A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Ahiphēnāsava
Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Atisāra Cikitsā (The Chapter on Diarrhea Treatment in the "Jewel Garland of Medicines").
The formulation is prepared using a specific Sandhāna Kalpanā (fermentation process).
Main Ingredients:
मधूक (Madhūka) - Madhuca longifolia (Flowers)
अहिफेन (Ahiphēna) - Papaver somniferum (Latex extract - Opium)
मुस्ता (Mustā) - Cyperus rotundus (Rhizome)
जातीफल (Jātīphala) - Myristica fragrans (Seed)
इन्द्रयव (Indrayava) - Holarrhena pubescens (Seeds)
शुण्ठी (Śuṇṭhī) - Zingiber officinale (Rhizome)
Note: Ahiphēna (Opium) is a highly controlled and regulated substance. The use, prescription, and dispensing of this formulation are strictly governed by national narcotics laws and should only be handled by qualified medical professionals.
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit)
अतिसार (Atisāra): Diarrhea.
विषूचिका (Viṣūcikā): A severe, painful, and sudden-onset gastrointestinal condition characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, often correlated with cholera or acute gastroenteritis.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation)
Acute Gastrointestinal Infections: Cholera, Severe gastroenteritis, Bacillary dysentery.
Severe Painful Conditions: Used primarily for its potent analgesic and anti-spasmodic effects in severe, painful diarrhea and cramping.
4. Pharmacological Properties (Dravyaguna)
Dosha Karma: Tridoṣahara (pacifies all three Doshas).
Dhātu Karma: Acts on the Māmsa and Asthi Dhātus (muscle and bone tissues) due to its potent analgesic and stabilizing properties.
Agni Karma: Dīpana (kindles the digestive fire).
Srotas Karma: Primarily affects the Annavaha (food-carrying) and Purīṣavaha (waste-carrying) channels, regulating motility and secretion.
Roga Karma: Jantughna (antimicrobial, destroys pathogens).
Lakṣaṇika Karma: Grāhi (absorbs excess moisture, has an astringent effect), Rujaghna (analgesic, relieves pain).
| Attribute (Guṇa) | Property |
| :--- | :--- |
| Rasa (Taste) | Predominantly Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet), and Kaṣhāya (Astringent). |
| Guṇa (Quality) | Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa-Snigdha (Dry-Unctuous), Sūkṣma (Subtle), Tīkṣṇa (Sharp/Penetrating), Vyavāyī (Rapidly pervasive), Vikāsī (Expansive, causing relaxation). |
| Vīrya (Potency) | Slightly Śītoṣṇa (Cooling-Hot) or variable. |
| Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) | [To be inferred: Typically Katu (Pungent) due to its sharp qualities] |
Modern Correlate Actions:
Potent Analgesic & Antispasmodic: Relieves severe pain and intestinal cramps.
Antimicrobial: Shows activity against pathogens like Escherichia coli.
Astringent & Anti-motility Agent: Reduces intestinal hypermotility and secretions.
Oushadhi Pharmaceutical & Research Department (Kerala)
Ahiphēnāsava possesses strong Vyavāyī (rapidly pervasive) and Vikāsī (expansive, relaxing) properties, which are more pronounced than in other Āsavas. Therefore, extreme caution is advised.
Dosage: The therapeutic dose is very low, typically 1-3 ml (approx. 5-10 drops), which must be diluted with an equal or greater quantity of water or a suitable decoction (Kashāya) before administration.
Contraindications: It is contraindicated in infants, during pregnancy, and lactation due to the presence of opium and its potent effects.
Legal Status: This is a Schedule X drug in India and is strictly regulated. Its prescription and dispensing are limited to qualified Ayurvedic practitioners adhering to national narcotic drug laws.
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. The formulation contains a controlled substance and must be used with extreme caution under strict medical supervision.