Reference : Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Udara Rogadhikar, Chapter 40, Verses 61–62
Abstract
Icchabhedi Ras is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation that supports effective bowel cleansing and detoxification. This herbomineral remedy is especially helpful for individuals suffering from chronic constipation, ascitic conditions, abdominal fullness, and toxin accumulation caused by poor dietary habits and sedentary living. The formulation works by inducing therapeutic purgation (virechana), which helps eliminate metabolic waste (ama) and balance the disturbed bodily energies, particularly Vata (movement-regulating) and Kapha (stability-regulating) doshas. Icchabhedi Ras promotes gut health, alleviates abdominal discomfort, and supports natural detoxification processes by improving digestive fire and cleansing the intestines. This formulation is especially useful when administered under Ayurvedic supervision for managing abdominal disorders in a safe and controlled manner.
Introduction
Icchabhedi Ras is a classical Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in authoritative texts for its efficacy in treating abdominal disorders. The word "Icchabhedi" means "purgation as desired," signifying the controllable bowel movements it induces when taken with cold water. This rasayana (rejuvenating medicine) falls under the category of Khalvi Rasayana (formulation made in the mortar pestle), containing potent ingredients like Shuddha Parada (purified mercury), Shuddha Gandhaka (purified sulphur), and Shuddha Jayapala (Croton tiglium), a powerful purgative seed. It is ideal for conditions involving Ama (toxins), Vibandha (constipation), and Kapha-Vata imbalance.
Classical Indication
Udara Roga (Abdominal disorders)
Ingredients
- Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury) – 1 part
- Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur) – 1 part
- Shuddha Tankana (Purified Borax) – 1 part
- Shunti (Zingiber officinale) – 1 part
- Maricha (Piper nigrum) – 1 part
- Shuddha Jayapala (Purified Croton tiglium) – 3 parts
- Sheeta Jala (Cold Water) – q.s. for Bhavana (Triturating medium)
Description Of The Ingredients
1. Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury)
It possesses Yogavahi (catalytic) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. It enhances the effectiveness and absorption of all other ingredients in the formulation, strengthens digestive fire, and supports toxin elimination through its systemic detoxifying effects.
2. Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur)
This ingredient has antimicrobial, laxative, and detoxifying properties. It possesses a pungent taste (Katu Rasa) and hot potency (Ushna Veerya), which help pacify Kapha and Vata doshas. In this formulation, Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur) supports smooth bowel evacuation, reduces bloating and flatulence, and assists in removing deep-seated metabolic toxins (ama) from the gut.
3. Shuddha Tankana (Purified Borax)
Shuddha Tankana acts as a mild purgative and has strong scraping (lekhana) and penetrating (tikshna) properties. It is alkaline and helps in loosening stools, reducing abdominal heaviness, and clearing obstructions in the digestive tract. The hot potency (Ushna Veerya) of borax pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas and supports the expulsion of accumulated toxins and gases from the intestines.
4. Shuddha Jayapala (Croton Seed)
Shuddha Jayapala is the principal purgative (virechana dravya) in this formulation. It contains croton oil, which induces strong bowel movements by stimulating intestinal peristalsis. After proper purification, it becomes safe for therapeutic use. It possesses sharp (tikshna), hot (ushna), and mobile (sara) qualities, which help expel stubborn toxins (ama), balance Kapha and Vata doshas, and relieve severe constipation, bloating, and abdominal distension. It also contains the Crotonic acid, which crystallizes as needles from hot water. Hence, it is recommended to use normal/cold water after every motion till completion.
5. Shunthi (Dry Ginger)
Shunthi is a well-known digestive stimulant (deepana) and carminative (pachana) herb. It possesses a pungent taste (Katu Rasa) and hot potency (Ushna Veerya), which help pacify aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas. In Icchabhedi Ras, it aids in improving appetite, reducing gas, enhancing bowel motility, and supporting the action of purgative herbs like Jayapala by preparing the digestive system for efficient detoxification.
6. Maricha (Black Pepper)
Maricha is a potent bio-enhancer and digestive stimulant. It has a pungent taste (Katu Rasa) and hot potency (Ushna Veerya), making it effective in reducing Kapha and balancing Vata. In Icchabhedi Ras, Maricha enhances Agni (digestive fire), helps digest ama (metabolic toxins), and increases the absorption and efficacy of other ingredients. It also supports bowel cleansing by clearing obstruction in the digestive channels (srotoshodhana).
7. Sheetal Jala (Cold Water)
Cold water acts as the bhavana dravya (triturating and administering medium) in Icchabhedi Ras. It plays a crucial role in activating the crotonic acid present in Jayapala, which intensifies the purgative action of the formulation. The quantity of cold water consumed after taking the medicine directly influences the strength of the induced purgation. It also helps cool the digestive tract after the action of Ushna (hot potency) herbs and supports controlled bowel evacuation.
Method Of Preparation
- Prepare Kajjali by triturating equal quantities of Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury) and Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur) until a smooth, black, and lustrous mixture is obtained.
- Add Shuddha Tankana (Purified Borax) to the Kajjali and mix thoroughly.
- Then add the fine powders of Shunthi (Dry Ginger), Maricha (Black Pepper), and Shuddha Jayapala (Purified Croton seed) into the mixture.
- Triturate the entire mixture using Sheeta Jala (cold water) as the Bhavana Dravya (liquid medium) until a homogenous paste is formed.
- Roll the paste into pills (vatis) of approximately 2 ratti (250 mg) in size.
- Dry the pills in a shaded, well-ventilated area and store in an airtight container.
Medicinal Properties
1. For Constipation (Vibandha)
It helps clear hard stools and improve regular bowel movement.
Anupaan (Adjuvant): Cold water + 2 grams of sugar
2. For Gas and Bloating (Adhmana)
It reduces stomach fullness caused by trapped gas and Kapha (mucus-type energy).
Anupaan (Adjuvant): Cold water + a pinch of Yavakshar (alkaline powder from barley)
3. For Stomach Pain (Shula)
It relieves abdominal cramps and colicky pain.
Anupaan (Adjuvant): Warm water + Saindhava Lavana (rock salt)
4. For Worm Infestation (Krimi)
It removes intestinal worms and clears gut toxins.
Anupaan (Adjuvant): Honey + Vidanga Churna (powder of Embelia ribes)
5. For Abdominal Lumps (Gulma)
It helps reduce swelling or masses due to Kapha-Vata imbalance.
Anupaan (Adjuvant): Decoction of Dashmoola (10 roots) or Trivrit (Turpeth)
6. For Fluid In Abdomen (Ascites / Jalodara)
It drains extra fluid from the abdominal cavity.
Anupaan (Adjuvant): Gomutra (cow’s urine) or Punarnava kwath (decoction of Boerhavia diffusa)
7. For Toxin Build-up (Ama)
It clears sticky toxins and boosts digestion.
Anupaan (Adjuvant): Warm water + Shunthi (dry ginger) powder
8. Before Detox Therapy (Panchkarma)
It prepares the body for cleansing therapies.
Anupaan (Adjuvant): Cold water + follow with light food before and after
Dosha Impact
Primarily pacifies Vata and Kapha, while also relieving Pitta through downward elimination.
Indications
- Constipation (Vibandha)
- Abdominal bloating (Adhmana)
- Intestinal worms (Krimi)
- Abdominal pain or colic (Shula)
- Abdominal tumors (Gulma)
- General detoxification (Ama Pachana)
Directions To Use Icchabhedi Ras
1. Dosage
Take 1 to 2 Ratti (125–250 mg) once a day, preferably early in the morning on an empty stomach, or as advised by a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
2. Adjuvant (Anupana)
Administer it with cold water (Sheeta Jala) and 2 grams of sugar (Sita). This combination activates the purgative effect of Jayapala.
3. After Intake
Drink additional cold water (quantity based on purgation strength desired). The more water consumed, the more intense the bowel movement.
4. Expected Response
Loose motions typically begin within 1–2 hours. The medicine helps evacuate the bowels thoroughly and clears accumulated toxins (ama).
5. How To Stop Excessive Motions (Ati Virechana – Excessive Purgation)
- Ushna Jala (Warm water) – Sip small quantities to help relax intestinal spasms and reduce discomfort.
- Sharkara-Saunf Sharbat (Sugar-fennel drink) – Mix finely powdered fennel seeds (Saunf) with sugar syrup in cool water. This natural remedy soothes the digestive tract, calms irritation, and slows down excessive bowel movements.
- Shitala Snana (Cold shower) – A cold water bath helps reduce excess body heat and balances aggravated Pitta, providing relief after strong purgation.
Contraindications
- Avoid during pregnancy and lactation
- Not recommended in dehydration, diarrhea, or extreme weakness
- Should not be used in children without supervision
- Do not use with hot water (counteracts Jayapala's crotonic acid action)
Conclusion
Icchabhedi Ras is a potent Ayurvedic purgative formulation that supports rapid and effective cleansing of the digestive tract. Due to its Ushna (hot), Tikshna (sharp), and Sara (flowing) properties, it effectively eliminates deep-seated Ama (toxins) and accumulated doshas, particularly in Vata and Kapha-dominant abdominal disorders. When administered correctly with the appropriate Anupana (adjuvant)—especially cold water—it ensures safe, controlled, and therapeutic Virechana (purgation). Its efficacy in promoting detoxification and restoring gut health makes Icchabhedi Ras a valuable inclusion in Ayurvedic digestive care and Panchakarma regimens.
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