Ayurvedic Medicines And Herbs Useful In Raktapitta

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Samshamani means medicines which pacify the vitiated doshas. In case of Raktapitta, Samshamani Kriya includes the medicines and formulations which could be used to pacify the vitiated pitta which is the chief culprit in the causation of Raktapitta.

Table of Contents

Samshamani Kriya indicated conditions

Conditions for administration of Samshamani Kriya
In patients of Raktapitta, Samshamani Kriya should be advised (implemented) in the below mentioned conditions –

Bala mamsa pariksheenam – Loss of Bala (strength) and Mamsa (muscle bulk
Shoka karshitam – patient emaciated due to excess grief
Bhara karshitam – patient emaciated due to carrying excessive and heavy weights
Adhwa karshitam – patient emaciated due to excessive walking
Jwalana Santapta – fire burns
Aditya santapta – sun burns
Anyaihi aamayaihi ksheenam – patient emaciated due to chronic or long standing illnesses
Garbhini – pregnant woman
Sthaviram – old aged people
Baalam – children
Ruksha ashinam – those eating dry foods
Alpa ashinam – those eating less quantity of food
Pramita ashinam – limited diet or food
Avamyam – patients in whom Vamana cannot be administered (or not fit for vamana)
Avirechyam – patients in whom Virechana cannot be administered (or not fit for virechana)
Shosha anubandha – when raktapitta is associated with shosha or rajayakshma (wasting diseases, tuberculosis, phthisis)

Shamshamani Kriya comprises of administering medicines, herbs and formulations which have disease modifying effect (action) especially in the presence of the above said conditions.
Read related: Tarpana and Ahara in the treatment of Raktapitta

Medicines and formulations

Samshamani Kriya – Medicines and Formulations for Raktapitta
Kwathas (herbal decoctions)
Atarooshakadi Kwatham – Decoction or infusion of Vasa Patra (leaves of Adhatoda vasica), Mrudwika (raisins) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) mixed with sugar and honey

Padhmakadi Kwatham – Paste of Padhma kashta (stem of Prunus cerasoides), Padhma kinjalka(stamens of lotus flower), Durva (Cynodon dactylon), Vastuka (Lamb’s quarter, Wild spinach, Chenopodium album), Utpalam (blue variety of lotus, water lily), Nagakeshara (Mesua ferrea) and Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) mixed in decoction of Vasa (Adhatoda vasica)

Prapaundarika (Nymphaea lotus) and Madhuka (Licorice)

Bala Kwatha – Decoction of Bala (Sida cordifolia) mixed with powder of mudga (green gram), laja (parched rice, puffed paddy), yava (barley), pippali (long pepper), ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Chandana (sandalwood)

Shakrud Rasa Yoga (formulations in fluid extract or liquid portion of animal feces)

Paste of Prapaundarika (Nymphaea lotus) and Madhuka (Licorice) mixed in Ashwa Shakrud Rasa (liquid portion of horse feces)

Paste of Yavasa mula (root of Alhagi camelorum) and Bhringaraja mula (root of Eclipta alba) mixed in Go shakrud rasa (liquid portion of cow feces), should be taken with rice wash water

Gomaya shakrid rasa (liquid portion of cow feces) and Ashwa shakrid rasa (liquid portion of horse feces) mixed with honey and ghee

Churna (herbal powders)
Khadiradi Churna – Powder of Khadira (Acacia catechu), Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla), Kovidara (Bauhinia variegata) and Shalmali (flowers of Salmalia malabarica) mixed with honey

Sringatakadi Churnam – Powder of Shringataka (Trapa bispinosa), Laja (puffed paddy), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Kharjura (dates) and Kamala kesara (stamens of lotus flower) mixed with honey

Ushiradi Churnam – Powder of:

Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Kaaleeyaka (Yellow sandalwood)
Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa)
Padhma kashta (stem of Prunus cerasoides)
Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla)
Katphala (Myrica nagi)
Shanka bhasma (ash of conch)
Gairika (red ochre)
Chandana (lotus)

The powder of the above said should be taken mixed with tandula dhavana (rice wash) and sharkara (sugar)

The above mentioned churna can be taken as a whole formulation or individual herbs mentioned in the formulation can be taken in the below mentioned forms –

Sheeta Kalpana – The churna or powder of individual ingredients shall be dipped in water overnight, filtered and taken first thing in the morning
Swarasa – Fresh juice of all or individual ingredients
Kalka – Paste of all or individual ingredients
Mrudita or Phanta – Hot infusion of all or individual herbs
Kwatha – Decoction of all or individual herbs (ingredients)

Peya

Peya in Raktapitta (drink)
Usheeradi Peya – Drink made out of Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides), Padma (lotus), Utpala (water lily) and Chandana (sandalwood) prepared after dipping the powders of these herbs in water overnight and filtering them should be taken after adding sugar and honey, first thing in the morning

Loshta Peya – Drink made after immersing Pakwa Loshta (powder of new earthen pot) in water overnight and filtering it should be taken after adding sugar and honey, first thing in the morning

Priyangwadi Peya – Drink made after immersing Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla), Chandana (sandalwood), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Madhooka (Madhuca longifolia), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Abhaya (Terminalia chebula) and Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) mixed with Loshta Jala (water dipped with powder of earthen pot) and Shashtika Jala (water washed with rice grown in 60 days) should be taken mixed with sugar

Management of Vatanubandha

In spite of the agni (digestion, metabolism) getting rectified and kapha getting pacified after the administration of Kashayas and other Samshamani Kriyas, if the raktapitta doesn’t get alleviated and if bleeding keeps recurring it indicates the association of vitiated Vata i.e. Vata has not been taken into control (Vatanubandha).

To control Vata and to stop the bleeding, the below mentioned measures shall be done –

Chaga paya – Initially goat’s milk should be given mixed with sugar and honey
Go dugdha – Cow’s milk processed with 5 times water should be given mixed with sugar and honey

Vidarigandhadi gana (Laghu Panchamula or lesser 5 roots) siddha dugdha – Milk processed with Laghu Panchamula should be given mixed with sugar and honey

Draksha Shrutam Paya – Milk processed with draksha (raisins) mixed with sugar
Nagara Shrutam Paya – Milk processed with nagara (ginger) mixed with sugar
Bala Shrutam Paya – Milk processed with roots of bala (Sida cordifolia) mixed with sugar
Gokshura Shrutam Paya – Milk processed with gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) mixed with sugar

Jeevaka Rishabhaka Shrutam Paya – Milk processed with jeevaka (Malaxis acuminata) and rishabhaka (Manilkara hexandra) mixed with ghee of cow and sugar

Ghritas in Raktapitta

Medicated Ghee is very useful in severe bleeding related to Raktapitta, especially bleeding from urinary tract, rectum and nose. Below mentioned are the most effective ghritas (ghee) in Raktapitta.

Vasa Ghrita – Ghee prepared with kwatha (decoction) of branches, leaves and roots of Vasa plant (Adhatoda vasica). This ghee should be taken mixed with honey.

Palasha siddha ghrita – Ghee processed with juice and paste of leaves and petioles of Palasha (Butea monosperma) should be given mixed with ¼ the quantity of honey

Vatsaka Ghrita – Ghee processed with paste of Vatsaka (seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica)

Samangadi Ghrita – Ghee processed with Samanga (Mimosa pudica), Utpala (water lily) and Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) should be given mixed with ¼ the quantity of honey

Trayamana Ghrita – Ghee processed with Trayamana (Gentiana kurroo) should be given mixed with ¼ the quantity of honey

Udumbara-Patola Ghrita – Ghee processed with Udumbara (Ficus racemosa) and Patola (Pointed gourd) should be given mixed with ¼ the quantity of honey

Shatavaryadi Ghrita – Ghee processed with Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa), Dadima Pushpa (flowers of pomegranate), Tintideeka (Rhus parviflora), Kakoli (Roscaea procera), Meda (Polygonatum cirrhifolium), Yashtimadhu (Licorice), Vidarikanda (Pueraria tuberosa) & Phalapuraka (Citrus medica)

Traditional formulations

Traditional formulations (classical medicines) for Raktapitta

Bolabaddha Rasa
Chandrakala Rasa
Pravala Panchamrita
Raktapittantaka Lauha
Kamadhgha Rasa
Godanti Bhasma
Pravala Pishti
Usheerasava
Lodhrasava
Pushyanuga Churna

Proprietary medicines

Tab Ayapon (Alarsin)
Tab Caparin (Arya)
Cap Point (Ayulabs)
Tab Posex Forte (Charak)
Tab Styplon (Himalaya)
Liquid Surodhini (Nanjangud)
Liquid Ultivin (Imis)
Tab Arshonyt (Charak)
Tab Pilex (Himalaya)
Tab Pilocure (Alopa)
Cap Pilogems (Fort Herbal)
Cap Pilonil (Dindayal)
Tab Pilorid (Nagarjuna)
Tab Pirrhoids (Baidyanath)
Cap Pylapy (Capro)
Tab Rectacare (Anuja)
Tab Rectocare (Bacfo)
Tab Peptilin (Arya)
Tab Berb-Enterone (Sandu)
Cap Bilva (Vitalcare)
Tab Diarex (Himalaya)
Cap Dicinil (Fizikem)
Tab Entoform (Manil)
Tab Entostal (Solumiks)
Tab Kosht-Sanjivini (Pavaman)
Tab Kutajadi (Pavaman)
Cap Mebarid (Phyto Pharma)

Single herbs

Single herbs useful in Raktapitta

Vasa – Adhatoda vasica
Shatavari – Asparagus racemosa
Kutaja – Holarrhena antidysenterica
Vatsaka – Seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica
Yashtimadhu – Licorice
Udumbara – Ficus racemosa
Trayamana – Gentiana kurroo
Samanga – Mimosa pudica
Utpala – water lily
Padhma kinjalka – stamens of lotus flower
Kamala kesara – stamens of lotus flower
Padma – lotus
Padhma kashta – stem of Prunus cerasoides
Utpala – water lily
Lodhra – Symplocos racemosa
Palasha – Butea monosperma
Jeevaka – Malaxis acuminate
Rishabhaka – Manilkara hexandra
Gokshura – Tribulus terrestris
Bala – Sida cordifolia
Draksha – raisins
Laghu Panchamula – lesser 5 roots
Go dugdha – Milk of Cow
Chaga Paya – Milk of goat
Priyangu – Callicarpa macrophylla
Chandana – sandalwood
Sariva – Hemidesmus indicus
Madhooka – Madhuca longifolia
Musta – Cyperus rotundus
Abhaya – Terminalia chebula
Dhataki – Woodfordia fruticosa
Ushira – Vetiveria zizanioides
Kaaleeyaka – Yellow sandalwood
Katphala – Myrica nagi
Shringataka – Trapa bispinosa
Laja – puffed paddy
Kharjura – dates
Khadira – Acacia catechu
Kovidara – Bauhinia variegata
Shalmali – flowers of Salmalia malabarica
Durva – Cynodon dactylon
Nagakeshara – Mesua ferrea

Apathya

Apathya in Raktapitta
Apathya or unwholesome foods are touched upon in the context of Nidana of Raktapitta
Related reading –Raktapitta Causes, Premonitory Symptoms, Symptoms, Pathogenesis

Effective Decoctions For Bleeding Disorders From Sahasrayogam

Raktapittahara Kashayam

Ref – Sahasrayogam, Kashaya Prakaranam, 14

a. Shatavaryadi Kashayam

Ingredients	Botanical Name	Method of using	Indications
Shatavari	Asparagus racemosus	The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served fresh	1. Bleeding from upper and lower orifices of the body 2. Intermittent fevers associated with burning sensation 3. Insanity 4. Menorrhagia
Krishna Sariva	Hemidesmus inducus
Sandalwood	Santalum album
Ushira	Vetiveria zizanioides
Hrivera	Pavonia odorata
Tanduliyaka	Amaranthus spinosus
Grapes	Vitis vinifera
Manjishta	Rubia cordifolia
Utpala	Nymphaea stellata
Licorice	Glyzyrrhiza glabra

b. Vata Shringadi Kashayam

Ingredients	Botanical Name	Method of using	Indications
Vata sringa	Ficus benghalensis	The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served fresh by mixing it with the milk	1. Bleeding disorders
Vasa	Adhatoda vasica

c. Chandanadi Kashayam

Ingredients	Botanical Name	Method of using	Indications
Sandalwood	Santalum album, sandalwood	The powders of these ingredients should be mixed in the decoction of Sida cordifolia and be kept overnight. It should be given for oral consumption the next morning.	Cures – 1. Bleeding disorders
Ushira	Vetiveria zizanioides
Musta	Cyperus rotundus
Laja	Parched / puffed grains
Green gram	Vigna radiate, green gram
Pippali	Piper longum
Barley	Hordeum vulgare, barley
Manjishta	Rubia cordifolia
Utpala	Nymphaea stellata
Licorice	Glyzyrrhiza glabra

2. Drakshadi Kashayam (Vata-Pitta Jwarahara Kashayam)

Ref – Sahasrayogam, Kashaya Prakaranam, 6

Ingredients	Botanical Name	Method of using	Indications
Grapes	Vitis vinifera	The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served with honey, sugar and powder of parched grains.	1. Fever of vata-pitta origin 2. Alcoholic intoxication 3. Vomiting 4. Fainting 5. Burning sensation 6. Giddiness 7. Fatigue 8. Bleeding from upper passages 9. Thirst 10. Jaundice
Madhooka	Madhuca longifolia
Licorice	Glycyrrhiza glabra
Lodhra	Symplocos racemosa
Kashmarya	Gmelina arborea
Sariva	Hemidesmus indicus
Musta	Cyperus rotundus
Gooseberry	Emblica oficinalis
Hrivera	Pavonia odorata
Padmakesara	Filament of lotus
Padmaka	Prunus cerasoides
Mrinala	Nelumbium speciosum
Sandalwood	Santalum album
Ushira	Vetiveria zizanioides
Nilotpala	Nymphaea stellata
Parushaka	Grewia asiatica

3. Sarivadi Kashayam (Trishnahara Kashayam)

Ref – Sahasrayogam, Kashaya Prakaranam, 33b

Ingredients	Botanical Name	Method of using	Indications
Sariva	Hemidesmus indicus	The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served fresh	1.Burning sensation 2.Bleeding disorders 3.Thirst 4.Fever
Ushira	Vetiveria zizanioides
Kashmarya	Gmelina arborea
Madhooka	Madhuca longifolia
white and red types of sandalwood	Santalum album & Pterocarpus santalinus
Licorice	Glyzyrrhiza glabra
Parushaka	Grewia asiatica

4. Vasaguluchyadi Kashayam (Panduhara Kashayam)

Ref – Sahasrayogam, Kashaya Prakaranam, 46b

5. Shatavari Chinnaruhadi Kashayam (Vataraktahara Kashaya)

Ref – Sahasrayogam, Kashaya Prakaranam, 62b

Ingredients	Botanical Name	Method of using	Indications
Shatavari	Asparagus racemosus	The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served fresh mixed with powder of Glycyrrhiza glabra	1.Gout 2.Bleeding disorders
Guduchi	Tinospora cordifolia
Amlaki	Emblica officinalis
Bala	Sida cordifolia
Ikshu kanda	Stem of Saccharum officinarum
Sugarcane juice	Juice of Saccharum officinarum

6. Duralabhadi Kashayam

Ref – Sahasrayogam, Parishishta Prakaranam, 11

Ingredients	Botanical Name	Method of using	Indications
Duralabha	Fagonia cretica	The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served fresh with sugar	1. Thirst 2. Bleeding disorders 3. Fever with burning sensation
Parpataka	Fumaria oficinalis
Priyangu	Callicarpa macrophylla
Bhunimba	Andrographis paniculata
Vasa	Adhatoda vasica
Katukarohini	Picrorhiza kurrooa

7. Hriberadi Kashayam

Ref – Sahasrayogam, Parishishta Prakaranam, 15

Ingredients	Botanical Name	Method of using	Indications
Hrivera	Pavonia odorata	The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served fresh, mixed with honey and sugar	1.Severe bleeding disorders, thirst, fever and burning sensation
Coriander	Coriandrum sativum
Ginger	Zingiber oficinale
Sandalwood	Santalum album
Licorice	Glycyrrhiza glabra
Vasa	Adhatoda vasica
Ushira	Vetiveria zizanioides

8. Usiradi Kashayam

Ref – Sahasrayogam, Parishishta Prakaranam, 16

Ingredients	Botanical Name	Method of using	Indications
Ushira	Vetiveria zizanioides	The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served fresh with honey	1.Bleeding disorders
Sandalwood	Santalum album
Patha	Cissampelos pariera
Grapes	Vitis vinifera
Madhuka	Glyzyrrhiza glabra
Pippali	Piper longum

9. Chandanadi Kashayam

Ref – Sahasrayogam, Parishishta Prakaranam, 18

10. Satavaryadi Kashayam

Ref – Sahasrayogam, Parishishta Prakaranam, 19

Ingredients	Botanical Name	Method of using	Indications
Shatavari	Asparagus racemosus	The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served fresh	Cures – 1.Bleeding disorders 2.Colic
Bala	Sida cordifolia
Rasna	Pluchea lanceolata
Kashmarya	Gmelina arborea
Parushaka	Grewia asiatica