By Dr M S Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu) PhD.
Ayurveda system of medicine has several nectorous formulations in its treasury to treat variety of diseases which are referred in the text as well as the discomforts which are caused due to varied causative factors of the time.
Amritashtaka kashaya is one such formulation even though not practiced much it has potential strength to tackle several ill health conditions or else in different combinations.
Sanskrit verse with reference
My practice with this formulation alone and with the combined effect of other recipes are explained here below-
Reference: Chakradutta, Bhavaprakasha, Bhaishajya ratnavali
Ingredients
Ingrtedients:1
part each of the following drugs-
Amrita (Guduchi)-Tinospora cardifoilia–Stem
Immunomodulator, anti pyretic, rejuvenative, detoxifier
Katuka (Katukarohini)-Picrorrhiza kurroa-Rhizome
Purgative, liver stimulant, cholegogue, blood purifier
Arishtha (Nimba)-Azadirachta indica-Bark – neem
Natural detox, blood purifier, anti puyretic, anti bacterial
Patola-Trichosanthes dioica-Whole plant – Laxative , anti pyretic, blood purifier
Ghana (Musta)-Cyperus rotundus-Rhizome – Carminative, digestive, absorbant, stimulant, anti diarrhoeal, anti flatulant
Chandana-Santalum album-Heart wood – Coolant,soothener,blood purifier,diuretic
Nagara (Shunthi)-Zingiber officinale-Rhizome – Ginger – Digestive, carminative, absorbant, anti flatulent
Indrayava (Kutaja beeja)-Holarrhena anti descenterica-Seeds – Wormicide/anti helmenthic, anti diarrhoeal, bitter tonic, cholegogue
Kind of formulation
Decoction This can be modified into hot infusion also in the patients who are mild or who cannot withstand the potency of the drugs.
Wide scope and opportunity exists to the Pharmaceutical companies to convert into Fermented product (Arishta) or Syrup also.
Dosage
Dose:Adults-20-30 ml twice or thrice a day;in cases of recurrent fever it can be administered 5-6 times also in a time gap of 4-5 hours.
Children below 5 years-To 5 ml of this decoction 1-2 gram of jaggery or honey is added and administered preferably after food.
In the age group of 5-16 years, 10-15 ml decoction may be administered.
With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then, after a gap of 15 – 30 minutes, take Ayurvedic medicine or as directed by the physician.
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
With supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
Indications
Vehicle and Indications: Classical vehicle is Pippali choorna. In practice Amritashtaka kashaya may be administered in following combinations with respect to different ill health conditions as below-
Chronic fever or Pyrexia of unknown origin-Arogyavardhini vati
Rhinitis and anosmia (loss of smell)- Laxmivilasa rasa(Naradeeya)
Anorexia,Nausea and vomiting-honey
Thirst and burning sensation-ghee
Headache and heaviness of the scalp – Sootashekhara rasa or Shirashooladi vajra rasa
Chronic cough, cold, breathlessness – Pippali choorna or Vasavaleha or Dashamoola rasayana
Contra indications
If the individual is having the past history of bleeding from any of the orifices(especially bleeding during defecation) this formulation should be given with utmost caution.
Specifications:
As the decoction is bitter, few may develop nausea immediately after intake. So, in pregnancy and puerperal condition it is better to avoid in spite of their suffering from indicated problems.
Doctors Note
My experience with this formulation:
I prescribe this formulation quite confidently in the conditions like allergic rhinitis, loss of smell (anosmia), headache, nausea followed due to heavy meals etc.
Click to consult Dr Krishnamurthy
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This article is written by Dr. Janardhana V Hebbar BAMS, MD (Ayu), PGDPSM, Managing Director, Easy Ayurveda Hospital.
It is reviewed by Dr. Raviganesh Mogra BAMS, MD (Ayu), Chief Medical Officer, Easy Ayurveda Hospital
