Abhaya Pippalimuladi Kashaya

Abhaya Pippalimuladi Kashaya

ABHAYĀ PIPPALĪMŪLĀDI KAṢĀYA (अभया पिप्पलीमूलादि कषाय)

Primary Classical Reference: *Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Chikitsā Sthāna, Chapter 7 (Arśa Chikitsā), Śloka 58-59*

 1. Classical Sanskrit Śloka

The reference is found in the chapter dedicated to the treatment of Hemorrhoids (Arśa).

 पिप्पलीमूलचव्याभयाविडङ्गैर्गुडूच्या सलोध्रैश्च तुल्यैः।

सर्पिर्हितं साधितमाज्यभागं पिबेद्यथावल्मिकमर्शसां स्यात्॥५८॥

कषाय एष प्रयोक्तव्यो विरेकश्च यथाबलम्।

स्नेहपानानि चैषां तु कुर्यादर्शःक्षयेच्छया॥५९॥

 - Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Chikitsā Sthāna 7/58-59

 2. Translation & Meaning

Śloka 58: "A ghṛta (ghee) prepared with equal parts of Pippalīmūla, Cavya, Abhayā, Viḍaṅga, Guḍūcī, and Lodhra—cooked with one part of these herbs to four parts of ghee—should be consumed. It destroys hemorrhoids (Arśas) even if they are as stubborn as an anthill (Valmīka)."

 Śloka 59: "This decoction (Kaṣāya) [version of the formula] should be administered, as well as purgation (Virecana) according to one's strength. One who desires to destroy hemorrhoids should also administer oleation therapy (Snehapāna) to them."

 Note: While the śloka primarily describes a Ghṛta (medicated ghee), Vāgbhaṭa and his commentators (like Aruṇadatta) explicitly state that the same ingredients can be used to prepare a highly effective Kaṣāya (decoction) for the same purpose.

. Ingredients (Dravya) and Quantity (Mātrā)

The formulation uses equal parts (तुल्यैः tulyaiḥ) of the following six ingredients:

 Saṃskṛta Name   English / Botanical Name          Part Used

1. Pippalīmūla Long Pepper Root (Piper longum)         Root

2. Cavya           Java Long Pepper (Piper chaba) Stem

3. Abhayā        Chebulic Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula)          Fruit

4. Viḍaṅga       False Black Pepper (Embelia ribes)        Fruit

5. Guḍūcī         Heart-leaved Moonseed (Tinospora cordifolia)   Stem

6. Lodhra         Lodh Tree (Symplocos racemosa)          Bark

Ratio: For preparing the decoction, a common ratio is 1 part of the total herbal mix to 16 parts of water.

4. Method of Preparation (Kalyāṇa Vidhi)

The preparation follows the standard method for Kaṣāya as per classics:

 Cūrṇīkaraṇa (Powdering): The dried ingredients are coarsely powdered and mixed together in equal weight.

 Snehana (Optional Oil Coating): Sometimes, the powder is lightly fried in a small amount of oil or ghee to enhance the extraction of fat-soluble compounds.

 Svēdana (Boiling/Decoction):

 The coarse powder is soaked in 16 times (X16) the volume of water overnight.

 The next morning, it is boiled on a medium flame.

 It is reduced to one-fourth (X4) of the original volume.

 Mṛtapaṭṭa Śōdhana (Filtration): The reduced liquid is filtered through a clean cloth to obtain a clear decoction.

5. Dose (Mātrā)

General Therapeutic Dose: 40 - 80 ml (approx. 2 to 4 Toḍas or 1/8 to 1/4 of a Śarāva).

 Frequency: Typically taken twice a day, early in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening before food.

 Duration: As prescribed by a physician, usually until symptoms subside.

 6. Anupāna (Vehicle)

The classical Anupāna is not explicitly mentioned for the Kaṣāya form in this śloka. However, based on the condition (Arśas) and the ingredients:

 Madhu (Honey): Is the most common and suitable Anupāna due to its Arśoghna (anti-hemorrhoidal) properties.

 Uṣṇodaka (Warm Water): Can also be used.

 The śloka itself mentions Sarpih (ghee) as the base for the Ghṛta, indicating that a small amount of ghee could be mixed with the Kaṣāya for synergistic effect.

 7. Indications (Prayojana)

The primary indication, as per the śloka, is:

 Arśas (Hemorrhoids/Piles): Especially effective for all types of piles, including bleeding piles (Raktārśas) and stubborn, chronic cases. Its action is Śōthahara (anti-inflammatory), Sthambhana (astringent to stop bleeding), and Virecanopaga (mildly purgative to ease bowel movement).

Other Potential Applications:

 Udavarta (Reverse movement of Vāta): Constipation and abdominal distension.

 Kṛmi (Intestinal Parasites): Due to the strong anthelmintic property of Viḍaṅga.

 Jvara (Fever): Especially chronic fevers associated with toxins (Āma), due to Guḍūcī.

 Skin Disorders: Due to the blood-purifying and anti-inflammatory effects.

 8. Mechanism of Action (Karma Siddhānta)

Abhayā & Lodhra: The key combination. Abhayā is a mild laxative (Bhedana) that cleanses the intestines, while Lodhra is a powerful astringent (Stambhana) that controls bleeding and reduces inflammation in the anal veins.

 Pippalīmūla & Cavya: Strong digestive stimulants (Dīpana-Pācana) that kindle Agni and remove the root cause of Āma, which is often a key factor in Arśas.

 Viḍaṅga: Eradicates intestinal parasites (Kṛmighna), which can be a cause or aggravating factor for anal itching and piles.

 Guḍūcī: A detoxifier (Rasāyana) that helps cleanse the system and supports the action of other herbs.