Chavikasavam

Reference – Yog Ratnakar 33/149-155 (Gulam Rogadhikar)

Abstract

It is an Ayurveda liquid alcoholic formulation mentioned in Ayurveda classical texts. It is considered self-generated alcohol which contains 5-10% of alcohol in it. It mainly helps in abdominal tumors/ related diseases and urinary tract disorders. Chavikasavam acts as potent digestive medicine including indigestion, constipation, abdominal distention or any type of pain. In this article we will deal with these ingredients, method of preparation, uses and dosage.

Introduction

Chavikasavam is a medicinal mild alcoholic preparation. As its name suggests chavikasavam, the main ingredient present in it is chavya (Piper cubeba). Along with treating abdominal disorders it is also helpful in managing skin related conditions. It also plays an important role in respiratory disorders like cough, rhinitis, sinusitis, etc. As the name suggests, Chavikasavam “chavya” Piper cubeba is its main ingredient.

Classical Indication

According to classics, Chavikasavam is explained in Yogaratnakara text which mainly acts on aggravated kapha and vata dosha among all dosha (vata, pitta and kapha). The various indications in classics about Chavikasavam are given as following-

Sarvagulma vikar (all abdominal tumors)
Prameha (diabetes, urinary tract infections)
Pratishaya (rhinitis, respiratory problems)
Kshaya ( tuberculosis)
Kasa (cold and cough)
Vaatshonit (gout)
Udar roga (ascites, abdominal disorders)
Antra Vridhi (hernia)

Ingredients

Kashya / Decoction Drugs

Chavya (Piper cubeba) – 2.4kg
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) – 1.2kg

Each 500g following Drugs:-

Vashpika (Black cumin)
Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa)
Shadhgrantha (Acorus calamus)
Hapusha (Juniperus communis)
Shati (Hedychium spicatum)
Patolmool (Trichosanthes cucumerina)
Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and billerica).
Yavani (Trachyspermum ammi)
Kutajtwak (Hollorhina antidysentrica)
Vishala (Citrullus colocynthis)
Dhanayak (coriander)
Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)
Danti (Baliospermum montanum)

Each 250g each following Drugs:-

Krimighan (Emblica ribes)
Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)
Devdaru (Cedrus deodara)
Trikatu (zingiber officinalis, piper longum, piper nigrum)

Prakshep Dravya (Powdered Drugs)

Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) – 1kg
Chaturjat (Cinnamomum, Cardamom, Mesua ferrea) – 200g
Lavang (Clove) – 50g
Trikatu (Zingiber officinalis, Piper longum, Piper nigrum) – 50g

Madhur Dravya (Sweetening Drugs)

Guda (jaggery) – 14 kg

Benefits Of Ingredients

Aragwadha (Cassia fistula)- Aragvadha helpsin maintaining the body’s function by removing toxins (ama) and helps in blood purification. It is useful in inflammatory swellings, wounds and ulcers.
Indrayava (Hollorina antidysentrica)- kutaj is effective in abdominal, urinary and kidney stones. It corrects all digestive problems and also helps in managing jaundice and diabetes.
Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens)- This drug helps in indigestion, vomiting, diarrhoea and corrects all liver functions. It balances all vitiated tridosha (vata, pitta and kapha)
Kaktiktha (Trichosanthes tricuspidata)- The seeds of karanja are very beneficial for skin related issues like boils, eczema, abscess, ulcers. It has the strong property of wound healing and reducing inflammation.
Nimba (Azadirachta indica)- Neem leaves have anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties. This drug also acts as antipyretic and analgesic.
Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia)- Also known as guduchi, has anti periodic, antispasmodic, anti inflammatory and anti allergic properties. Traditionally it is used for debility and dyspepsia disorder.
Murva (Morus alba)- Murva helps in managing skin disorders like psoriasis, dermatitis and other conditions like fever, anaemia, diabetes melitus. It helps in blood purification and has purgative properties.
Sruva Vriksha (Butea frondosa)- It is a variety of palash tree which helps to prevent microorganisms due to its anthelmintic property. It has an antimicrobial effect and removes toxins from the body.
Patha (Cyclea peltata)- Patha has anti inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties. It helps in healing chronic ulcers, sinuses and wounds. It also manages poisonous bites and intestinal worms.
Bhunimba (Andrographis paniculata)- It mainly acts on aggravated kapha dosha so helps in relieving respiratory symptoms. It is beneficial in indigestion, anorexia, constipation like abdominal disorders.
Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis)- Barleria is beneficial in various disorders like urinary infections, cough, fever, gastrointestinal conditions. It has antiseptic and diuretic properties.
Patola (Trichosanthes cucumerina)- Patola leaves are used as a purgative and strengthens respiratory system, cures chronic cough. It plays a very important role in skin diseases. It improves the taste of the mouth and helps in digestion.
Karanja (Pongamia pinnata)- This drug is chiefly used to treat skin disorders especially in curing leprosy. It has medicinal purposes in treating constipation and maintaining gut mortality.
Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris)- Saptaparna tree bark is used traditionally for various types of fever, diarrhoea, dysentery and asthma. It has blood purifying properties so beneficial in skin disorders.
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica)- Chitrak drug is effective in the lower gastrointestinal tract as helpful in urinary calculi, any internal abscess, cures from skin infections and weakness.
Karvella (Momordica charantia)- The karela is a rich source of Vitamin A and carotenoids so it is very effective in weight loss and increases body metabolism. It prevents skin infections like itching, psoriasis, and ringworm.
Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea)- It helps in managing skin conditions and prevents liver, kidney and spleen disorders. It helps in healing wounds and acts as tonic, laxative.
Madanaphala (Randia dumetorum)- Madanaphala is used to reduce pain, inflammation and skin diseases (have wound cleansing properties). It reduces running nose, rhinitis and cough-like symptoms.
Gudam (jaggery)- jaggery manages blood sugar level, reduces body weight and removes toxins from body. It increases blood circulation and prevents worm infestations, acidity.

Method Of Preparation

The method of preparation of Chavikasavam is given as following-

All the kwatha/decoction dravyas mentioned above are collected and washed properly.
Then all kwatha dravyas are boiled in 100 liters of water and reduced up to 25 liters.
Strain the liquid obtained into a clean vessel.
Then add guda or jaggery to the decoction prepared.
At last add all the prakshep dravyas to the decoction.
Stir all the solution properly and cover the vessel with a lid.
Place the vessel closed for at least one month for the fermentation process.
Fermented asava obtained should be strained again.
Stored in a clean airtight glass container.
It should be used after six months.

Properties

The various properties of Chavikasavam are given as following-

Maintain respiratory disorders
Improves digestion
Act as analgesics
Increases metabolism and immunity
Removes toxins from the body.
It prevents excessive intestinal gas problems.
Antispasmodic property.

Indications

The various indications of Chavikasavam are given as following-

Tumorous growth
Urinary tract infections
Rhinitis
Respiratory problems
Gout
Ascites
Hernia
Cold and cough
Indigestion
Dyspepsia

Contraindications

The conditions when Chavikasavam is not given are as follows-

Acidity
Diarrhea
Burning sensation in stomach
Children
Lactating, pregnant females

Dosage / Usage

10-20 ml once or twice a day after meals.

Anupana

With equal amount of water.

Taste

Katu (Pungent)

Odour

Like alcohol

Conclusion

Above mentioned Chavikasavam, as explained in classical texts by Yog Ratnakara, it is mild alcoholic in nature. It is used to manage common cold and flu like symptoms as it works on disorders related to upper and lower respiratory tract. It helps to improve immunity and can be taken if respiratory, digestive system related issues.