A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
अग्नितुन्दि रस Agnitundi Rasa
This formulation is classically referenced in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Agnimāndya Chikitsa/Chapter on Digestive Impairment). It is also known as Agnitundi Vati.
This is a complex herbo-mineral formulation. The ingredients in equal parts, unless specified, are:
Mineral & Alkaline Ingredients:
पारद (Pārada) - Purified Mercury (Hg)
गन्धक (Gandhaka) - Purified Sulphur (S)
स्वर्जिक्षार (Swarjikṣāra) - Sodium Carbonate (Impure)
यवक्षार (Yavakṣāra) - Potassium Carbonate (Alkali prepared from Hordeum vulgare L.)
सैंधव लवण (Saindhava Lavaṇa) - Rock Salt (Salty taste)
सौवर्चल लवण (Sauvarochala Lavaṇa) - Sochal Salt (Salty taste)
सामुद्र लवण (Sāmudra Lavaṇa) - Sea Salt (Salty taste)
Purified Toxic Herb:
वत्सनाभ (Vatsanābha) - Purified Aconite (Aconitum ferox Wall.)
Herbal Ingredients:
अजमोद (Ajamōda) - (Trachyspermum roxburghianum DC.)
हरीतकी (Harītakī) - (Terminalia chebula Retz.)
विभीतकी (Vibhītakī) - (Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.)
आमलकी (Āmalakī) - (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.)
चित्रक (Citraka) - (Plumbago zeylanica L.)
जीरक (Jīraka) - (Cuminum cyminum L.)
विडंग (Viḍaṅga) - (Embelia ribes Burm.f.)
विषमुष्टि / कारस्कर (Viṣamuṣṭi / Kāraskara) - (Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq. or Cleome gynandra L.)
जम्बीर स्वरस (Jambīra Svarasa) - Fresh juice of Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck (Used as Bhāvana Dravya - triturating agent)
3. Therapeutic Indications
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit):
Agnimāndya: Low digestive fire, leading to indigestion.
Ajīrṇa & Rasaśēshājīrṇa: Indigestion and impaired assimilation of nutrients.
Udara Śūla & Paripāma Śūla: Abdominal colic and griping pain.
Āmātisāra & Jwarātisāra: Diarrhea with systemic toxins and diarrhea with fever.
Sangrahani / Grahani: Malabsorption syndrome, IBS.
Āmavāta: A condition where toxins (Āma) and Vata combine, correlating to rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune joint disorders.
Kṛmijanya Ajīrṇa: Indigestion due to worm infestations.
Hṛdroga: Heart disease, particularly of Vata-Kapha origin.
Vāta Rōga: Various disorders caused by vitiated Vata Dosha.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation):
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Functional dyspepsia, hypochlorhydria, IBS with bloating and alternating bowel habits, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), parasitic infestations, chronic pancreatitis (supportive), flatulence, and spastic colon.
Autoimmune & Musculoskeletal Disorders: Rheumatoid Arthritis (Āmavāta) and other autoimmune conditions where impaired digestion (Āma) is a core component.
Geriatric Care: Weakness and digestive impairment in the elderly.
Febrile Conditions: Fevers arising from or complicated by digestive insufficiency.
4. Pharmacological Properties (Dravyaguna)
Dosha Karma (Action on Humors): Primarily Vāta-Kapha Śamana (pacifies Vata and Kapha Doshas). Pittakara (increases Pitta Dosha). Kapha Śōṣaṇa (has a drying effect on excess Kapha).
Dhātu Karma (Action on Tissues): Rasa Prasādana (purifies the plasma tissue, the first product of digestion).
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). Sūkṣma (has a subtle quality, allowing deep penetration into micro-channels).
Roga Karma (Action on Diseases): Ajīrṇahara (cures indigestion). Kṛmighna (anthelmintic, destroys worms).
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Śūla Hara (alleviates pain). Ādhmana Hara (relieves bloating and distension).
5. Pharmacodynamics (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka)
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Kaṭu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Lavana (Salty), Kṣāra (Alkaline), Kaṣāya (Astringent), Amla (Sour)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Tīkṣṇa (Sharp), Tīkṣṇa (Penetrating), Sūkṣma (Subtle)
Vīrya (Potency) Uṣṇa (Hot)
Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) Not explicitly stated, but inferred to be Kaṭu (Pungent) due to dominant ingredients.
Modern Correlate Actions: The formulation exhibits digestive stimulant, carminative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and metabolic-enhancing properties. Its alkaline components may help neutralize excess acid while stimulating digestion, and its hot potency correlates with thermogenic activity.
6. Approved Manufacturers
The following companies are known to manufacture this formulation:
Dabur India Ltd (Bhaishajya Ratnavali)
Kashmir Herbal Remedies (Ayurvedic Formulary of India)
Sree Dhoota Papeshwar (Bharata Bhaishajya Ratnakara)
Imis Pharmaceuticals
Dosage, Administration & Safety:
Dose: Marica Pramāṇa (62.5 mg - 125 mg), equivalent to the size of a black peppercorn.
Anupāna (Vehicle): Jambīra Rasa (fresh lemon juice).
Site of Action (Karma Sthāna): Primarily acts on the Madhyama Kōshṭha (middle part of the alimentary tract - small intestine, duodenum). It influences Avalambhaka Kapha (sub-type in the chest), Samāna Vāyu (sub-type governing digestion), Pācaka Pitta (digestive enzymes), and Rasa Dhātu (plasma tissue).
Contraindications & Warnings: Absolutely contraindicated in Pittaja and Raktaja conditions (Pitta or blood-related disorders), pregnancy, lactation, and in children. Due to the presence of purified minerals and toxic herbs (Mercury, Aconite), it is a potent medicine that must not be used for more than one week without strict medical supervision. Long-term use may cause Śukra Kṣaya (depletion of reproductive tissue) and symptoms of Pitta provocation like burning sensations. It is best suited for Kaphānubandha Vātika conditions (Vata disorders with Kapha association).