A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Sētubandham Gulika
Sahasrayogam (A compendium of Ayurvedic formulations). The formulation is specifically mentioned in the section dealing with Gulika (tablets/pills).
The formulation is prepared from equal parts of the following ingredients, with Garlic Oil (Laśuna Taila) used for Bhāvana (trituration/impregnation).
जातीफल - Jātīphala - Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg)
अतिविषा - Ativiṣā - Aconitum heterophyllum
विल्वफल - Vilva Phala - Fruit of Aegle marmelos (Bael)
अजमोदा - Ajamodā - Trachyspermum roxburghianum (Also often attributed to Apium graveolens or Trachyspermum ammi)
आम्रास्थि - Āmrāsthi - Seed kernel of Mangifera indica (Mango)
दाडिम - Dāḍima - Punica granatum (Pomegranate)
यवानी - Yavānī - Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain)
लवङ्ग - Lavaṅga - Syzygium aromaticum (Clove)
पिप्पली - Pippalī - Piper longum (Long Pepper)
जम्ब्वस्थि - Jambwāsthi - Seed of Syzygium cumini (Java Plum/Jamun)
Bhāvana Dravya (Triturating Medium):
लशुन तैल - Laśuna Taila - Oil of Allium sativum (Garlic Oil)
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit)
अतिसार - Atisāra: A condition characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements (Diarrhea).
ग्रहणी - Grahaṇī: A disorder of digestion and metabolism, primarily located in the small intestine, often compared to Malabsorption Syndromes or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
रक्तातिसार - Raktātisāra: Diarrhea with the presence of blood (Dysentery).
उदर शूल - Udara Śūla: Abdominal colic or pain.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation)
Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Amoebic Dysentery
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Infectious Diarrhea
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea-predominant symptoms
Bleeding Piles (Hemorrhoids) with a tendency towards diarrhea
Hepatobiliary Disorders:
Amoebic Liver Abscess
Parasitic Infections:
Intestinal worm infestations (Kṛmi).
Dosha Karma (Action on Humors): Primarily Kapha-Vāta Alleviating (Kapha-Vāta Śamana). It pacifies the aggravated Kapha and Vāta doshas, which are often implicated in digestive disorders and pain.
Agni Karma (Action on Digestive Fire): Digestive Fire Kindling (Dīpana) and Digestive (Pācana). It enhances the digestive and metabolic capacity.
Mala Karma (Action on Waste Products): Stool-Binding (Mala Bandhakṛt). It promotes the formation of solid, well-formed stools and checks excessive fluid loss.
Srotas Karma (Action on Body Channels): Acts primarily on the Annavaha Srotas (Gastrointestinal tract) and Purīṣavaha Srotas (Colon and channels of fecal matter).
Roga Karma (Disease-Specific Action): Anti-parasitic / Anti-microbial (Kṛmighna). It helps eliminate pathogenic organisms from the gut.
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Pain Alleviating (Śūla Praśamana). It specifically relieves abdominal pain and colic.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Predominantly Pungent (Kaṭu), Bitter (Tikta), and Astringent (Kaṣāya)
Guṇa (Quality) Not excessively light (Laghu) or heavy (Guru); a balance of unctuous (Snigdha) and dry (Rūkṣa); Penetrating (Tīkṣṇa)
Vīrya (Potency) Hot (Uṣṇa)
Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) [To be confirmed from classical texts; often pungent (Kaṭu) for similar formulations]
Modern Correlate Actions: The combination suggests potent antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and astringent properties, explaining its efficacy in infectious and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal
ASOKA
Ayursiddha Pharmaceuticals
Changampally Ayurveda Vaidyasala
Everest Ayurvedic Medicines
Pam Labs
Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy
Thaikkattu Mooss ETM Oushadhasala (INDIA) Ltd
Vaidyaraj Oushadhasala
Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala
Vaidyaratna Prabha Vaidyasala
Viswakeerthy Herbals (INDIA) Pvt. Ltd.
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Note on Adjuvants (Anupāna): As per the classical text, the recommended adjuvants for administering this medicine are honey (Madhu), buttermilk (Takra), yogurt (Dadhi), or medicated wines/decoctions such as Kutajāriṣṭa or a decoction of Kutaja bark (Kutaja Twak Kaṣāya). The name "Sētubandham" (meaning 'to form a bridge or dam') signifies its rapid action in stopping diarrhea.