A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
1. Karpūrāsava (Bhaishajya Ratnavali-agninnāndyādhikāra)
प्रसन्न (Prasanna) (Fermented rice water; base medium)
कर्पूर (Karpūra) (Cinnamomum camphora)
प्रक्षेप चूर्ण (Prakṣepa Cūrṇa) (Powders added for fermentation, 1 Pala each of):
एला (Ēlā) (Elettaria cardamomum)
मुस्ता (Mustā) (Cyperus rotundus)
शुण्ठी (Śuṇṭhī) (Zingiber officinale)
यवानी (Yavānī) (Trachyspermum ammi)
मरिच (Marica) (Piper nigrum)
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit)
Vishūcika: Cholera or severe gastroenteritis characterized by violent vomiting and diarrhea.
Grahani: Malabsorption syndrome, often involving chronic diarrhea and impaired digestive function.
Atisāra: Diarrhea.
Agnimāndya: Low digestive fire, leading to indigestion.
Charddi: Vomiting.
Danta Śūla: Toothache.
Kapha Vikāra: Disorders caused by vitiation of the Kapha dosha.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation)
Gastrointestinal System: Acute infectious diarrhea (e.g., cholera, gastroenteritis), IBS-D (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea), malabsorption syndromes, functional dyspepsia, loss of appetite.
Dental Disorders: Toothache (as an analgesic adjuvant).
Infectious Diseases: Acts as an antiseptic and anti-toxic agent in food poisoning and other gut infections.
Parasitic Infections: Helminthiasis (intestinal worms).
Dosha Karma (Action on Bio-Humors): Kapha-Vāta Šamana. Primarily pacifies and alleviates aggravated Kapha and Vāta Doshas.
Agni Karma (Action on Digestive Fire): Dīpana. Kindles the digestive fire (Agni).
Mala Karma (Action on Waste Products): Grāhi. Absorbs excess fluid in the intestines, countering diarrhea.
Srotas Karma (Action on Body Channels): Srotoviśodhana (channel cleansing), Sūkṣma Srotogāmi (penetrates into micro-channels). Purifies the bodily channels and possesses high bioavailability due to its subtle nature.
Roga Karma (Disease Curing Action): Vishūcikahara (cures cholera), Vishaghna (anti-toxic), Kṛmighna (anthelmintic). Effective against severe gastroenteritis, toxins, and parasites.
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Śūla Prašamana. Alleviates pain (e.g., colic, toothache).
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Predominantly Tikta (Bitter), Kaṭu (Pungent); with Madhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour), and Kaṣāya (Astringent) secondary notes.
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry), Tīkṣṇa (Sharp), Sūkṣma (Subtle), Vyavāyī (Quickly spreading), Vikāsī (Diffusing)
Vīrya (Potency) Uṣṇa (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-digestive Effect) Kaṭu (Pungent)
Note on Modern Correlate Actions: Anti-diarrheal, antiseptic, carminative, digestive stimulant, anthelmintic, and analgesic.
Changampally Ayurveda Vaidyasala
Oushadhi (Bhaishajya Ratnavali Formulation)
Deseeya Ayurvedic Pharmacy
SNA Oushadhasala Pvt. Ltd.
Important Clinical Note: Karpūrāsava possesses exceptionally strong Vyavāyī (quickly spreading) and Vikāsī (diffusing) properties compared to other Āsavas. Therefore, it must be administered in a minimum dose (2-5 ml) and always after dilution with an equal amount of water or a suitable decoction (Kashāya). While it can be given at any stage of Vishūcika (cholera), it is most effective in the first stage. Due to its sharp and heating properties, caution is advised in individuals with Pitta predominance or Raktaja (blood-related) conditions.