Panchakola

Modern description

Panchakola is a combination of five pungent herbs used to stimulate digestion, enhance metabolism, and alleviate Vata and Kapha imbalances, often used in post-delivery care.

Purpose

Given after delivery.

Indications

• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal colic
• Flatulence
• Constipation due to Vata/Kapha
• Ama (undigested toxins) accumulation
• Respiratory problems related to Kapha (cough, cold)
• Anorexia
• Bloating

Classical indications

• Post-delivery care (contextually)

Karma

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Vata-Kapha Shamaka (balances Vata and Kapha doshas)
• Shoola Prashamana (relieves pain)
• Rochana (improves taste)
• Gulmaghna (Removes abdominal masses)
• Kaphahara (Reduces excess Kapha Dosha)

Key ingredients

• Pippali
• Pippalimula
• Chavya
• Nagara/Shunthi
• All ingredients in equal parts.
• Chitraka

Adult dose

1-3 grams, once or twice daily.

Pediatric dose

0.5-1 gram

Preparation steps

• Take all the ingredients - Pippali, Pippalimula, Chavya, Chitraka, and Nagara.
• Eliminate all physical impurities.
• Cleaned ingredients were then weighed precisely using a weighing scale.
• Each herb was ground into a fine powder.
• Sift through sieves to obtain a uniform texture.
• The measured amounts of each powdered herb were carefully combined and mixed well to achieve a consistent and even blend.

Toxic ingredients

• ['Not specified']

Safety contraindications

• ['Ulcer patients', 'Severe hyperacidity', 'pregnant women in first trimester should avoid high doses']