Great Panchamula (Mahapanchamula)

Modern description

A group of five 'large' roots used in Ayurveda for digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, primarily in decoction form.

Purpose

Knowledge of potency through taste is possible for those "not contrary in potency," but not for those with potencies contrary to taste, such as Mahapanchamula, etc.

Indications

• Vata disorders
• Inflammatory conditions
• Respiratory problems
• Cough
• Asthma
• Fever
• Urinary disorders
• Pain in the flanks
• General debility

Classical indications

• Jwara (fever)
• Shwasa (asthma)
• Kasa (cough)
• Vrana (ulcers/wounds)

Karma

• Vatahara (balances Vata)
• Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Mutrala (diuretic)

Key ingredients

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

Adult dose

48-96 ml of the decoction (kwatha) or as directed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.

Pediatric dose

15-30 ml

Preparation steps

• The roots of the Mahapanchamula herbs are collected, cleaned, and dried.
• The dried roots are then coarsely ground or pounded.
• A specific quantity of the coarse powder is added to water, typically four times the weight of the powder.
• The mixture is boiled until the water reduces to one-fourth of its original volume.
• The decoction is then filtered to remove the solid particles.
• The resulting liquid is the Mahapanchamula kwatha, ready for use.

Safety contraindications

• Generally, no absolute contraindications are known when taken under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Related formulations

• Aavaapida
• Abhaya
• Abhaya Amalaki
• Abhaya Amalaki