Lesser Five Roots (Laghu Panchamula)

Modern description

A combination of five lesser roots, used in gruels and decoctions for various ailments, including pregnancy complications; it balances all three doshas and aids digestion.

Purpose

Ingredient for a dry gruel.

Indications

• Vata disorders, respiratory ailments (cough, asthma), urinary disorders, general debility, digestive impairment, fever (especially with Vata predominance), inflammatory conditions, post-partum care (depending on individual constitution).
• Muscle spasm
• Body aches
• Kidney stone
• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Inflammation

Classical indications

• Jwara (fever)
• Urinary disorders
• Heart diseases
• Vatvyadhi
• Sutika awastha (after delivery)
• Visarpa (herpes)
• Atisar (dysentery)
• Raktapitta

Karma

• Vatahara
• Kapha Shodhana
• Balya
• Rasayana
• Deepana
• Pachana
• Mutra Virajaniya
• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Neuroprotective
• Uterine tonic
• Lithontriptic

Key ingredients

• Shalaparni root
• Prishnaparni root
• Brihati root
• Kantakari root
• Gokshura root
• all in equal parts.

Adult dose

Powder: 3-6 grams per day, usually divided into two doses. Decoction: 50-100 ml, twice a day. (Dosage may vary based on individual constitution and severity of the condition; consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized recommendations.)

Pediatric dose

1-3 grams

Preparation steps

• Collection of the roots of the five plants: Shalaparni, Prishniparni, Brihati, Kantakari, and Gokshura or Eranda.
• Roots are cleaned, dried, and coarsely powdered.
• The powdered herbs are mixed in equal proportions.
• For preparing a decoction (Kwath), the powder is boiled in water until reduced to a quarter of the original volume.
• The resulting liquid is filtered and used.

Safety contraindications

• Avoid in cases of severe acute digestive impairment without consulting a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.