Panchatikta Ghrita

Reference: Bhaishajya Ratnavali Kushta adhikara 114-117

Introduction

Panchatikta Ghrita is a classical Ayurvedic preparation in the form of herbal ghee This Ayurvedic medicine having ghee as its base can keep the Vata, Pitta and kapha doshas calm. It can be used in preparatory procedure for Panchakarma as well in medicine form, essentially for skin diseases. Here Panchatikta states five bitter herbs that are chief ingredients in this herbal ghee.

Ingredients and Method of Preparation

  • Nimba (Neem) – 480 g
  • Patola (Luffa acutangula) – 480 g
  • Vyaghri (Solanum xanthocarpum) – 480 g
  • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – 480 g
  • Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) – 480 g
  • Water for decoction – 12.288 liters boiled and reduced to 3.072 liters
  • Triphala [Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) Amla (Emblica officinalis)] – 128 g each.
  • Ghrita (Ghee) – 768 ml

Use all above give combination and heat them till herbal ghee is obtained.

Dose

  • Medicine: 1/4th to 1/2th teaspoon with water, usually before having meal 1-2 times twice daily, or as recommended by Ayurvedic doctor.
  • Panchakarma preparation: Snehana procedure, the dose depends on the disease status and the judgment of Ayurvedic doctor.

It is usually administered with warm water.

Therapeutic Uses

  • Herbs used in its formation are helpful in eliminating toxins from body and blood purifying.
  • This herbal ghee has wide use as medicine as well as in preparatory procedure called Snehakarma.
  • It can treat non-healing ulcers, skin disease, eczema, worm infestations.
  • Also treat hemorrhoids and cough.

Contraindications/ Side Effects

  • Till now no known side effects with this medicine has been reported.
  • It is advised to avoid its self-medication and consume it under strict medical directions.
  • People with conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, heart diseases and high BP must be very cautious.
  • Its high dose, might leads to diarrhea and indigestion.