Jeerakarishta (Jeerakarishtam)

Reference: Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Strirogadhikara (For women Health in Post – Partum Phase)

Introduction

Jeerakarishta (Jeerakarishtam) is an efficient herbal formulation for post natal care. It is one of those formulations which are included as a part of Ayurvedic diet post -delivery. Jeerakarishta can be called Jeerakadyarishta, Jeerakadyarishtam also. It consists of cumin seeds. Cumin seeds are known for detoxification and improving the process of digestion. It provides strength to the mother post delivery. It helps to enhance the process of lactation, normal involution of uterus. It keeps cold and infections at bay as most of the herbs used in it are hot in nature. It is also considered to be an immunity booster. Jeerakarishta is also used to treat diarrhea, indigestion etc.

Ingredients

Method of Preparation

Clean and dry the Kwatha Dravya and Prakshepa Dravyas. Add Kwatha Dravya to 49.152 litres of water and let it soak overnight then boil it till it is reduced to ¼ of its actual amount. Filter it with a cotton cloth to obtain the kwatha(decoction). Add jaggery to the decoction, let it dissolve and filter. Transfer the filtered product to a clean jar; add the Prakshepa dravyas and mix to form a homogenous mixture. The container should now be sealed and moved to the fermentation room. The signs of fermentation should be observed on a regular basis. On completion, the contents should be filtered and stored in an air tight jar away from heat and moisture.

Properties of Jeerakarishta (Jeerakarishtam)

Jeerakarishta is an effective Ayurvedic medicine, mainly used to manage the variety of intestinal complications like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), phthisis, diarrhea, poor appetite, postpartum fever, acid peptic disorders etc. Jeerakarishta helps to improve the digestion process, thus resolves the various problems like flatulence, gas formation, heart burn, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, excessive thirst, loose stools or mucus in stools. In the case of females, this medicine is known to be quite good to manage postpartum complications like appetite loss, fatigue, appetite loss, depression, weakness, anemia etc. Use of this medicine is very effective in Malabsorption syndrome and malnutrition. This medicine helps to increases the absorption of nutrients thus fulfills the nutritional deficiencies in the body. Use of this medicine is also beneficial to manage the skin diseases as it helps to provide relief in itching, boils and spots. This medicine helps to extrude the microorganisms which are responsible for acute diarrhea and dysentery. Use of this medicine is quite effective to provide relief in the intestinal inflammation in diarrhea. This medicine also helps to control the mucus or blood in the stools.

Indications

• Puerperal disorders
• Weak digestion
• Diarrhea
• Malabsorption syndrome

Dosage

• 15-20 ml after meals, twice everyday for 3 months.
• It can also be consumed by kids above 7years of age in a lesser quantity.

Contraindications

Jeerakarishta should be avoided during pregnancy. It is advisable to consume it during lactation period.

There are no side effects of this formulation as such but it contains jaggery which might shoot up the blood sugar levels in a diabetic.

Over dosage can cause burning sensation in stomach. Hence, over dosage is discouraged.