Dooshivishari Gutika

Reference – Ashtanga Hridayam Uttarsthan 35/ 39

Abstract

Ayurveda described various formulations, this preparation was traditionally termed as Dooshivishari agad. These days to increase its palatability tablets/ vati/ gutika are prepared which are easily accessible. This formulation can be administered internally and applied externally due to its soothing effect. Tablet preparation is the upkalpana of kalka (paste) formulation. In this article we will discuss Dooshivishari gutika’s composition, method of preparation, properties, indications, complications and dosage.

Introduction

Dooshivishari gutika is a poly herbal tablet formulation mentioned in classics for variety of poisoning and toxins effect. It is very helpful in managing insect bites, infections and various allergic reactions. Its property is to eliminate excessive heat, burning sensation and remove toxins from the body. This formulation is prepared from a total number of 14 ingredients, having pippali (Piper longum), jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), etc. The dosage of this formulation depends on age, gender and medical history of the person. As the name suggests, Dooshivishari gutika is used in managing complications of dushi visha (poisoning).

Classical Indication Of Dooshivishari Gutika

According to the classics, Dooshivishari gutika is explained by Acharya Vaghbhata for various types of poisoning. Traditionally, this formulation is used in the form of powders, in the quantity of 1-2 masha with honey or ghee. Among all dosha it helps in pacifying vata and pitta dosha. The indications mentioned in classics are-

  • Dushi visha (low potency poisons)
  • Anya visha (other poisons)

Ingredients Of Dooshivishari Gutika

The list of ingredients for preparation of Dooshivishari gutika are listed as below-

  • Pippali (Piper longum)
  • Dhanyak (Coriandrum sativum)
  • Jatamansi (Nardostachyes jatamansi)
  • Rodhra (Symplocos racemosa)
  • Ela (Elettaria cardamom)
  • Suvarchika (salt type)
  • Shyonaga (Oroxyllum indica)
  • Nata/ tagara (Valeriana wallichii)
  • Kustha (Sauserria lapa)
  • Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  • Chandana (Santalum album)
  • Gairik (Red ochre)

Benefits Of Ingredients

  • Pippali (Piper longum) – Pippali has anti bacterial, anti inflammatory and anti fungal properties. It prevents various infections, removes all toxins from the body and has wound healing properties. It is a rich source of minerals so it is helpful in preventing inflammation, pain, swelling.
  • Dhanyak (Coriandrum sativum) – Coriander helps in detoxifying the body due to its antioxidant properties. It reduces rashes, burns, boils and other inflammatory conditions. It helps in boosting immunity, increases skin elasticity and reduces hyperpigmentation.
  • Jatamansi (Nardostachyes jatamansi) – Jatamamsi has antioxidant effects so it restores natural radiance of the skin. It prevents skin from various infections as it has antifungal properties. It has great healing properties so it manages wounds, ulcers, scars, rashes like conditions.
  • Rodhra (Symplocos racemosa) – Lodhra has anti inflammatory and astringent properties so it reduces free radicals from skin. It has anti ulcer, anthelmintic properties. It helps in managing acne, blemishes, dark spots like symptoms.
  • Ela (Elettaria cardamom) – Cardamom is a rich source of vitamin C so it helps in exfoliating skin, reduces rashes, blemishes and allergic conditions. It helps in detoxifying skin as it has antioxidant properties. It prevents from bacterias, fungi and various infections.
  • Suvarchika (Salt type) – This is a type of salt having a rich source of potassium and magnesium. It has antioxidant properties and helps in production of collagen. It helps in pacifying pitta and kapha doshas present in the body.
  • Shyonaga (Oroxyllum indica) – Shyonaga has antimicrobial, anti fungal, antibacterial and astringent properties. It is beneficial in managing ulcers, times due to its anti inflammatory, anti anti ulcerative activities. It helps in blood purification and oxygenation.
  • Nata/ tagara (Valeriana wallichii) – Tagra inhibits growth of skin pathogens due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It has sedative, hypotonic and antispasmodic effects so reduces pain, calms stress, anxiety-like symptoms.
  • Kustha (Sauserria lapa) – Kustha heals skin lesions, prevents germs and helps in blood purification. It helps in managing skin related issues like leprosy, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It also has analgesic and wound healing properties.
  • Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Mulethi prevents skin from any type of damage, has rejuvenating properties so helps in wound healing. It removes all toxins from blood as it has antioxidant properties. It protects from sun damage and removes free radicals.
  • Chandana (Santalum album) – Chandan has very great anti-inflammatory properties so it reduces inflammation and reduces burning sensations. It is used to manage insect bites and healing skin wounds, ulcers.
  • Gairik (Red ochre) – Red ore is sweet, astringent and cooling in nature. It is very beneficial in skin diseases, bleeding disorders, urticaria, burns, scald like conditions. It also increases blood circulation. It works on predominant pitta dosha among all three dosha (vata, pitta and kapha).

Method Of Preparation

The steps for preparation of Dooshivishari gutika are given as following-

  • Firstly collect all the drugs mentioned above and wash them properly.
  • Then all the drugs should be dried in the shade away from direct sunlight.
  • After drying make fine powder of all the drugs separately in a clean stainless steel vessel.
  • The powders are sieved through clean cotton cloth and then all the powders are mixed with each other properly.
  • Fine powders are mixed with sufficient amounts of water and triturated to make paste-like consistency.
  • When paste becomes thick in consistency then pills are rolled out from the paste.
  • Let the tablets be dried in the shade away from direct sunlight.
  • After drying, Dooshivishari gutika is prepared and stored in an airtight glass container.

Properties Of Dooshivishari Gutika

The properties of Dooshivishari gutika are given as following-

  1. It has blood purifying, circulating properties
  2. Has antihistamine effects
  3. Helps in blood oxygenation
  4. Has anti allergic effects
  5. Helps in body detoxification

Indications Of Dooshivishari Gutika

The indications of Dooshivishari gutika are given as following-

  • Insect bite
  • Snake bite
  • Poison ill effects
  • Allergy
  • Infections
  • Itching
  • Rashes
  • Boils

Contraindications

The conditions when Dooshivishari gutika is not given-

  • Pregnant females
  • Lactating mothers
  • Diabetic patients
  • Hypertensive patients

Dosage / Usage Of Jatimukuladi Varti

1-2 tablets twice daily after meals.

Anupana

Lukewarm water, Honey.

Taste

Pungent, Sharp

Smell

Not particular

Conclusion

Above mentioned formulation is described in classical texts of Ashtanga hridayam for various types of poisoning related disorders. It is useful in many ways as it can be administered internally and externally (locally). It prevents many types of insect bite, scorpion bite, snake bite like infections and any type of skin allergies. These tablets can be taken by the person indicated above and if any concern you may consult the physician.