Puli Lehyam

Reference – Sahasrayogam Avaleha Yoga Prakaranam 13/ 29

Abstract

Among various varieties of preparations, leha/ lehyam is a thick syrup-like formulation having jaggery as its sweetening agent. Puli lehyam is also prepared by infusing different natural herbal medicines in base drugs like ghee used for nourishing mothers in the postnatal period. It provides strength, boosts immunity, reduces fatigue and tiredness. It is administered in the form of 1-2 tablespoons twice daily with warm water or milk. So, in this article we will discuss Puli lehyam’s herbal composition, methods of preparation, properties, indications and its dosage.

Introduction

Puli lehyam is a semi solid poly herbal formulation from ancient text named Sahasrayogam, mainly used in post delivery care of mother. It is beneficial in stopping bleeding after delivery and normal evolution of the uterus. It provides physical and digestive strength to the mother, with increasing energy level, reducing weakness, fatigue. This formulation is also known as Puli leha/ puli kulambu/ puli kuzhambu or puli lehyam. It contains garlic which helps in balancing both vata and pitta dosha, supports female health and regulates the menstrual cycle.

Classical Indication Of Puli Lehyam

Puli lehyam is a classical formulation mentioned in avaleha prakaranam (chapter) for various disorders. It is also known as Amlava lehyam. Among all dosha vata, pitta and kapha it helps in pacification of aggregate vata dosha. The various indications mentioned in classics are as follows-

Gulam (tumorous growth)
Shula nashak (reduces pain)
Antra roga (intestinal disorders)
Pandu (anaemia)

Ingredients Of Puli Lehyam

The list of ingredients used for preparation of Puli lehyam are given as following-

Churana Dravya

Pippali (Piper longum) – 10 grams
Shringver/ sunthi (Zingiber officinalis) – 10 grams
Marich (Piper nigrum) – 10 grams
Ramath/ hingu (Asafoetida) – 10 grams
Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum) – 10 grams
Krishan jeeraka (Carum carvi) – 10 grams
Siddharth (Brassica juncea) – 10 grams
Chavya (Piper chaba) – 10 grams
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) – 10 grams
Gaja Pippali mula (Scindapsus officinalis) – 10 grams

Kalaka Dravya

Lahsun (Allium sativum) – 640 grams
Saindhav lavana (rock salt) – 40 grams

Drava Dravya

Paranajmoda swaras – (Apium graveolens) – 640 ml
Vrikshamla (Garcinia indica) – 640 ml
Takra (buttermilk) – 640 ml

Benefits Of Ingredients

Pippali (Piper longum) – Pippali helps in reducing inflammation, removing toxins and has an analgesic effect. It reduces intestinal infections and relieves menstrual pain. Pippali improves digestion and enhances libido.
Shringver/ sunthi (Zingiber officinalis) – Ginger powder has vata nashak property so it reduces all types of pain even menstrual pain also. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects so it prevents various infections. It improves digestion and blood circulation.
Marich (Piper nigrum) – It relieves from bloating, abdominal pain and various digestive disorders. It improves taste, anorexia, removes toxins from the body and maintains body weight. It has gastro protective and anti oxidant properties.
Ramath/ hingu (Asafoetida) – Hingu reduces inflammation of blood vessels and relieves pain. It reduces blood clotting, intestinal parasite and worm infestations. It improves digestion and corrects cold, cough, asthma like conditions.
Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum) – Jeera seeds are beneficial in digestive tract disorders. It has antioxidants, regulates metabolism and fat burning properties. It helps in detoxification of the body and acts as a natural laxative.
Chavya (Piper chaba) – It is useful in respiratory and abdominal disorders, pain, bloating, distension, constipation like conditions. It cures from worm infestations, acts as antioxidant, anti inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial in nature.
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) – Chitrak manages conditions like migraine, jaundice, skin diseases, intestinal disorders. It improves gut health, reduces inflammation, muscular pain and has an anthelmintic effect.
Krishan jeeraka (Carum carvi) – It improves strength, immunity and relief from fever. It stimulates bile juice secretion and helps in digestion. It promotes weight loss, reduces inflammation and works as an antioxidant.
Siddharth (Brassica juncea) – Mustard seeds are a rich source of vitamins, calcium, potassium and folate. It reduces headache, edemas, inflammation in different parts of the body. It helps in protecting skin from infections and lowers glucose level.
Gaja Pippali mula (Scindapsus officinalis) – Root of pippali helps in regulating bowel movements and throat infections. It manages respiratory disorders like asthma, cough and intestinal parasites. It improves cognitive functioning, digestion and reduces over weight of the body.
Lahsun (Allium sativum) – Garlic improves gastric and brain functioning. It boosts immunity and lowers blood cholesterol, sugar levels. It helps in detoxification of the body and improves bone, muscles health. It aids digestion, regulates sleep cycles and promotes skin health.
Saindhav lavana (rock salt) – Rock salt boosts metabolism and relieves muscle cramps. It maintains skin, hair and digestive health. It reduces inflammation and removes toxins from the body. It is also beneficial in cold, cough and other viral infections.
Paranajmoda swaras (Apium graveolens) – Ajmoda manages urinary tract disorders, cardiovascular ailments and respiratory diseases. It reduces high blood pressure, decreased appetite, inflammation and various types of infections.
Vrikshamla (Garcinia indica) – It helps in weight loss by having carbohydrates and fat metabolism. It increases availability of serotonin in the brain and is very beneficial for obese persons. It also controls appetite and digestion.
Takra (buttermilk) – It contains less fat and is a rich source of protein and calcium. It reduces acidity, constipation and helps in hydration. Buttermilk helps in building strong muscles, bones, skin and hairs.

Method Of Preparation

The steps for preparation of Puli lehyam are given as following-

Collect all the drugs mentioned above and wash them properly.
Make fine powder of all the drugs and mix all the churan dravyas thoroughly by triturating in a clean vessel.
Add a paste of garlic and rock salt to the powdered drugs.
At last add drava dravya (decoction) prepared from herbs to the vessel and subject it for mild heating.
Cook the solution on mild heat till it attains semi solid (avaleha) consistency with continuous stirring.
Let it cool for some time and store in a clean airtight glass container by keeping away from direct sunlight.

Properties Of Puli Lehyam

The properties of Puli Lehyam are given as following-

Corrects post delivery issues.
Improves digestion.
Maintains blood circulation.
Provides strength to mother.
Improves reproductive health.
Corrects gastrointestinal disorders.

Indications Of Puli Lehyam

The various indications or Puli lehyam are given as below-

Postnatal care
Indigestion
Flatulence
Anorexia
Phthisis
Abdominal discomfort
Hernia
Dysmenorrhoea
Menorrhagia
Obesity
Postpartum ailments

Contraindications

The conditions when Puli lehyam is not given are as follows-

Gastritis
Duodenal ulcerations
Sensitive digestive gut
Gastritis in the postpartum period

Dosage / Usage Of Puli Lehyam

5-15 grams twice daily after meals

Anupana

Buttermilk, Lukewarm water.

Taste

Katu (pungent)

Smell

Like Jaggery

Conclusion

Above mentioned formulation is semi-solid in consistency and it is mentioned in classical texts. This preparation is indicated in postnatal care of mother, abdominal discomfort, bloating or any digestion related issues. As we know in the postpartum period there can be predominance of vata dosha so it proves very beneficial. If there is excessive bleeding or amenorrhoea and any menstrual difficulties it proves to be very effective. So one can administer this formulation in such conditions mentioned above and of any severity you must concern to the physician.