A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
अग्निकुमार रस Agnikumāra Rasa
1. Reference
This formulation is classically referenced in two authoritative texts:
Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Agnimāndya Chikitsa/Chapter on Digestive Impairment)
Sahasrayoga
2. Composition (Sanskrit & Botanical Equivalents)
This medicine has two distinct classical compositions.
As per Sahasrayoga (Herbal Composition):
मरिच (Marica) - (Piper nigrum L.)
वचा (Vacā) - (Acorus calamus L.)
कुष्ठ (Kuṣṭha) - (Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch.)
मुस्त (Musta) - (Cyperus rotundus L.)
वत्सनाभ (Vatsanābha) - (Aconitum ferox Wall.)
आर्द्रका स्वरस (Ārdrakā Svarasa) - Fresh juice of (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) (Used as भावन द्रव्य - Bhāvana Dravya - triturating agent)
As per Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Herbo-Mineral Composition):
रस (Rasa) / पारद (Pārada) - Purified Mercury (Hg)
गन्धक (Gandhaka) - Purified Sulphur (S)
टङ्कण (Ṭaṅkaṇa) - Purified Borax (Suhaga)
विष (Viṣa) / वत्सनाभ (Vatsanābha) - Purified Aconite (Aconitum ferox Wall.)
कपर्द्द भस्म (Kapardda Bhasma) - Calcined ash of Cowrie Shell (Cypraea moneta L.)
शङ्ख भस्म (Śaṅkha Bhasma) - Calcined ash of Conch Shell (Turbinella pyrum L.)
मरिच (Marica) - (Piper nigrum L.)
जम्बीर स्वरस (Jambīra Svarasa) - Fresh juice of Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck (Used as Bhāvana Dravya - triturating agent)
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit):
Āma Jwara & Jwarātisāra: Fever and diarrhea caused by systemic toxins (Āma).
Sannipāta Jwara: Fever due to vitiation of all three Doshas.
Jīrṇa Jwara: Chronic, lingering fever.
Kapha Jwara: Fever with Kapha dominance (e.g., congestion, lethargy).
Agnimāndya & Ajīrṇa: Low digestive fire and indigestion.
Grahani & Atisāra: Malabsorption syndrome and diarrhea.
Viśūcikā: A condition resembling cholera with severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Pratiśyāya & Pinasa: Rhinitis, common cold, and sinus congestion.
Kāsa & Śwāsa: Cough and dyspnea.
Udara Śūla: Abdominal pain.
Gulma: Phantom abdominal tumor, often related to severe gaseous distension.
Arśas: Hemorrhoids.
Udāvartta: Upward movement of Vata causing distension and discomfort.
Febrile & Infective Conditions: Influenza, common cold, viral fevers, and gastroenteritis, especially in the initial stages with toxic buildup (chills, body ache, indigestion).
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Acute indigestion, food poisoning, IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), parasitic infestations (as an adjuvant), and hemorrhoids of Vata-Kapha origin.
Respiratory Disorders: Acute bronchitis, sinusitis, and rhinitis with thick, sticky mucus congestion.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Pain and swelling (Śōpha) related to inflammatory conditions where Āma is a factor.
Dosha Karma (Action on Humors): Primarily Kapha-Vāta Śamana (pacifies Kapha and Vata Doshas). Pittakṛt (can increase Pitta). Āma Doṣa Hara (removes unmetabolized toxins). Kapha Śōṣaṇa (has a drying effect on excess Kapha).
Dhātu Karma (Action on Tissues): Avṛṣyam (not an aphrodisiac; indicates a reducing, catabolic action on the tissues).
Agni Karma (Action on Metabolic Fire): Dīpana (kindles the digestive fire). Pācana (digests and burns toxins - Āma).
Srotas Karma (Action on Bodily Channels): Srotoshodhana (cleanses and removes blockages from the bodily channels). Lekhana (has a scraping action, removing morbid deposits from the channels).
Roga Karma (Action on Diseases): Jwaraghna (anti-pyretic). Ajīrṇahara (cures indigestion). Kṛmighna (anthelmintic, destroys worms).
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Śūla Praśamana (alleviates pain, especially colicky pain). Śōpha Hara (reduces swelling). Grāhi (absorbent, useful in diarrhea).
Attribute (Guṇa) | Property
| Rasa (Taste) | Kaṭu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter) |
| Guṇa (Quality) | Tīkṣṇa (Sharp, Penetrating), Laghu (Light), Sūkṣma (Subtle) |
| Vīrya (Potency) | Uṣṇa (Hot) |
| Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) | Kaṭu (Pungent) |
Modern Correlate Actions: The formulation exhibits digestive stimulant, carminative, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and expectorant properties. Its sharp and hot nature correlates with its ability to enhance metabolic rate and mobilize toxins.
The following companies are known to manufacture this formulation, often specifying the classical text they follow:
Arya Vaidya Sala - Kottakkal
Dabur India Ltd
The Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Limited
Sree Dhoota Papeshwar (Bharata Bhaishajya Ratnakara)
Asoka Pharmaceuticals
Changampally Ayurveda Vaidyasala (Sahasrayoga)
Ayursiddha Pharmaceuticals (Brhatnighantu Ratnākara)
Kashmir Herbal Remedies (Bhaishajya Ratnavali)
Arya Vaidya Vilasini Vaidyasala
Pam Labs
Viswakeerthy Herbals (INDIA) Pvt. Ltd
Vaidyaratna Prabha Vaidyasala
Dose: Gunjā Mātra (approx. 125 mg). Precise dosing must be determined by a qualified practitioner.
Anupāna (Vehicle): Selected based on the condition: Lavanga Kaṣāya (clove decoction), Ārdrakā Svarasa (ginger juice), Musta Kaṣāya (nut grass decoction), Dhānyaka Kaṣāya (coriander decoction), or Daśamūla Kaṣāya.
Site of Action: Primarily the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT), with secondary effects on the Respiratory System.
Contraindications & Warnings: Absolutely contraindicated in Pittika (Pitta-dominant) and Raktaja (blood-related) conditions, pregnancy, lactation, and hypertension. Overdose may cause dizziness, tremors, or Pitta aggravation (e.g., burning sensation, acidity). It is a potent medicine requiring strict medical supervision and should be administered for a limited period only.