Reference : A.F.I. Part 1 – 12:20 (Sharngadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 7, Verse13–15)
Abstract
Respiratory epidemics surge globally, fueled by urban pollution, faltering immunity, and Kapha aggravation, yet Ayurveda delivers holistic relief through respiratory channel clearance, mucus liquefaction, and respiratory channel (pranavaha srotas) revitalization. Ayurveda traces Kasa (cough) from Pratisyaya (rhinitis) to chronic Shwasa (dyspnea), culminating in wasting marked by airway constriction, sputum retention, and systemic toxin buildup amid climatic shifts and dietary toxins. Airborne pathogens and Vata-Kapha imbalance propel persistent cough, breathlessness, and throat irritation in monsoon-prone regions, echoing modern viral outbreaks with bronchial spasms. Marichadi Gutika, a potent herbo-alkaline formulation from Sharngadhara Samhita, halts this cascade effectively. Let’s explore this formulation.
Introduction
Marichadi Gutika, a potent classical Ayurvedic herbo-alkaline formulation from Sharngadhara Samhita, excels in Kasaghna (cough-pacifying) action for respiratory channels. This Kapha-Vata-balancing formula harnesses expectorant, mucus-liquefying, airway-clearing, digestive fire-kindling, and endotoxins-digesting effects. It masterfully resolves cough-to-severe respiratory illness progression, chronic cough, dyspnea, throat irritation, sputum retention, and kshaya-like wasting by shattering kapha obstructions, boosting bioavailability, and revitalizing lung channels.
अस्या: प्रभावात्सर्वेऽपि कासा यान्त्येव संक्षयम् ॥ १५
(Sharngadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 7, Verse 15)
This verse affirms its comprehensive efficacy against every variety of cough. It states- “due to its potency, all types of cough (kasa) are undoubtedly alleviated”.
Classical Indication
Kasa (cough)
Ingredients
मरिच कर्षमात्रं स्यात्पिप्पली कर्षसंमिता ॥ १३ ॥
अर्धकर्षो यवक्षारः कर्षयुग्मम् च दाडिमम् ।
एतच्चूर्णीकृतं युञ्जयात अष्टकर्षगुडेन हि ॥ १४ ॥
(Sharngadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 7, Verse 13-14)
- Maricha (Piper nigrum) – 1 part
- Pippali (Piper longum) – 1 part
- Yavaksara (alkaline extract of Hordeum vulgare) – ½ part
- Dadima (Punica granatum) – 2 parts
- Guda (Jaggery) – 8 parts
Ingredient Description
1. Maricha (Piper nigrum)
Maricha (Piper nigrum) powerfully penetrates Kapha-Vata blockages in respiratory channels to relieve Kaphaja and Vataja Kasa (productive and dry cough), Shwasa (dyspnea), and chest congestion. Its sukshma (subtle), tikshna (sharp), ushna (heating) gunas with katu rasa liquefy sticky phlegm, kindle weak agni, and expel ama via potent expectorant action; piperine uniquely boosts bioavailability of co-herbs like Pippali while delivering broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilatory effects against respiratory pathogens, making it ideal for recurrent infections and ama-linked cough in monsoon climates.
2. Pippali (Piper longum)
Pippali (Piper longum) nourishes and lubricates dry, irritated airways in Vata-dominant respiratory disorder and non-productive cough while rejuvenation supports lung tissue repair. Pungent taste, anushna virya (mildly heating potency), and snigdha (unctuous) guna promote smooth expectoration, enhance mucus membrane integrity. Piperlongumine provides deep-penetrating anti-kapha, antiviral, and immunomodulatory benefits, synergizing with Maricha to optimize digestion and prevent wasting from chronic respiratory debility.
3. Yavaksara (alkaline extract of Hordeum vulgare)
Yavaksara (Hordeum vulgare alkaline extract) excels as a potent kapha-melting mucolytic in sticky, tenacious phlegm of productive cough and Pratisyaya (rhinitis), breaking down airway obstructions with its ushna, tikshna, and alkaline (kshara) properties. Katu-lavana rasa (pungent-salt taste) dissolves biofilms, neutralizes acidic ama (endotoxins), and facilitates sputum ejection while stimulating bronchial secretions for clearance; its unique alkalinity counters urban pollution-induced mucus viscosity, offering bronchodilatory relief in krimija (infectious) Shwasa and supporting digestive ama-pachana to resolve toxin-triggered cough cascades.
4. Dadima (Punica granatum)
Dadima (Punica granatum) delivers astringent (kashaya rasa), ushna virya, and laghu (light) property action to heal inflamed throat mucosa in Galaroga (throat disorders), hoarseness, and post-cough irritation while curbing kapha leakage. Punicalagins and ellagic acid confer potent antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant protection against secondary respiratory infections, tightening vascular permeability to reduce edema. It synergistically balances the other ingredients' heat, prevents pitta aggravation, and fortifies upper respiratory channels for sustained relief in allergic rhinitis and chronic cough with throat itch.
5. Guda (Jaggery)
Guda (Jaggery) serves as the madhura (sweet) binding vehicle, mitigating the tikshna (piercing) excess of peppers and alkali to prevent pitta provocation while providing sweet after digestion taste for Vata pacification. Its unctuous, and heavy properties lubricate oral-respiratory mucosa during slow dissolution, enhance palatability for patient compliance, and supply natural minerals to counter ama-induced debility, as an adjuvant base, it sustains digestive fire kindling without dryness, ensuring holistic dosha equilibrium in prolonged respiratory ailment therapy across diverse body types.
Method Of Preparation
To prepare Marichadi Gutika, cleanse and dry Maricha, Pippali , Yavaksara (6 g), and Dadima fruit rind at 40–50°C, then grind each into fine powder separately to retain volatile actives. Melt Guda gently with minimal water to soft ball syrup stage, filter through muslin, and incorporate powders gradually while pounding to form smooth, non-sticky lepa-like dough. Roll into uniform shaana-sized pills (~250 mg), shade-dry for 24–48 hours until firm, and store airtight.
Medicinal Properties
Kaphaja Kasa (Productive Cough With Sticky Mucus)
Administer Marichadi Gutika dissolved in mouth with honey (Madhu, 5 g) to liquefy Kapha, expel thick phlegm, and clear chest congestion via ushna expectorant and scraping actions.
Galaroga And Hoarseness (Throat Disorders)
Dissolve Marichadi Gutika slowly in mouth with licorice decoction (Yashtimadhu kwatha, 10 ml) for Dadima's astringent soothing and Maricha's antimicrobial throat coating.
Vataja Kasa (Dry Cough)
Use Marichadi Gutika with Sitopaladi Churna (3 g) and ghee (Sarpi, 2 g) to moisten parched airways, ease throat dryness, and pacify Vata roughness through Pippali's bioavailable lubrication.
Pratisyaya (Allergic Rhinitis And Nasal Congestion)
Combine Marichadi Gutika with Anu Taila nasya (2 drops each nostril) for Kapha-melting, decongestant effects that open nasal passages and curb allergic drip.
Krimija Shwasa (Viral Respiratory Infections And Dyspnea)
Take Marichadi Gutika with ginger juice (Ardraka swarasa, 5 ml) to deliver antimicrobial, bronchodilator aid, easing breathlessness via Yavaksara's alkaline mucolysis.
Recurrent Respiratory Infections
Pair Marichadi Gutika with Talisadi Churna (3 g) in warm water to fortify Pranavaha Srotas immunity and avert repeated Kapha-Vata invasions.
Kasa With Ama (Cough Due To Indigestion/Toxins)
Administer Marichadi Gutika with Shunthi Churna (1 g) and warm water to kindle Agni, digest Ama, and resolve toxin-linked cough.
Impact On Dosha
Marichadi Gutika predominantly pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas through its pungent (katu) taste, heating (ushna) potency, and piercing (tikshna) quality.
Indications
- Kasa (cough- all types)
- Shwasa (dyspnea, asthma, breathlessness)
- Pratisyaya (common cold)
- Kshaya (wasting conditions)
- Galaroga (throat disorders)
- Arsha (piles)
- Chest congestion and sputum retention
Dosage
शाणप्रमाणा गुटिका कृत्वा वक्त्रेण धारयेत् ।…
(Sharngadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 7, Verse 15)
This 3 gram pill is kept in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth.
Anupana (Adjuvant)
Warm water.
Conclusion
Marichadi Gutika stands as a time-tested herbo-alkaline powerhouse from Ayurveda, masterfully balancing Kapha-Vata through hot-piercing potency to shatter mucus barriers, kindle digestive fire, and restore respiratory channels vitality. Its synergistic blend of black pepper & long pepper for bioavailability, alkali for mucolysis, pomegranate for antimicrobial healing, and jagerry for dosha harmony that delivers comprehensive relief across cough variants, respiratory disorders, throat disorders, and toxin-linked respiratory debility, bridging classical wisdom with modern infectious challenges for sustained lung health and immunity.