Mahatiktakam (the Great Bitter) (Mahatiktakam)

Modern description

Mahatiktaka Ghrita is a potent Ayurvedic ghee formulation used for a wide range of inflammatory and skin conditions, as well as for mental disorders and detoxification.

Purpose

Related to treatment of Unmada (insanity) and Vatarakta (gout).

Indications

• Skin diseases (especially those of Pitta origin), chronic fever, anemia, jaundice, inflammatory conditions, gout, bleeding disorders, poisoning, mental disorders, fistula, and non-healing wounds. It is particularly beneficial for pacifying Pitta and Kapha dosha imbalances.

Classical indications

• Kushta (skin diseases)
• Visarpa (herpes)
• Amlapitta (gastritis)
• Vatarakta (gout)
• Pandu (anemia)
• Kamala (jaundice)
• Unmada (insanity)
• Vranda (wounds)

Karma

• Deepana
• Pachana
• Rakta Shodhaka
• Pittashamaka
• Kaphahara
• Vatahara

Key ingredients

• Saptaparna
• Rajavriksha
• Nimba
• Patola
• Kutaja
• Vasa
• Bhringaraja
• Parpataka
• Musta
• Trayanti
• Katuki
• Vacha
• Indrayava
• Bharangi
• Agaru
• Shunti
• Pippali
• Maricha
• Haritaki
• Bibhitaki

Adult dose

5-10 grams (or as directed by a physician)

Pediatric dose

2.5-5 grams

Preparation steps

• Collection of herbs
• Drying of herbs
• Mixing of herbs in specified proportions
• Decoction prepared by boiling the herbs in water until reduced to the desired concentration
• Filtering the decoction
• If preparing Mahatiktaka Ghrita, the decoction is then processed with ghee

Safety contraindications

• Generally not recommended during acute diarrhea or severe dehydration; consult a physician.