Phalasarpi (Phala Ghrita)

Reference – Ashtang Hridyam Uttersthan 34/ 64-67

Abstract

Phalasarpi (Phala Ghrita) is a herbal Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in classical texts for managing uterine and ovarian diseases. In this preparation herbs are induced in the medium of ghee along with decoction of herbs, water. It is a very useful uterine tonic during pregnancy as it enhances strength to mother and fetus both. In this article we will discuss Phala ghrita composition, method of preparation, benefits and dosage.

Introduction

Among different preparations in classics, ghrita is used as a base drug having medicinal properties so, Phala ghrita is a medicated preparation for various types of reproductive disorders. This ghrita contains oil soluble and water soluble phyto active principles of natural herbs. It is useful in various gynecological problems such as inflammations, excessive bleeding. It promotes fertility, gives strength to the uterus and prevents abortion. It also acts as a natural immunity booster and safe during pregnancy.

Classical Indication

According to the classics, Phala ghrita is mentioned by Acharya Vaghvat for various types of genital and reproductive disorders. In texts it should be administered in pushya nakshatra (specific time period) for the longer life interval of male or female child with the predominance of vata and pitta dosha. Some of classical indications are given as following-

  • Yoni dosha (vaginal disorders)
  • Shukra dosha  (seminal disorders)
  • Ayu vardhak   (prolonged age)
  • Pushti vardhak (increase body strength)
  • Medha / buddhi vardhak (boosts memory)
  • Graha badha nashak (spiritual beliefs)

Ingredients

The ingredients used for used for preparation of Phala ghrita are given as following-

  • Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)
  • Kustha (Sauserria lappa) 
  • Tagar (Valeriana wellichi) 
  • Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
  • Vibhitaki (Terminalia billerica) 
  • Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
  • Vacha (Acorus calamus) 
  • Haridra (Curcuma longa)
  • Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)
  • Madhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 
  • Medha (Polygonatum cirrhifolium)
  • Katu rohini (Picrorhiza kurroa) 
  • Kakoli (Roscoea procera) 
  • Ajgandha (Withania somnifera)
  • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) 
  • Hingu (Asafoetida) 
  • Sharkara (sugar/ jaggery)
  • Ghrita (cow’s ghee)
  • Kshir (cow’s milk)

Benefits Of Ingredients

  • Manjishtha- It is used to treat urinary infections with chronic fever. It is used to treat irregular menstruation. It relieves symptoms of PCOS and promotes smooth blood flow during menstruation.
  • Kustha- It increases male fertility by maintaining semen morphology. It is good as a uterine stimulant and aphrodisiac qualities. It strengthens the whole reproductive system.
  • Tagar- It manages sleep, anxiety and restlessness. It relaxes the central nervous system due to sedative and anxiolytic properties. It treats premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction like conditions.
  • Haritaki- It is a natural aphrodisiac reducing stress and stimulating hormones to increase libido. It improves male and female fertility and various reproductive issues.
  • Vibhitaki- It slows down aging and boosts the immune system. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fertility properties. It contains essential nutrients and proteins.
  • Amalaki- It provides nutrients to women, strengthens the uterus and supports reproductive health. It is very beneficial in regular menstruation and improving fertility.
  • Vacha- It soothes nerves, calms the mind, it balances kapha and vata dosha. It stimulates uterine contractions and reproductive health.
  • Haridra- It helps in correcting metabolism, it rejuvenates cells, tissues that establish immunity. It balances vata and kapha dosha and acts as antioxidants.
  • Daruharidra- It is a bitter tonic, antiseptic and antipyretic property. It regulates heavy menstrual bleeding due to its astringent properties.
  • Madhuk- It flushes harmful toxins from the body and skin related issues. It boosts immunity and prevents various infections.
  • Medha- It has anti-oxidant and aphrodisiac properties. It promotes uterus health and regulates the menstrual cycle.
  • Katu rohini- It has cooling properties so it pacifies pitta, kapha dosha among all and removes toxins from the body.
  • Vidarikand- It maintains healthy reproductive life, improves lipido, fertility in both males and females. It boosts strength and stamina of males.
  • Kakoli- It helps in preventing age related problems, general debility, impotency, burning sensation and inflammation.
  • Ajgandha- It is the best herb for stress and infertility. It improves blood circulation and improves sperm quantity, quality.
  • Shatavari- It boosts overall vitality, nourishes ovaries, promotes production of reproductive hormones and increases libido in females.
  • Hingu- It stimulates hormonal activities, increases energy level and improves blood circulation. It helps to relieve menstrual pain and infertility.
  • Cow’s milk– It is rich in various nutrients and minerals which helps in boosting immunity and promotes reproductive health.

Method Of Preparation

The steps for preparation of phala ghrita are given as following-

  • Firstly collect all the drugs mentioned above and wash them properly. 
  • Then make kalka (paste) from kalka dravyas in a clean vessel.
  • Mix the kalka prepared with cow’s milk and then prepare decoction from drava dravyas.
  • Stir the solution properly and cook it on a mild heath.
  • Then mix the solution properly and reduce it to the quantity of ghrita.
  • Now the ghrita is prepared and filtered out in a vessel.
  • Store the obtained ghrit in an airtight glass container and keep away from direct sunlight.

Properties

The properties of phala ghrita are given as following-

  • It strengthens reproductive organs.
  • Prevents abortions.
  • Promotes male and female fertility (aphrodisiac property)
  • Maintains healthy pregnancy.
  • Act as an endocrine stimulant. 
  • Corrects vata and pitta related disorders.

Indications

The various indications of phala ghrita are as following-

  • Genital disorders
  • Sexual disorders
  • Secondary amenorrhoea
  • Oligospermia
  • Improves reproductive capacity
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Uterine diseases 
  • Ovarian diseases

Contraindications

Some of conditions when Phala ghrita is avoided are as follows-

  • Diarrhea 
  • Indigestion 
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Hypertension

Dosage / Usage

10-20 ml twice a day before a meal.

Anupana

With milk or sharkara (sugar)

Taste

Madhur (Sweet), Kshaya (Astringent) and Tikhta (Bitter).

Smell

Like Ghee

Conclusion

Above mentioned, Phalasarpis is a ghrita formulation which is very effective in reproductive health especially in infertility. It promotes natural conception and healthy pregnancy as we know these days due to our lifestyle it is of great concern. So, one can use Phala ghrita for such conditions and if any severity you may concern the physician.