A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Pāṭhādi Kashaya.
Bhaishajya Ratnavali - The specific chapter is ambiguous from the provided text. It is a classical formulation referenced in this text, primarily indicated for Atisāra (Diarrhea/Dysentery).
2. Composition (Sanskrit & Botanical Equivalents)
The formulation is prepared using the following ingredients:
पाठा (Pāṭhā) - Cissampelos pareira
कुटज (Kuṭaja) - Holarrhena pubescens
पिप्पली (Pippali) - Piper longum
नागर (Nāgara) - Zingiber officinale (Rhizome)
मरिच (Marica) - Piper nigrum
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit)
अतिसार (Atisāra): Diarrhea or dysentery.
अजीर्णजन्य अतिसार (Ajīrṇajanya Atisāra): Diarrhea caused by indigestion.
अग्निमान्द्य (Agnimāndya): Diminished digestive fire, leading to indigestion.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation)
Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Acute diarrheal diseases, particularly those of infective origin.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), specifically diarrhea-predominant type (IBS-D).
Diarrhea with mucous discharge.
Functional dyspepsia and indigestion.
Conditions involving bacterial or parasitic overgrowth.
Dosha Karma: Kapha-Vāta Śamana. It primarily pacifies and alleviates imbalances of Kapha and Vāta Doshas.
Dhātu Karma: Acts on the Rasā (nutrient plasma) and Annavaha Srotas (digestive tract) to clear toxins and on the Purīṣavaha Srotas (colon) to regulate formation and elimination of stool.
Agni Karma: Dīpana (kindles the digestive fire) and Pācana (digests toxins).
Srotas Karma: Primarily acts on Annavaha Srotas (channels of digestion), Purīṣavaha Srotas (channels of feces), and Ambuvaha Srotas (channels of water metabolism).
Roga Karma: Vishaghna (detoxifying, anti-toxic) and Jantūghna (anti-microbial, anti-helminthic).
Lakṣaṇika Karma: Grāhi (absorbs excess fluid in the intestines, has a constipating effect).
| Attribute (Guṇa) | Property |
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kaṭu (Pungent), Kaṣāya (Astringent) - Pradhāna (Predominant) |
| Guṇa (Quality) | Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry), slightly Tīkṣṇa (Penetrating) |
| Vīrya (Potency) | Uṣṇa (Heating) |
| Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) | Katu (Pungent) [Inferred from the composition's dominant qualities] |
Modern Correlate Actions: The combination suggests potent antibacterial, antiparasitic, astringent, and digestive stimulant properties. It is indicated for managing gastrointestinal infections and inflammation.
Arya Vaidya Vilasini Vaidyasala
Clinical Note: This formulation can be administered with specific adjuncts based on the presenting symptoms:
With Vilwādi Gulika if indigestion (Ajīrṇa) is more pronounced.
With Sētubandham Gulika if tenesmus or excessive frequency of stool (Malapravṛtti) is the dominant symptom.