Ashtanga (Astanga Ghrta)
Classical formulation
Modern description
A ghee preparation made with milk, used as a nourishing tonic.
Purpose
Classical formulation
Indications
- Indigestion, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, bloating, Vata disorders, Kapha disorders of the digestive system, abdominal colic (Shoola)
Karma
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Rochana (Improves taste)
- Vatahara (Reduces Vata)
- Kapha Nashak (Reduces Kapha)
Key ingredients
- Assuming 'Ashtanga' refers to 'Ashtanga Lavana': Saindhava Lavana
- Sauvarchala Lavana
- Vida Lavana
- Samudra Lavana
- Audbhida Lavana
- Shunthi
- Pippali
- Maricha
Adult dose
1-3 grams
Pediatric dose
1/2 - 1 teaspoon
Preparation steps
- Collect all the ingredients as per the formulation.
- Clean and pulverize the solid herbs into a fine powder.
- Prepare a decoction (Kashaya) using specified herbs and water.
- Melt ghee in a stainless steel vessel.
- Add the herbal powder and decoction to the melted ghee.
- Heat the mixture on a low flame, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Continue heating until all the moisture evaporates and the ghee is properly infused with the herbal extracts. This is confirmed by the absence of crackling sounds and a change in color and aroma.
- Filter the ghee through a clean muslin cloth to remove any solid particles.
- Allow the ghee to cool down to room temperature.
- Store the prepared Ashtanga Ghrita in an airtight glass container away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Safety contraindications
- Not recommended for individuals with acute diarrhea or dysentery.