Decoction Enema (Niruhavasti)
Medically Reviewed by Ayuveda Clinical Team (Lead Medical Reviewer: Dr. Nitin Mohite, BAMS, MBA • Medical Logic Developer, UK • Clinical Profile • LinkedIn).
To be performed after massaging and properly fomenting the body when doshas are obstructed.
Modern description
Niruhavasti, a classical decoction enema, is administered after oleation and fomentation to relieve obstructions of doshas and promote detoxification.
Purpose
To be performed after massaging and properly fomenting the body when doshas are obstructed.
Indications
- Constipation
- Vata disorders
- abdominal distention
- lower back pain
- neuromuscular disorders
- joint pain
- arthritis
- sciatica
- cleansing and detoxification of the colon
- Hemiplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Bell's Palsy
- Ascariasis
- Tremors
- Hernia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Glaucoma
- Anal Fissures
- Gout
- Fistula in ano
Classical indications
- obstruction of doshas
Karma
- Vatahara (Balances Vata)
- Shothahara (Reduces Inflammation)
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Anulomana (Promotes downward movement)
Key ingredients
- Dashamoola
- Saindhava Lavana
- Madhu
- Sneha
- Warm Water
Adult dose
Variable, depending on individual needs and constitution; typically 600-800 ml
Pediatric dose
Administered as an enema, volume varies.
Preparation steps
- First, honey is mixed with rock salt and grinded in a mortar until they mix up properly.
- Later the oil or ghee or both is added to the mixture and thoroughly mixed.
- Later kalka (herbal paste) is added and mixed and finally Kashaya (decoction) is added to the mixture and grinded well until they form a homogenous mixture.
- The whole mixture should be put in a transparent container and left for few minutes.
- Ensure the contents should not be settled in different layers; this is the test for homogeneity.
Safety contraindications
- Ajeerna (indigestion)
- Ati snigdha (excessive oleation)
- Peeta sneha (recent consumption of oils/fats)
- Utklishta dosha (aggravated doshas)
- Alpa agni (low digestive fire)
- Yana klanta (tiredness from travel)
- Ati durbala (severe debility)
- Kshudaarta (hunger)
- Trishnaarta (thirst)
- Shramaarta (fatigue)
- Pregnancy
Related formulations
Classical & Scientific References
- Classical source treatise: Charaka Samhita.
- Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI), Part I & II, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
- Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Sharangadhara Samhita, and Sahasrayogam clinical guidelines.
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