A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Bṛhat Gangādhara Cūrṇa
Sārngadhara Saṃhitā (A classical text focusing on Ayurvedic pharmacy and therapeutics).
The formulation is a compound powder containing equal parts of the following ingredients:
मुस्ता (Mustā) - Cyperus rotundus (Rhizome)
अरलुक (Araluka) / श्योनाक (Śyonāka) - Oroxylum indicum (Root Bark)
शुण्ठी (Śuṇṭhī) - Zingiber officinale (Rhizome)
धातकी (Dhātakī) - Woodfordia fruticosa (Flowers)
लोध्र (Lodhra) - Symplocos racemosa (Bark)
बालक (Bālaka) / नृबेर (Nṛbera) - Pavonia odorata (Root)
विल्वमज्ज (Vilva majja) - Aegle marmelos (Pulp of the Fruit)
मोचरस (Mocaras) / शालमलि (Śālama<li>) - Bombax ceiba (Resin)
पाठा (Pāṭhā) - Cissampelos pareira (Root)
इन्द्रयव (Indrayava) - Holarrhena pubescens (Seeds)
वत्सक (Vatsaka) / कुटज (Kuṭaja) - Holarrhena antidysenterica (Bark)
आम्रबीज (Āmra bīja) - Mangifera indica (Seed Kernel)
प्रतीविषा (Prativiṣā) / अतिविष (Ativiṣa) - Aconitum heterophyllum (Root)
लज्जालु (Lajjālu) - Mimosa pudica (Whole Plant)
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit)
प्रवाहिका (Pravāhikā): Tenesmus (ineffectual and painful straining for stool), often referring to dysentery.
अतिसार (Atisāra): Diarrhea.
ग्रहणी (Grahani): A disorder of the duodenum and digestive fire, primarily presenting as irritable bowel syndrome or malabsorption syndrome.
अजीर्ण (Ajīrṇa): Indigestion.
कृमि (Kṛmi): Worm infestation.
गुदकण्डू (Guda kaṇḍū): Pruritus ani (itching in the anal region).
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation)
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D), Acute and Chronic Diarrhea, Dysentery (Bacillary, Amoebic), Indigestion, Intestinal worm infestations, Malabsorption syndromes.
4. Pharmacological Properties (Dravyaguna)
Dosha Karma: Tridoṣahara (pacifies all three Doshas).
Dhātu Karma: Acts on the Rasa and Rakta Dhātus (plasma and blood tissues) to purify and normalize them.
Agni Karma: Dīpana (kindles the digestive fire), Pācana (digests toxins).
Srotas Karma: Primarily affects the Annavaha (food-carrying) and Purīṣavaha (waste-carrying) channels, regulating their function.
Roga Karma: Atisāraghma (destroys diarrhea), Pravāhikā hara (alleviates tenesmus), Jantughna (antimicrobial), Kṛmighna (anthelmintic), Āmaviṣa hara (detoxifies).
Lakṣaṇika Karma: Grāhi (absorbs excess moisture, has an astringent effect), Grahani Balya (strengthens the duodenum and intestines).
| Attribute (Guṇa) | Property |
| :--- | :--- |
| Rasa (Taste) | Predominantly Tikta (Bitter), Kaṣhāya (Astringent), and Katu (Pungent). |
| Guṇa (Quality) | Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry). |
| Vīrya (Potency) | Uṣṇa (Heating). |
| Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) | [Inferred from composition: Typically Katu (Pungent)] |
Modern Correlate Actions:
Antimicrobial & Anthelmintic: Effective against various gut pathogens and worms.
Digestive Stimulant & Carminative: Enhances digestive enzyme activity and reduces bloating.
Astringent & Anti-diarrheal: Reduces intestinal inflammation and hyper-secretion.
Intestinal Tonic: Strengthens and tones the intestinal mucosa and muscles.
Dabur India Ltd.
Anupāna (Vehicle): For optimal effect, the powder is traditionally administered with specific adjuvants such as Madhu (honey), Taṇḍulāmbu (rice water), or Takram (buttermilk). The choice of anupāna can be tailored to the patient's condition.
Primary Action: This formulation is renowned for its ability to tone the intestines and significantly improve digestive power (Agni).
Disclaimer: This is a structured presentation of classical Ayurvedic information for educational purposes and use by qualified practitioners. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.