Putapaka

Modern description

Putapaka is a method of herbal extraction where herbs are wrapped in leaves, covered in clay, and then heated in a fire, typically used for extracting juice for medicinal purposes.

Purpose

Describes the preparation of Putapaka.

Indications

• General debility, emaciation, convalescence, specific diseases based on the herbs selected (e.g., Shatavari Putapaka for lactation issues, Amalaki Putapaka for digestive health).
• Dry eyes
• Weakness of the eyes
• Vision-related disorders

Classical indications

• Eye diseases
• Timira

Karma

• Balya (strengthening), Rasayana (rejuvenative), Vatahara (pacifies Vata), Pittahara (pacifies Pitta), Kaphahara (pacifies Kapha) - action varies based on the herbs used.

Key ingredients

• Putapaka involves extracting juice from medicinal herbs. Common herbs include those with potent healing properties like Shatavari
• Bala
• Guduchi
• or Amalaki . The quantity of herbs varies based on the desired strength and end use.

Adult dose

5-15 ml, typically once or twice a day.

Pediatric dose

Use with caution; consult a physician.

Preparation steps

• Prepare a paste of the medicinal herbs, mainly their leaves.
• The juice is extracted with the help of concealed heating procedure using burning charcoal of the woods of medicinal trees.
• The prepared paste is covered in medicinal leaves such that the bolus (of paste) is encapsulated within the layers of leaves.
• Threads are tied around the bundle so as to keep the leaves in position, wrapping the bolus of medicinal paste.
• This bolus is wrapped with a thick layer of earth (wet mud) and dried in shade.
• The coverings are slowly removed one after the other.
• The balls of medicinal herbs in the innermost core are taken and squeezed so as to obtain their juice.
• This juice is allowed to cool.
• Once the juice is cooled, honey is added to it and thoroughly mixed.

Safety contraindications

• Not indicated on cloudy days
• Too hot or too cold day
• Conditions of worries, tiredness, giddiness
• If complications have not abated
• Certain infectious eye diseases
• Severe headache
• Fever
• Certain cancerous conditions