A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
पञ्चलवण भस्म Pañcalavaṇa bhasma
This formulation is classically referenced in the Yögagrantham.
As a Bhasma (incinerated ash) of five salts, its composition is:
सैंधव लवण (Saindhava Lavaṇa) - Rock Salt
सौवर्चल लवण (Sauvarcala Lavaṇa) - Sochal Salt
विड लवण (Viḍa Lavaṇa) - Black Salt
औद्भिद लवण (Audbhida Lavaṇa) - Earth Salt
समुद्र लवण (Samudra Lavaṇa) - Sea Salt
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit):
Agnimāndya: Low digestive fire, leading to indigestion.
Udara Śūla: Abdominal colic or pain.
Gulma: A phantom tumor or obstructive mass in the abdomen, often related to gaseous distension.
Grahani: Malabsorption syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, or chronic diarrhea where the small intestine (jejunum/duodenum) is the primary site of pathology.
Atisāra: Diarrhea.
Plīha Rōga: Splenic disorders, which can include splenomegaly.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation):
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Functional dyspepsia, hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), IBS with bloating and alternating bowel habits, intestinal gas, and colic.
Hepatobiliary & Splenic Disorders: Supportive therapy in splenomegaly and sluggish liver function.
Metabolic Disorders: Used as a digestive stimulant to correct underlying Agnimāndya in various metabolic conditions.
Dosha Karma (Action on Humors): Primarily Vāta-Kapha Śamana (pacifies Vata and Kapha Doshas). Pitta Kara (can increase or aggravate Pitta Dosha if used in excess).
Dhātu Karma (Action on Tissues): Primarily acts on the Rasa (plasma) and Anna Vaha Srotas (channels carrying food), helping to normalize fluid balance and digestion.
Agni Karma (Action on Metabolic Fire): Dīpana (kindles the digestive fire, enhances enzymatic activity and digestion).
Srotas Karma (Action on Bodily Channels): Srotoshodhana (cleanses and removes blockages from the bodily channels). Sūkshma (has a subtle quality, allowing it to penetrate deep into the micro-channels).
Roga Karma (Action on Diseases): Digestive stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, absorbent.
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Śūla Praśamana (alleviates pain, especially colicky pain); Ruceya (improves taste perception and appetite).
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Lavana (Salty)
Guṇa (Quality) Sūkṣma (Subtle, Penetrating), Laghu (Light)
Vīrya (Potency) Uṣṇa (Hot)
Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) Madhura (Sweet)
Modern Correlate Actions: The formulation exhibits electrolyte replenishing, digestive stimulant, carminative (expels gas), and antispasmodic properties. The salts may help stimulate hydrochloric acid production in the stomach.
The following companies are known to manufacture this formulation:
Arya Vaidya Sala - Kottakkal (Yögagrantham)
The Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Limited (Proprietary)
Dose: 500 mg - 2 grams.
Anupāna (Vehicle): To be taken with Phāṇita (jaggery syrup), Takra (buttermilk), or Ārdraka Svarasa (fresh ginger juice).
Site of Action (Karma Sthāna): Primarily acts on the Kōshṭha/Māśaya (stomach and entire gastrointestinal tract) and the Grahani Bhāga (duodenum and jejunum - the primary site for digestion and absorption).