Mustakarishta/Mustarishtam/Mustakarishtam is a herbal liquid Ayurvedic medicine prepared from Motha, Dhataki-Pushpa, carom seeds, dry ginger powder, black pepper, cloves, fenugreek seeds, Chitrak, old jaggery, etc.
It is an Ayurvedic Arishtha. Arishtha is medicated spirituous liquors prepared by fermentation. The decoction of herbs and Dhataki Pushpa are soaked in a solution of Jaggery or Sugar or Honey for a specified period of time in wooden vessels. The soaking causes fermentation which generates alcohol which in turn extracts the active constituent of medicinal herbs. The self-generated alcohol also helps in better and rapid absorption of the drug in the body. Arishtha is stomachic, stimulant, astringent and tonic.
Mustakarishta is a general tonic useful in dyspepsia, digestive weakness, vomiting, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea. It is a deepan (increases the digestive fire) and pachan (digestive). It is Pitta Vardhak and improves secretion of gastric juice and hence supports better digestion. Here is given more about Mustakarishta such as indication/therapeutic uses, composition, and dosage.
- Reference Text: Bhaishajya Ratnavali Agnimandya Rogadhikara
- Synonyms: Mustarishta, Mustharishtam, Mustakadyarishta
- Availability: Online and at medical stores
- Type of medicine: Classical Medicine
- Main Indication: digestive problems
- Dosha Effect: Vata and Kapha Reducing
Mustakarishta Composition
Ingredients present in this formulation are given below:
Mustakarishta is a fermented liquid preparation, made with ingredients in the Formulation composition given below. It contains not more than 10 percent, and not less than 5 percent of alcohol that is self-generated in the preparation over a period of time.
Formulation Composition:
- Mustaka (Musta) Cyperus rotundus Rz. 2.4 kg
- Jala for decoction Water 12.2880 liter reduced to 3.072 liter
- Guda Jaggery 3.6 kg
- Dhataki Woodfordia fruticosa. Fl. 192 g
- Yamani (Yavani) Trachyspermum Ammi Fr. 24 g
- Sonth Zingiber officinale Rz. 24 g
- Marica Piper longum Fr. 24 g
- Lavanga (Devapushpa) Syzygium aromaticum Fl. Bd. 24 g
- Methi Trigonella foenum-graecum Sd. 24 g
- Vahni (Chitraka) Plumbago zeylanica Rt. 24 g
- Jiraka (Shveta Jiraka) Cuminum cyminum Fr. 24 g
- Lf.=Leaf;P.=Pericarp;Rt.=Root;Fr.=Fruit;Rz.=Rhizome;St.=Stem;Fl. Bd.=Flower Bud.
METHOD OF PREPARATION
- Take the raw materials of Pharmacopoeial quality.
- Wash, dry and crush the ingredient numbered 1 (Kvatha Dravya) of the formulation composition and pass through the sieve number 44 to obtain a coarse powder.
- Clean, dry and powder the ingredients numbered 5 to 11 (Prakshepa Dravya) of the formulation composition individually and pass through the sieve number 85 to obtain a fine powder.
- Add the specified amount of water to the Kvatha Dravya, soak overnight, heat, reduce to one fourth and filter through a muslin cloth to obtain Kvatha.
- Add the ingredient number 3 of the formulation composition to the Kvatha, allow to dissolve and filter through the muslin cloth.
- Transfer the filtrate to a clean container; add Dhataki and other finely powdered Prakshepa Dravya. Seal the mouth of the container.
- Shift the container to the fermentation room and constantly check for the signs of completion of the fermentation process.
- Filter the fermented material through a clean muslin cloth.
- Pack in airtight containers and allow for maturation.
DESCRIPTION:
Clear dark brown liquid without frothing and significant sedimentation; with aromatic odor and bitter taste.
STORAGE:
Store in a cool place in a tightly closed amber colored bottle, protect from light and moisture.
Know the Ingredients
Mustaka Cyperus rotundus
Musta, Musta, Mustaka or Cyperus is found growing like a weed throughout India. The rhizome of the plant are used for medicinal purpose. The medicinal dose of the rhizome is 3-5 grams.
Mustaka is traditionally used in diarrhea, dysentery, diarrhea with mucus and blood, indigestion, uterine and vaginal diseases. Cyperus rotundus has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activity.
Shunthi
Shunthi (Synonyms: Zingiber officinale, Sukku, Chukku, Aushadha, Muhaushadha, Nagara, Vishva, Vishvabheshaja, Shringavera, Vishva) is dry ginger powder. It is hot in potency and increases Pitta and decreases Vata-Kapha. It is an appetizer, digestive stimulant, carminative, expectorant and astringent. In rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, ginger is used as a natural pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Rasa (taste on the tongue): Madhura (Sweet), Katu (Pungent)
- Guna (Pharmacological Action): Laghu (Light), Tikshna (Sharp), Ruksha (Dry)
- Virya (Action): Ushna (Heating)
- Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Madhura (Sweet)
Ginger contains potent inhibitors against prostaglandin biosynthesizing enzyme (PG synthetase). Prostaglandins are lipid autacoids derived from arachidonic acid and act upon platelets, endothelium, uterine and mast cells. They both sustain homeostatic functions and mediate pathogenic mechanisms, including the inflammatory response. Prostaglandins play a key role in the generation of the inflammatory response. Their biosynthesis is significantly increased in inflamed tissue and they contribute to the development of the cardinal signs of acute inflammation. Prostaglandins can cause increased blood flow, chemotaxis (chemical signals that summon white blood cells), dysfunction of tissues and organs and swelling. As Ginger inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and hence gives relief in inflammation.
Chitrak
Chitrak Plumbago zeylanica reduces Vata and Kapha and increases pitta. It is stimulant, anthelmintic and antiseptic. It is used in Ayurveda for colitis, indigestion, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, gas and intestinal parasites.
Chitrak roots / Chitramoolam is hot in potency. It has anti-inflammatory, digestive, appetite stimulating, Kaphahara, Vatahara, and pain-relieving property. The main therapeutic use of the roots is in digestive weakness, malabsorption syndrome, piles, abdominal pain and swelling of the anus.
Ayurvedic Action / Karma of Mustakarishta
- Anulomana: Mild laxative, redirects the flow downwards
- Deepana: Appetiser
- Pachana: Toxin digester
Mustakarishta Biomedical Action
- Antidiarrheal: Gives relief in diarrhea.
- Antidysenteric: Prevents and treats dysentery.
- Antioxidant: Neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and other substances.
- Antispasmodic: Used to relieve spasm of involuntary muscle.
- Appetizer: Improves appetite.
- Astringents: Constrict tissues; styptic.
- Carminative: Preventing the formation or causing the expulsion of flatulence.
- Constipating: To cause constipation.
- Digestive: Digestant.
- Stomachic: Stimulates gastric activity.
Mustakarishta Health Benefits
- It is a deepan (increases the digestive fire).
- It is pachan (digestive).
- It improves digestive fire and supports better digestion.
- It improves appetite.
- It is tonic for the digestive system.
- It has an astringent and anti-diarrheal properties which make it effective in loose motion.
- It helps in vomiting.
- It helps to shed extra weight by lipolytic action. It mobilizes fat from adipose tissues
- and helps in the reduction of obesity.
- It is carminative and astringent tonic.
Mustakarishta Therapeutic Uses
- Mustakarishta is indicated in digestive problems.
- Agnimandya (digestive impairment)
- Ajirna (dyspepsia)
- Bloating
- Diarrhea, dysentery and Irritable bowel syndrome with antibiotic use
- Digestive disorders
- Dysentery
- Flatulence
- Gastroenteritis
- Gastro-enteritis with piercing pain
- Grahani (malabsorption syndrome)
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Loss of appetite
- Loose motion, diarrhea, dysentery
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Malabsorption syndrome in children, poor digestion, diarrhea, low appetite
- Obesity
- Severe diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Vomiting and anorexia in children
Mustakarishta Dosage
- The recommended dosage of medicine is given 12-24 ml.
- It should be taken twice a day, in the morning and evening.
- It is to be taken with an equal amount of water.
- Or take as directed by a doctor.
Suggestions
- Effectivity of herbal medicine depends on many factors. A medicine suitable for one person may not essentially give the same result in another person.
- The exact dose depends on the age, strength, digestive power of the patient, the nature of the illness, the state of the viscera and humours, and the properties of individual drugs.
- Do check the list of ingredients and their contraindications to avoid any side effects.
- If symptoms do not improve or worsen, consult a doctor
Contraindications
- Specific contraindications have not been identified.
- It is not suitable for a diabetic person.
- In the case of excess pitta, it should be avoided.
Drug Interactions
Please maintain a gap of at least an hour between intake of any allopathic drug and Ayurvedic medicine to avoid drug interaction, if any.
Do not use many different medicines for the treatments of the same disease.
Mustakarishta Side-effects
There are no known side-effects for this medicine.
Warnings
- Do check the list of ingredients and their contraindications to avoid any side effects.
- Do not use any medicine during pregnancy without consulting doctor.
Storage
- Store in a cool and dry place in tightly closed containers, protected from light and moisture.
- Keep away from the sight and reach of children.
- Shake well before use.
- Keep bottle cap closed after every use.
Pharmacies Making Mustakarishta
You can buy this medicine online or from medical stores. Since it is a classical medicine, it is manufactured by many Ayurvedic pharmacies.
Name of some of the Ayurvedic Pharmacies manufacturing this medicine is given below:
- Baidyanath Mustakarishta Price: 450 ml for Rs. 127.00 /-
- Dabur Mustakarishta 450 ml for Rs. Rs Rs. 126.00/-
- Shri Bajranga Ayurved Bhawan
- Kerala Ayurveda Mustharishtam
- Kerala Ayurveda Mustharishtam
- Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala Mustharishtam
- Kottakkal Mustharishtam, and some other pharmacies.
Faqs About Mustakarishta
Is it safe to take Mustakarishta?
Yes, it is safe to take Mustakarishta in the recommended dosage.
What are the chief ingredients of Mustakarishta?
Nagermotha, Dhatakipushpa, Ajwain, dry ginger, black pepper, cloves, methi seeds, Chitrak, Jeera white, old Gud.
What is the Chief Indication of Mustakarishta?
Digestive Problems such as IBS, Weak Digestion, Indigestion, Dysentery, Diarrhoea, Dyspepsia, Amoebiasis, Cholera and Tympanites (swelling of the abdomen with air or gas).
What is Effect on Vata-Pitta or Kapha?
Lowering Vata and Kapha, Increasing Pitta.
Does it contain non-herbal ingredients?
No.
How long can I take this medicine?
You may take this medicine for half a month to 5 months.
What is the Best time to take Mustakarishta?
It should be taken after food.
Is Mustakarishta a habit-forming medicine?
No.
Is it safe to drive while taking Mustakarishta?
Yes.
Can I take it during periods?
It can be taken. Avoid during periods, if you feel any effect on bleeding pattern.
Can I take it during pregnancy?
It is hot in potency. So, do not take.
Is it suitable for a diabetic person?
It contains jaggery and dry grapes hence it is not suitable for a diabetic person.
Can I give it to children?
For children above the age of 5, you may give this medicine in a lower dose. BUT, it is always recommended to consult a doctor to know the exact health issue and correct dose.
What happens in case of an overdose?
It increases Pitta. So, overdose can cause a burning sensation, gastritis, and other Pitta related problems.