A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
शिवक्षारपाचन चूर्ण Śivakṣārapācana cūrṇa
1. Reference
Rasatantrasāra Siddha Prayoga Saṅgraha
This formulation is referenced in the authoritative Rasashāstra text, Rasatantrasāra (also known as Rasatantrasāra Siddha Prayoga Saṅgraha), which specializes in metallic, mineral, and herbo-mineral preparations.
2. Composition (Sanskrit & Botanical Equivalents)
The formulation is a compound mixture of two prepared powders and one alkaline ash.
अष्ट चूर्ण / हिंग्वाष्ट चूर्ण (Aṣṭa Cūrṇa / Hiṅgvāṣṭa Cūrṇa) (a classical compound powder of eight ingredients)
हरीतकी (Harītakī) (Terminalia chebula)
सर्जिक क्षार (Sarjīkā Kṣāra) (The alkaline ash obtained from the calcination of Soda bicarbonate, or traditionally, the plant Barleria longissima)
3. Therapeutic Indications
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit):
Vāyuvaishamya: Vitiation and imbalance of Vāta doṣa, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Ajīrṇa: Indigestion.
Ādhmāna: Abdominal bloating and distension.
Charddi: Vomiting.
Agnimāndya: Low digestive fire.
Aruci: Anorexia (loss of appetite).
Śūla: Pain, specifically colicky or abdominal pain.
Kṛmi: Worm infestation.
Malarodha: Constipation.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation):
Gastrointestinal System: Primary use for functional dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and helminthiasis (worm infestation). It is specifically noted for flatulence associated with gastritis and duodenitis of Kapha origin.
Hepatobiliary System: Acts as a Yakṛt Balya (liver tonic), supporting liver function and detoxification.
Pediatric Care: The text specifically highlights its efficacy for managing a wide range of digestive ailments in children.
4. Pharmacological Properties (Dravyaguna)
Dosha Karma (Action on Humors): Primarily Kapha-Vāta Šamana (pacifies Kapha and Vāta doshas). It is specifically Apānānulōmana (facilitates the downward movement of Apāna Vāyu, crucial for relieving bloating and constipation).
Dhātu Karma (Action on Tissues): Its primary action is on the Rasā (plasma) and Māṃsa (muscle) dhātus, helping to cleanse and normalize digestive tissue function.
Agni Karma (Action on Digestive Fire): Dīpana (kindles the digestive fire) and Pācana (digests āma or metabolic toxins).
Srotas Karma (Action on Body Channels): Srotōśōdhana (cleanses and removes obstructions from the bodily channels, especially the Anna Vaha Srotas - food channel).
Roga Karma (Action on Specific Diseases): Ajīrṇahara (cures indigestion). It also possesses Jantūghna (microbicidal) and Kṛmighna (anthelmintic) properties.
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Malanulōmana (mild laxative property, attributed to the presence of Harītakī). It acts as a carminative (relieves gas), intestinal antiseptic, and analgesic (relieves pain).
5. Pharmacodynamics (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka)
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Predominantly Kaṣāya (Astringent), Katu (Pungent), Lavaṇa (Salty), Tikta (Bitter)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry)
Vīrya (Potency) Uṣṇa (Hot)
Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) Kṣāra (Alkaline)
Modern Correlate Actions: This formulation demonstrates a combination of carminative, digestive stimulant, mild laxative, antacid (due to its alkaline Kṣāra nature), anthelmintic, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective activities. It acts as a potent digestive corrector and detoxifying agent.
6. Approved Manufacturers
This specialized herbo-mineral formulation is manufactured by established companies, including:
Dabur India Ltd (under the series: Ayurveda Nibandha Mālā)
Kashmir Herbal Remedies (under the series: Rasatantrasāra)
Important Note: The formulation is highly effective for Āma Hara (removing toxins). It primarily acts on Samāna Vāyu, Apāna Vāyu, and Pācaka Pitta, making it highly specific for gastrointestinal tract disorders. It is especially useful in Kapha Pradhāna (Kapha-dominant) conditions presenting with flatulence, constipation, and indigestion.