Trishna Nigrahana Gana – Thirst Quenching Herb Group Of Charaka

By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD.
Trishna means ‘thirst’. Nigrahana refers that which is capable of pacifying or reducing it. So the word Trishna nigrahana means the drugs which are capable of pacifying the thirst or those which are capable of give satisfaction while during excess thirst. 

Such drugs are quite commonly cooling,Vata pitta dosha pacifying and light in nature. They are digestive and carminative too in little extent.

Trushna Nigrahana Gana

Let us review the quality and action of these drugs one by one in brief-

Nagara – Ginger (Zingiber officinale)– Rhizome
Digestive, carminative, anti inflammatory, analgesic, anti flatulant etc.

Dhanvayasaka (Fagonia cretica Linn.)– Roots
Anti inflammatory, immune modulator, expectorant,anti tussive etc.

Musta (Cyperus rotundus)– Rhizome
Anti diarrhoeal, anti pyretic, digestive, bowel regulator etc.

Parpataka (Fumaria parviflora Lam.)– Whole plant
Antipyretic, blood purifier, bitter tonic, liver stimulant etc.

Chandana – Sandalwood – Santalum album-Heart wood
Coolant, blood purifier, soothing, complaexion enhancer, diuretic, stabilizer of uro- genital system etc.

Kiratatikta (Swertia chirata Buch. – Ham.)- Whole plant
Antipyretic ,blood purifier, wound healing, anti hyperglycemic, scraping etc.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Miers.)– Stem
Rejuvinative, anti inflammatory, analgesic, anti pyretic, anti histaminic etc.

Hrivera (Pavonia odorata Willd.)- Roots or whole plant
Coolant, anti pyretic, anti inflammatory, digestive, bitter tonic etc.

Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum Linn.) – Seeds
Coolant, anti hyperglycemic, digestive, anti flatulent, antacid , nutritive etc.

Patola (Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn.)– Whole plant
Blood purifier,  liver stimulant, laxative, bitter tonic, anti pyretic etc.

Qualities, Actions

Qualities in general and actions of Trishna nigrahana Gana drugs:
The drugs belonging to this group are generally Pitta and Vata pacifying in nature. They are usually coolants and give satisfaction when consumed. Most of the drugs are bitter mixed astringent and hence they act as bitter tonics. They give satisfaction while during the thirst as well as dryness of the throat. Meanwhile they act as digestives and anti pyretic too.

Therapeutic uses

Therapeutic uses of Triuhnanigrahana Gana drugs:
These drugs are useful in thirst predominant conditions like fever, bleeding disordfers, biliary troubles, blood borne disorders etc. In addition in mild to moderate kind of intestinal problems, gaseous distension of abdomen, acidic regurgitation also they are useful.

Ayurvedic medicines

Formulations containing Trisna nigrahana drugs :
Shadanga paneeya, Chandanadi hima, Parpataka kashaya, Paripathadi khada, Chandanasava, Patoladi gana kashaya, Dhanyaka hima, Mustadi pramathya etc are the few important and most effective formulations derived from the above said herbs.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of Trishnanigrahana Gana drugs:
Excess intake of these herbs on regular basis may lead to fatigue or muscular twitching as they are astringent and bitter in taste.Also prolonged usage in the form of Kashayas or Choorna may provoke Vata dosha and hence it is wise to administer with suitable adjuvants or in the form of syrup or Arishtha.

Simple formulations

Simple formulations that can be made from the above drugs and their application in routine practice:
The drugs like Chandana-Parpataka-Musta can be added to drinking water and can be taken in the form of cold or hot infusion, especially in summer seasons and in the individuals who are having blood borne disorders or repeated gastric complaints.

Formulation development opportunities:
Instead of depending upon the canned beverages or cold drinks we can formulate the distillates (Arka) of  these drugs and can be taken during travel. This will have added benefits and more of herbal origin too. Syrups and instant decoction powders can also be prepared from these herbs.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD