Sukumara Ghrita

Reference – Sahasrayogam Ghrita Yoga Prakaranam 19/ 148, Ashtanga Hridyam Chikitsa (Vidradhi Vyadhi) 13/ 41-47

Abstract

Sukumara Ghrita formulations mentioned in classics can be used internally for shaman and shodhan (elevating, purification) or externally for abhyanga (massage) like procedures. So, different media were there in ancient times to extract active principles of herbs like ghee, oil, water, etc. So the Sukumara ghrita is mentioned in a variety of disorders like abscess, hernia, ascites, any tumor growth, etc. In this article we will discuss Sukumara ghrita composition, method of preparation, benefits and dosage.

Introduction

Sukumara ghrita is a medicated ghrita formulation in which cow’s ghee is used as a base drug. It is basically used to manage growths and herniations in abdomen, pelvis, etc. It contains essential nutrients for abdominal health and reproductive system. This preparation is also known as Sukumara yamaka which means it contains a combination of two i.e. eranda taila and go ghrita. This formulation can be administered in any season with no known side effect under medical supervision.

Classical Indication

According to classical texts, Sukumara ghrita is mentioned in Sahasrayogam and among all three dosha it acts on vitiated vata and pitta dosha. There are some classical properties such as increased strength, rejuvenating, and boosts immunity. The classical indications of Sukumara ghrita are as given below-

  • Vridhi (Hernia)
  • Vidradhi (abscess)
  • Gulma (Tumorous growth) 
  • Arsas (Piles)
  • Yonishula (Vgainal pain)
  • Vata vyadhi (Vataj disorders)
  • Shopha (Swelling)
  • Udar roga (Abdominal disorders)
  • Vata rats (gout)
  • Pliha vridhi (splenomegaly)
  • Vidvibandha (constipation)

Ingredients

The list of ingredients of Sukumara ghrita are given as follows-

Kwatha Dravyas

  • Punarnava mool (Boerhaavia diffusa) 
  • Dashmoola 
  • Ksheer vidari (Rosacea purpurea) 
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  • Eranda (Ricinus communis) 
  • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) 
  • Darbha (Erianthus arundinaceum) 
  • Nala (Desmostachya bipinnata)  
  • Sara (Saccharum arundinaceum)
  • Kasa (Saccharum spontaneum) 
  • Ikshu mula (Saccharum officinarum) 
  • Potgala (Typha elephantina)

Drava Dravya

  • Gokshira (Cow’s milk)

Sneha Dravyas

  • Go ghrita  (Cow’s ghee)
  • Eranda taila (Castor oil)

Kalka Dravyas

  • Pippali (Piper longum fruit) 
  • Pippali mool (Piper longum root) 
  • Saindhav lavana (rock salt)
  • Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 
  • Draksha (Vitis vinifera) 
  • Yavani (Trachyspermum ammi) 
  • Sunil (Zingiber officinalis) 
  • Guda (jaggery)

Benefits Of Ingredients

  • Punarnava mool- It reduces edema, inflammation, swelling of the tissues. It is used as diuretics for kidney disorders and reduces spleen enlargement, it also aids in digestion.
  • Dashmoola- It contains ten numbers of drugs which primarily work on vitiated vata dosha and act as analgesics. It is used to manage pain, stress and helps in digestive disorders.
  • Ksheer vidari- It provides soothing to the urinary tract and reduces inflammation. It helps in improving kidney functioning and healing wounds. It improves the reproductive system of both males, females.
  • Ashwagandha- It reduces inflammation, stress, anxiety, increases muscle strength and boosts overall body metabolism. It increases fertility and provides physical, mental relief.
  • Eranda- It is very beneficial in balancing vata dosha, reduces any type of abdominal tumors and strengthens the urinary system. It helps in wound healing and hydration.
  • Shatavari- It acts as an antioxidant and boosts the immune system. It helps in balancing hormones and reduces inflammation in the body. It improves female reproductive health.
  • Darbha- It is useful for abdominal disorders and is cooler in potency. It helps to protect against radiations, inflammations in any part of the body.
  • Nala- It helps in managing loss of appetite, hyperacidity, constipation and anorexia. It helps in treating ulcers and urinary tract inflammations.
  • Sara- It helps in enhancing immunity, treating stomach ulcers and managing body fatigue, tiredness. It reduces any growth and prevents microorganisms.
  • Kasa- It helps to manage menorrhagia, bleeding piles, painful urination and renal calculi like conditions. It is very useful in providing nutrition and purifying blood.
  • Ikshu mula- It is refreshing, nutritious and rich in vitamins and carbohydrates. It balances the pH level of the stomach and facilitates secretion of digestive juices.
  • Potgala- It manages urine retention, dysuria and renal calculus. It reduces burning sensations, healing wounds and bleeding disorders.
  • Gokshira- It contains nutrients important for bone health. It is a rich source of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus and magnesium. It boosts immunity and corrects metabolism.
  • Go ghrita- It helps in cellular functioning and growth of cells due to presence of various vitamins. It nourishes skin and protects from damage. It improves digestion and immunity.
  • Castor oil- It is a powerful laxative and natural moisturizer. It helps in wound healing, digestion and prevents microbes.
  • Pippali phala- It is very beneficial in respiratory disorders, aids in weight loss and reduces menstrual cramps. It promotes relaxation of body tissues and calms nerves.
  • Pippali mool- It relieves inflammation, edema and restores normal structure of the body. It improves appetite and relieves flatulence. It improves liver functioning.
  • Saindhav lavana- It provides trace minerals and reduces risk of low sodium levels. It improves muscle cramps and digestive issues.
  • Yashtimadhu- It works as a rasayana i.e. rejuvenator and manages chronic acidity, ulcers and bronchial conditions. It helps to improve digestive functioning and wound healing.
  • Draksha- It reduces weakness, fatigue and improves vitality of the human body. It reduces stress level and manages chronic bleeding disorders.
  • Yavani- It promotes digestive fire and prevents anorexia, indigestion, acidity. It has spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and laxative properties.
  • Sunshine- It is used as an anti-oxidant and prevents bacterial infections. It reduces pain, inflammation or any growth like structure.
  • Guda- It flushes out toxins and balances pitta dosha. It promotes digestion, cleanses the GI tract and supports the urinary system.

Method Of Preparation

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

  • Firstly collect all the drugs mentioned above and wash them properly.
  • Then make a fine powder of all the drugs after drying them away from sunlight.
  • Make kalka (paste) from kalka dravyas in a clean stainless steel vessel.
  • Then add cow ghee to the kalka (paste) and mix it properly.
  • Prepare the decoction of the drava dravya by reducing water to one fourth of quantity.
  • Add decoction to the kalka-ghee mixture, keep continuously stirring.
  • Cook the solution obtained under low heat till it remains a quantity of ghee.
  • At last filter the solution properly and the ghrita obtained should be stored in airtight glass container.

Properties

The properties of Sukumara ghrita are given as following-

  • It has an anti ulcerogenic property.
  • It has an antitumor and anticancer effect. 
  • It corrects digestive system disorders.
  • Beneficial for reproductive health and improves menstrual flow.
  • Provides nutrition and strength. 
  • Helps in pacifying vata and pitta dosha.

Indications

The indications of Sukumara ghrita are given as following-

  • Hernia
  • Phthisis
  • Hyperacidity
  • Constipation
  • Urogenital disorders
  • Menstrual disorders (dysmenorrhea, PCOS)
  • Vaginal diseases
  • Infertility
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Hydrocele

Contraindications

  • There are no such conditions when Sukumara ghrita is not given.
  • Hypertensive, diabetic patients must take physician guidance.

Dosage / Usage

10-20 ml twice daily with food.

Anupana

With lukewarm water, milk.

Taste

Madhura (Sweet), Tikhta (Bitter), Kashya (Astringent).

Smell

Like Ghee

Conclusion

Ayurveda aims to manage by eliminating its root cause of disease and Sukumara ghrita is also such a potent formulation. It is very beneficial in any growths, reproductive disorders, abscess, etc. It improves overall health, immunity, strength and metabolism of the body. So, one can use this formulation for the indications discussed, if any concern you should consult to the physician.