By Dr M S Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu) PhD.
Ardraka means wet ginger and Matulunga is a fruit appreciated for its potent cardiac tonic and appetizer effect. A simple combination of these two main drugs is highly beneficial in managing chronic indigestion/mal digestion and tastelessness. The formulation is of choice in acid peptic disorders too.
Even though this formulation is not readily available in many parts of the country this can be prepared ourselves and hence this is being explained here. Also the product is classical, effective, safer and simple too.
Shloka with reference
Reference: Brihat nighantu ratnakara – Aruchi adhikara
Ingredients
Ingredients of Ardraka Matulungavaleha –
Ardraka – Wet ginger – Zingiber officinale – fresh juice – 768 ml – Digestive, carminative, appetizer, anti flatulant, anti spasmodic, anti tussive, expectorant
Guda (Jaggery) – 384 gram – Nutritive, digestive, appetizer, energizer
Beejapoora/Matulunga swarasa – Fresh juice of Citrus medica – 192 ml – Cardiac tomnic, antacid/alkalizer, nutritive, nourishing, anti flatulent, diuretic
Prakshepaka dravya – altogether 90 gram
Trijataka –
Twak – Cinnamomum zeylanicum – stam bark – Carminative, digestive, appetizer, stimulant, adaptogenic
Ela – Cardamom – Elatteria cardamomum – fruits – Detoxifier, antacid, carminative, stimulant
Patra – Cinnamomum zeylanicum – leaves – Stimulant, anti spasmodic, anti flatulant
Trikatu –
Shunthi – Zingiber officinale – Rhizome – Digestive, carminative, aphrodisiac, anti spasmodic, analgesic, anti tussive
Pippali – Piper longum – Fruit – Stimulant, anti tussive, broncho dilator, expectorant, adaptogenic, immune modulator
Maricha – Piper nigrum – Fruit – Adaptogenic, broncho dilator, anti histaminic
Triphala –
Hareetaki – Terminalia chebula – fruit rind – Laxative, rejuvinative, natural detoxifier
Vibheetali – Terminalia bellerica – fruit rind – Stimulant, carminative, digestive, expectoarant
Amalaki – Emblica officinalis – fruits – Rejuvinative, antacid/alkalizer, immune modulator, coolant
– roots – Anti spasmodic, carminative, anti flatulent, laxative
Chitraka – Plumbago zeylanicum – roots – Digestive, carminative, stimulant, anti spasmodic, wormicide
Pippalimoola – Piper longum – roots – Anti spasmodic, carminative, digestive, wormicide
Dhanyaka – Coriander sativum – seeds – Coolant, anti pyretic, anti flatulent, diuretic
Jeeraka – Cuminum sativum – cumin seeds – Anti flatulent, analgesic, anti spasmodic, digestive, carminative, appetizer
Krishna jeeraka – Carum carvi – seeds – Anti diarrhoeal, carminative, wormicide, anti flatulent, bitter tonic
Form of medicine
Form of the medicine:
Lehya form. As per the need this can be converted into syrup form. This is more feasible and better result also can be expected. Dispense and administration is also easier by this form.
Method of preparation
Method of preparation – Ardraka Matulunga Avaleha:
Fresh juiced is obtained from both Ardraka and Matulunga and kept ready. In a vessel both are mixed and by adding specific amount of jaggery, it is cooked well in mild intensity of heat till it is semisolid in consistency. This is taken out of the fire and allowed for self cooling.
When it is lukewarm, fine powder of the remaining ingredients is added and mixed thoroughly. Further it is collected and stored.
Dosage
Dose: 5 – 10 gram twice or thrice a day. Preferably before the food it is recommended.
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:
This is taken by licking. However after the intake warm water or lemon juice or fruit juice can be taken so as to get the enhanced effect.
This formulation is choicest one while treating the acid peptic disorders ,indigestion, distension of abdomen, anorexia, emaciation ,jaundice, anemia, inflammatory conditions (secondary),cough, asthama, regurgitation, non specific abdominal disorders, gurgling of stomach, splenic disorders, abdominal colic etc.
Contra indications
No any absolute contra-indication for this formula. However the diabetic patients are better to avoid this formula due to rich amount of jiggery.
Doctors note
My experience with this formulation:
Most of the Vata Pitta associated abdominal disorders can be effectively managed by this recipe. In all the age group this can be administered safely. In acid peptic disorders significant benefit is assured. In morning sickness also this can be administered as good results are observed.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy by email
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
