A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Join the Ayurvedika.org Community:
We invite you to explore, learn, and grow with us. Whether you're a dedicated practitioner, an enthusiastic student, or simply someone seeking alternative approaches to health, Ayurvedika.org welcomes you with open arms. Embark on a journey of health, wisdom, and connection – right here, right now.
Advertise with Us contact 6282639960
Sanskrit Name: Ajmodā (अजमोदा)
Botanical Name: Trachyspermum roxburghianum (DC.) H. Wolff (Synonym: Apium graveolens L. var. roxburghiana DC.)
Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Part Used: Fruits (seeds) and roots. Fruits are most common.
Classical Categorization: It is primarily classified under the Sūnasthāna (group of substances with sharp properties) and Triyaṅgu group in some texts.
It is a key Deepanīya (appetizer) and Pāchanīya (digestive) herb.
A. Rasa (Taste) : Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
B. Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light to digest), Rūkṣa (Dry), Tīkṣṇa (Sharp, penetrating)
C. Vīrya (Potency) : Uṣṇa (Heating)
D. Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) : Katu (Pungent)
E. Prabhāva (Unique/Specific Effect) Deepana-Pāchana (Its exceptional power to enhance digestive fire and digest toxins)
F. Doṣa Karma (Action on Humors)
Kapha-Vāta Śamaka (Pacifies Kapha and Vata Dosha)
Pittala (Can aggravate Pitta in excess due to its hot potency)
A well-known shloka from the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu describes Ajmoda:
"अजमोदा कटुस्तिक्ता उष्णा दीपनपाचनी।
रूक्षा लघुः कफवातघ्नी कण्डूकोठविनाशिनी॥"
Transliteration:
Ajamodā kaṭu-tiktā uṣṇā dīpana-pācanī |
Rūkṣā laghuḥ kapha-vātaghnī kaṇḍū-koṭha-vināśinī ||
Translation:
"Ajmoda is pungent and bitter in taste, hot in potency, and has digestive and carminative properties. It is dry and light. It pacifies Kapha and Vata and destroys itching and skin diseases."
A. Therapeutic Actions (Karma):
Dīpanīya: Enkindles the digestive fire (Agni).
Pāchanīya: Digests Ama (toxins).
Śūlasthāpana: Alleviates colicky pain.
Anulomana: Facilitates the downward movement of Vāta (carminative).
Mūtrala: Diuretic, promotes urination.
Śvāsahara: Beneficial in respiratory conditions like asthma.
Ārtavajanana: Promotes menstruation (emmenagogue).
Kṛmighna: Anti-helminthic (destroys worms).
B. Common Uses (Prayogarha):
Agnimāndya (Low digestive fire): Used as a primary remedy for indigestion, bloating, and loss of appetite.
Ādhmāna (Flatulence & Abdominal Distension): Its carminative property expels trapped gas.
Śūla (Abdominal colic/pain): Relieves pain caused by Vāta and Kapha obstruction.
Kṛmi (Worm infestation): Especially effective against intestinal worms.
Śvāsa (Dyspnoea) and Kāsa (Cough): Helps expel Kapha from the respiratory channels.
Ārtavakṣaya (Amenorrhoea): Used to stimulate a delayed menstrual cycle.
Śotha (Edema/Inflammation): Used due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Vibandha (Constipation): Mildly helps by correcting Vāta movement.
Ajmoda is an important ingredient in many digestive and respiratory formulations.
Ajamoḍādi Arka: A digestive distillate.
Ajamodadi Churna: A powder used for digestive disorders.
Hinguvachadi Churna: A powder for abdominal pain and bloating.
Sitopaladi Churna: A famous formulation for cough and cold where Ajmoda is sometimes used as a substitute or in variation.
Lavana Bhaskar Churna: A complex digestive powder.
Pittaprakṛti: Individuals with a predominant Pitta constitution should use it with caution.
Pitta Disorders: Contraindicated in conditions like hyperacidity, gastritis, bleeding disorders, and inflammatory conditions where Pitta is severely aggravated.
Parṇḍu (Anaemia): As it is Ruksha (dry), it may not be suitable.
Pregnancy: Should be avoided due to its hot potency and emmenagogue (menstruation-inducing) action.
Powder (Churna): 1 - 3 grams, once or twice a day, after meals with warm water.
Decoction (Kvātha): 20 - 30 ml, usually divided into two doses.
Arka (Distillate): 5 - 10 drops with warm water.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only