi bead is best. For curing smallpox, you may take an equal quantity of black pepper and powder of Rudraksha with water. For mental diseases, milk boiled with Four Mukhi Rudraksha helps stabilize the nervous system. (Source: A Reservoir Plant with their Pharmacological Effects)

Source | Heal

Rudraksha in Vedic scriptures: Quotes From Ancient Texts

From the Vedic and scriptural point of view, the Sanskrit word ‘Rudraksha’ symbolizes Rudra (Lord Shiva). The root word rud means ‘to wail’; Rudra means the one who wails, howls, or roars. In fact, the name Rudraksha is synonymous with Lord Shiva. Another derivation mentions rud which also means ‘being red’ in Sanskrit, leading to ‘red, intense, and brilliant’. The English word ‘ruddy’ is derived from the old English rudig, rud which means ‘red’.

The Rig Veda mentions (Rukh draavayathi iti rudraha). Rukha means ‘grief, distress or anguish’. Draavayathi means ‘to eradicate’, ‘iti’ means ‘that’ or ‘who’, and Rudra means another name for Shiva. It means Shiva who eradicates miseries or grief. ‘Rudra’ is Lord Shiva and ‘Aksha’ means tears. Therefore, Rudraksha means tears of Shiva. Lord Shiva is the ardent user and admirer of Rudraksha. In fact, both cannot be separated.