Karkatshringi is an ancient Ayurvedic herb. Its gall is used extensively in digestive and respiratory conditions. Its botanical name is Pistacia chinensis. It belongs to Anacardaceae family. It is also called as Pistacia integerrima.
Common names, Sanskrit synonyms
Hindi name – Kakadasingi
Malayalam – Kakadashingi
Synonyms in Sanskrit: Kulira vishanika, Ajashrungi – its galls resemble to the goat horn
Classical categorization
Charaka –
Kasahara – group of herbs that are used to treat cough
Hikka nigrahana – group of herbs that are used to relieve hiccup
Madhura skanda – group of herbs that are sweet in taste.
Sushruta – Kakolyadi and Padmakadi Gana
Distribution
It is found in north-western parts of Himalayas. It is also cultivated in Punjab.
Medicinal qualities
Rasa – taste: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (bitter)
Guna (qualities) – Laghu – light to digest, Ruksha – dry
Veerya – Hot potency
Therapeutic effects
Kaphavatahara – balances Kapha and Vata
Kshayahara – useful in chronic respiratory disorders
Jwarahara – useful in fever
It is used in those diseases where in Vata in the chest region is misdirected upwards, like
Shwasa – asthma, bronchitis
Kasa – cough
Hikka – hiccups
Vamana – vomiting
It is also useful in Aruchi – anorexia, and Trit – excessive thirst.
It is also used in the treatment of atisara – diarrhoea and Asrapitta – bleeding disorders.
Part used, Dosage
Part used – galls.
Dose – powder – 1 3 grams
Interaction with medicines, supplements
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Can
this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets,
Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most
of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product
per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
With western
medicines
Seek your
doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western
(allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern
medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is
best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the
Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurvedic medicines
Important medicines with Karkatshrungi as ingredient:
Shiva Gutika
Shringyadi Churna