तुलां मधूकमद्यस्य शुभे भाण्डे निधापयेत् ।
फणिफेनस्य कुडवं मुस्तकं पलसम्मितम् ॥१७४॥
जातीफलञ्चेन्द्रयवं तथैलां तत्र दापयेत् ।
मासमात्रं स्थितो भाण्डे यत्नतः परिरक्षयेत् ।।
हन्त्यतीसारमत्युग्रं विसूचीमपि दारुणम् ॥१७५॥
(Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Atisaradhikar, 7/174-175)
Reference :
Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Atisaradhikar, 7/174-175
Ayurved Saar Sangrah, Asav-Arisht prakaran, Page no. 632-633
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are among the most prevalent health concerns globally, affecting individuals across all age groups and socio-economic strata. According to international health surveys, episodes of acute gastroenteritis and diarrheal illnesses occur frequently, particularly in tropical and developing regions, where challenges such as contaminated water, poor sanitation, unhygienic food handling, and seasonal infections contribute significantly to disease incidence. Environmental factors, antibiotic resistance, food adulteration, and stress-related dietary patterns further exacerbate the burden of GI conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and indigestion. In Ayurvedic literature, such gastrointestinal disturbances are comprehensively described under conditions like Atisara (diarrhea), Grahani (malabsorption), Pravahika (dysentery), and Vishuchika (cholera-like syndrome). These disorders are believed to arise primarily due to Agni-mandya (weak digestive fire), leading to the formation of Ama (endogenous toxins) and Vitiation of Doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha. When these deranged Doshas affect Apana Vata, symptoms such as frequent watery stools, colicky pain, abdominal distension, and systemic coldness manifest. In severe forms, patients may also experience muscle stiffness, faintness, weak pulse, reduced urine output, and other signs of systemic derangement.
In managing such acute conditions, Ayurveda emphasizes the need for quick-acting, balancing, and stabilizing formulations that can rekindle Agni, pacify Vata, and promote Stambhana (containment of excessive flow). Ahiphenasava, a classical Asava preparation described in Ayurvedic texts, is particularly suited for this purpose.
Introduction
Ahiphenasava is a classical Ayurvedic formulation primarily indicated in Teevra Atisara (severe diarrhea) and Daruna Vishuchika (cholera). Prepared through the Sandhana kalpana (fermentation process), this formulation harnesses the synergistic effects of Madhuka Madya (fermented liquor of Madhuca indica) and Ahiphena (Papaver somniferum) along with potent herbs. This formulation not only manages pravahana (excessive defecation) and shoola (pain) but also addresses associated Vata-Kapha dushti, Agni-mandya, and systemic depletion.
Ingredients
- Madhuka Madya (Madhuca indica)
- Ahiphena (Papaver somniferum)
- Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus)
- Jatiphala (Myristica fragrans)
- Indrayava (Holarrhena antidysenterica)
- Ela (Elettaria cardamomum)
Description Of Ingredients
1. Madhuka Madya (Madhuca Indica)
Fermented liquor prepared from Madhuca indica flowers acts as a Sandhana dravya (fermentation base) and also as a Balyakara (strength-promoting) agent. In diarrhea, where dehydration and dhatu kshaya (tissue depletion) occur, this alcoholic base facilitates the rapid absorption of active ingredients, acts as Agnideepaka (stimulating digestive fire), and induces warmth and circulation, which is crucial when Agni is manda (low) and Vata is aggravated. It is rich in natural sugars and has hepatoprotective, stimulant, and vasodilatory properties.
2. Ahiphena (Papaver Somniferum)
It is considered a potent and carefully regulated upavisha dravya (semi-toxic substance) in Ayurveda. It has Tikta-Kashaya rasa (bitter-astringent in taste), Sheeta veerya (cooling in potency). It is one of the most effective Shoolahara (pain-relieving) dravyas, useful in calming Udara Shoola (colicky abdominal pain) caused by aggravated Apana Vata. The Vedananasthapana (analgesic) action of this herb is particularly useful in conditions where the patient suffers from gut cramps and systemic discomfort. Furthermore, it exhibits Nidrajanana (sedative) and Manas-shamak (mind-calming) properties, helping to ease restlessness, anxiety, and tremors that often accompany advanced cases of dehydration and vata-vikriti (vata vitiation). Ahiphena (Papaver somniferum) contains powerful alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, thebaine, and papaverine, which exhibit profound effects on the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. These compounds bind to mu-opioid receptors in the central and enteric nervous systems, leading to decreased gastrointestinal motility and increased reabsorption of water and electrolytes, thus controlling diarrhea.
3. Mustaka (Cyperus Rotundus)
This herb has Deepana (digestive stimulant), Pachana (digestive), Stambhana (absorbent), and Tridoshaghna (balances all three doshas) properties. This herb helps correct the Agni mandya (low digestive fire), and its Grahi (absorbent) nature supports fluid reabsorption in the colon, reducing the frequency and liquidity of stools. Mustaka helps remove Ama (toxins) and balances Vata and Kapha doshas, thus stopping disease progression and improving digestion. It is especially useful in Daruna Vishuchika, where symptoms like hyperactive peristalsis, mucus in stools, and foul smell indicate Ama (toxins) and Kapha dominance with Vata aggravation. It contains various bioactive compounds, including cyperene, cyperol, and patchoulenone, which exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antidiarrheal activities. It inhibits abnormal gut motility by calming smooth muscles and reducing intestinal spasms. Its essential oils possess carminative and antimicrobial effects, making it useful in infections or fermentative diarrhea.
4. Jatiphala (Myristica Fragrans)
It is commonly known as Nutmeg, is a powerful herb used extensively in Ayurveda for its Grahi (absorbent), Deepana (digestive), Shoolahara (pain-relieving), and Vatanulomaka (regulates vata) properties. It possesses Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent) rasa, Ushna veerya (hot potency), and Katu vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect). It stimulates Mandagni (weak digestive fire) through its Agnideepana (digestive stimulant) action, helping manage diarrheal disorders. Its Vatanulomana (normalizes Vata) and Shoolahara (pain-relieving) effects relieve colicky pain, gaseous distension, and spasms associated with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Its essential oils help reduce gut motility and excessive peristalsis, making it effective against acute gastrointestinal irritability and spasmodic bowel movements. It also exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, helpful in infectious diarrhea caused by bacterial or protozoal agents.
5. Indrayava (Holarrhena Antidysenterica)
It is one of the most revered anti-diarrheal herbs in Ayurvedic practice. It is described in classical texts as Atisaraghna, Krimighna (anti-parasitic), Deepana (digestive stimulant), Raktashodhaka (blood purifier), and Grahi (absorbent). It serves as a primary drug that directly arrests the pravahana (continuous defecation) and alleviates Ama (undigested toxins). It is particularly effective in Pittaja and Kaphaja types of Atisara with mucous-laden, foul-smelling stools, as well as in Sannipataja Atisara, where all doshas are involved. It is highly specific for both Amaja (associated with toxins and indigestion) and Nirama (non-toxic but excessive fluid loss) types of diarrhea. It contains active alkaloids such as conessine, holarrhenine, and kurchicine, which exhibit potent antidiarrheal, antibacterial, and antiamoebic properties. These alkaloids are known to inhibit the motility of intestinal muscles, reduce fluid secretion into the intestinal lumen, and directly kill or suppress the growth of pathogens such as Shigella, Escherichia coli, and Entamoeba histolytica.
6. Ela (Elettaria Cardamomum)
It is a well-known aromatic herb in Ayurveda, celebrated for its Deepana (digestive stimulant), Pachana (digestive), and Vatanulomana (carminative) properties. It is useful in controlling abdominal bloating, gurgling sounds, and colicky pain. Its mild Grahi (absorbent) property helps reduce the frequency of stools, while its Hridaya balya (cardiotonic) and Manashshamak (mind-calming) effects make it suitable for calming tachycardia, anxiety, and restlessness induced by fluid loss.
Method Of Preparation
- Select a clean glass or porcelain jar suitable for fermentation.
- Pour 4670 ml of Madhuka Pushpa Madya (fermented liquor of Madhuca indica) into the vessel.
- Dissolve 187 grams of Shuddha Ahiphena (Papaver somniferum) thoroughly in the Madya (alcohol) until fully integrated.
- Add 46 grams each of the fine powders (Sukshma Churna) of the following herbs:
- Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
- Jatiphala (Myristica fragrans)
- Indrayava (Holarrhena antidysenterica)
- Ela (Elettaria cardamomum)
- Stir well to ensure uniform mixing of all ingredients.
- Seal the vessel tightly to prevent exposure to air, maintaining anaerobic conditions necessary for Sandhana (fermentation).
- Keep the vessel undisturbed for 1 month (Maasa Matra) to allow proper fermentation.
- After fermentation, open the vessel and filter the liquid through a clean muslin cloth or cotton fabric.
- Collect the clear Asava and store in airtight, sterilized glass bottles for therapeutic use.
Medicinal Properties
- Stambhana (Antidiarrheal action)
- Shoolahara (Pain relieving)
- Grahi (Absorbent)
- Agnideepana (Enhances digestion)
- Nidrajanana (Sedative)
- Krimighna (Antimicrobial action)
Classical Indication
Atisara (Diarrhea)
Indications
- Teevra Atisara (Severe diarrhea)
- Daruna Vishuchika (Cholera)
- Stambha of Sharira (Body Rigidity)
- Sharira Shaitya (Coldness of the Body)
- Murchha and Avasada (Unconsciousness and prostration)
- Dantagranthi (Jaw Clenching)
- Ati Drava Malotsarga (Profuse Watery Stools)
- Nadi Sthana Bhramsha (Disappearance or Feeble Pulse)
- Mutravarodha (Suppression of Urine Flow)
Dosage
10 to 20 drops, diluted in lukewarm water
Contraindication
None, if used in the prescribed dose under medical supervision. Use with caution in children, pregnancy, lactating mothers, and individuals with known sensitivity to opioids or CNS depressants.
Conclusion
Ahiphenasava represents a classical yet clinically relevant Ayurvedic formulation designed to manage acute gastrointestinal disorders characterized by rapid fluid loss, digestive dysfunction, and systemic imbalance. Its formulation reflects a precise understanding of the doshic involvement and the srotodushti (impairment of body channels). The Asava preparation process enhances the bioavailability and potency of its active constituents, allowing for swift systemic effects, particularly important in emergencies where Apana Vata is deranged and Agni (digestive fire) is suppressed. Moreover, its multi-dimensional pharmacodynamic profile allows for a dual action: stabilizing gastrointestinal motility while promoting the restoration of Agni, Bala, and Ojas. Thus, this formulation remains valuable in both classical and modern settings, especially for managing diarrhea where quick and constitutionally balanced treatment is needed.
