Putapakas
Medically Reviewed by Ayuveda Clinical Team (Lead Medical Reviewer: Dr. Nitin Mohite, BAMS, MBA • Medical Logic Developer, UK • Clinical Profile • LinkedIn).
Classical formulation
Modern description
Putapakas refers to the application of the Putapaka method for various therapeutic purposes, including irrigations, instillations, and nasal administrations.
Purpose
Classical formulation
Indications
- Fever, digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, skin diseases, gynecological conditions (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea), general debility, emaciation, rejuvenation (Rasayana). Specific indication depends on the herbs used.
- Eye diseases
- Dry eyes
- Refractive errors
- Night blindness
- Corneal ulcers
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Conjunctivitis
- Inflammatory lesions of the eye
- Watery eyes
- Computer vision syndrome
- Eye strain
- Ptosis
- Stiffness and roughness of the eye
Classical indications
- Atisara (Diarrhoea)
Karma
- Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive), Vatahara (alleviates Vata), Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha), Pittahara (alleviates Pitta) - action depends on the herbs used
- Chakshushya (good for eyes)
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
Key ingredients
- Several types exist
- but a common one involves fresh herbal juice/paste
- mixed with a binding agent like flour
- and sometimes ghee/oil. Specific herbs vary based on intended purpose.
Adult dose
Varies considerably (24-48 ml) depending on the specific formulation and the individual's condition and digestive strength (Agni). It also depends on how it's further processed (Kashaya, Churna, etc.).
Pediatric dose
Use with caution; consult a physician.
Preparation steps
- Collect the necessary herbs based on the specific formulation.
- Wash and clean the herbs thoroughly.
- Grind the herbs into a fine paste.
- Wrap the paste in leaves (e.g., jambu leaves).
- Cover the wrapped paste with a thick layer of mud (approximately 2 fingers thick) and tie it firmly with threads or ropes.
- Dry the mud-covered bolus in the shade.
- Heat the bolus by placing it between cow dung cakes or burning coal until the mud turns red.
- Allow the bolus to cool.
- Break the bolus and squeeze out the juice from the roasted herbal paste.
- Filter the juice to remove any solid particles.
Safety contraindications
- Specific contraindications depend on the herbs used in the Putapaka preparation. Generally not recommended during acute infections or severe systemic illness without proper medical guidance.
Related formulations
Classical & Scientific References
- Classical source treatise: Sushruta 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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