Ashtakatvara (Astakatvara)
Conditional oleation regimen
Modern description
An oil-based formulation used in specific oleation regimens, known for its potential to aggravate Vata if not used carefully.
Purpose
Conditional oleation regimen
Indications
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal distension
- Mild constipation
- Ama (undigested metabolic toxins)
- Early stages of respiratory disorders involving Kapha
- Thigh cramps
- Muscle and joint aches and pains
- Urustambha
Classical indications
- Urustambha (thigh stiffness)
- Gridhrasi
Karma
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Anulomana (mild laxative)
- Kapha-vata hara (reduces Kapha and Vata)
- Ama Pachana (digestive of metabolic toxins)
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
Key ingredients
- Based on available references
- 'Ashtakatvara' most likely refers to a simple formulation with eight ingredients
- each typically one 'tola' in weight
- Pippali
- Maricha
- Haritaki
- Amalaki
- Chavya
- and Chitrak . Equal parts of each.
- Bibhitaki
Adult dose
3-6 grams, once or twice a day
Pediatric dose
Not generally recommended
Preparation steps
- Collect the necessary ingredients: Pippali moola (root of long pepper), Shunti (wet ginger), Sarshapa taila (Mustard oil), Dadhi (curd), and Katvara (buttermilk).
- Prepare Dadhi and Katvara: Boil milk, cool, and add curd to prepare Dadhi. For Katvara, ferment boiled milk for three days.
- Prepare Kalka: Pound Pippalimoola and Shunti into a paste using a Khalva Yantra.
- Take Mustard oil in a vessel and warm it gently.
- Add the Kalka (paste of Pippali moola and Shunti) to the oil.
- Add Dadhi and Katvara to the mixture.
- Stir mildly and heat the mixture.
- Continue heating until all the moisture content has evaporated.
- Monitor the oil level; when the liquid level comes down to the original oil level, take a small piece of the bolus from the bottom and burn it.
- If no sound is heard, the oil is ready; otherwise, continue heating and check again.
- Remove the vessel from the stove and allow it to self-cool.
- Collect the oil in a clean, airtight bottle.
Safety contraindications
- Specific contraindications not specified; use with caution in individuals with severe Vata imbalance.