A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Karkatashringi
Latin Name: Pistacia integerrima Steuart ex Brandis
Family: Anacardiaceae (Amra kula)
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka: Kasahara (Group of herbs that alleviate cough), Hikkanigrahana (Group of herbs that relieve hiccups)
Sushruta: Kakolyadi Gana
Sanskrit Synonyms: Kuliravishanika, Ajashringi, Vakra, Chandra, Shringika, Kalinga, Karkata, Karkataki, Shringanama, Arthachampika.
Regional Names:
Marathi: Kakadshingi
Hindi: Kakadsighi
Bengali, Tamil, Telugu: Kankdashringi
English: Galls (Insect-induced growths on the plant)
Morphology: A medium-sized tree, 8-10 meters tall. The bark is dark smoky in color. Leaves are compound, with 4-6 pairs of lanceolate leaflets, each 5-12 cm long. Flowers are large, oblong, and deep red. The fruit is a drupe, broader than long, turning grey and glabrous upon ripening. The medicinally used part is the gall—spongy, smoky-colored capsules (2-7 cm x 1-5 cm) formed by insects on the leaves. These galls are hard and spongy in structure.
Part Used: Galls (Kosha), Bark.
Purification (Śodhana): Not mentioned in the provided text.
Preservation: Not mentioned in the provided text.
3. Pharmacodynamics (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka)
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
Vīrya (Potency) Ushna (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-digestive) Katu (Pungent)
Prabhava (Special Effect) Medhya (Nootropic, intellect-promoting)
Dosha Karma: Primarily Kapha-Vatahara. Its Ushna (heating) potency pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas.
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Due to its Tikta Rasa and Ushna Veerya, it acts as a Deepana (appetizer) and Ruchikara (improves taste). Its Kashaya Rasa and Ushna Veerya confer Grahi (absorbent, binding) properties, making it useful in Atisara (diarrhea), Pravahika (dysentery), and Aruchi (anorexia). It is specifically indicated for diarrhea in children due to teething troubles.
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): It liquefies and expectorates mucus (Kapha) in conditions like Kaphaja Kasa (cough), Tamaka Shvasa (asthma), and Hikka (hiccups). Its Kashaya Rasa prevents further mucus formation and strengthens the respiratory tract. It is administered with Tila Taila in Vataja Kasa and with medicated ghrita in Kshayaja Kasa (wasting disease with cough).
Shukrattavavaha Srotas (Female Reproductive System): Its Kashaya (astringent) property helps eliminate Garbhashaya Shotha (uterine edema), Shaithilya (flabbiness), and associated discharge (Kleda), making it useful in Pradara (leukorrhea).
Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary System): The fragrant volatile oil content helps eliminate pus cells, indicating its use in Puyameha (urinary tract infection with pus).
Primary Actions: Deepana (Appetizer), Ruchikara (Taste-promoting), Grahi (Absorbent, Anti-diarrheal), Shvasahara (Anti-asthmatic), Kasahara (Antitussive), Hikkanigrahana (Anti-hiccup), Medhya (Nootropic).
Dosage (Mātrā):
Adults: 1 - 2 grams of powder.
Children: 120 - 500 mg.
Anupāna (Vehicle): Honey, warm water, Tila Taila (sesame oil), Siddha Ghrita (medicated ghee).
Important Formulations (Kalpa):
Shringyadi Churna
Balachaturbhadra
Contraindications (Nivārita): Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Given its Ushna (heating) and Ruksha (drying) properties, it should be used with caution in conditions of high Pitta or extreme dryness (e.g., Dhatukshaya).
Adulteration: The text warns that cocoons growing on Haritaki or Udumbara leaves, which lack the same medicinal properties, are sometimes marketed as adulterants for Karkatashringi.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Not mentioned in the provided text.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): Not mentioned in the provided text.
Chemical Composition: Contains 20-75% Tannin, Volatile Oil, Resin, Beta-Sitosterol, and Masticardionic Acid. The volatile oil is initially colorless and odorless but turns yellow and fragrant upon storage.
Research Notes: No specific research findings are mentioned in the provided text. The information is limited to its chemical constituents.