Ashtakshari Gulika is classical Ayurvedic medicine with antidiarrheal, constipating, and digestive properties. The main indication of this medicine is a digestive problems such as Grahani (Malabsorption syndrome), digestive weakness, loose motions, and colic pain.
This medicine should not be used without consulting doctor as it contains Shuddha Ahiphen or Purified Afeem or Opium, Hingula, and Ativisha.
Ashtakshari Gulika contains herbomineral, and toxic ingredients which can affect the brain, and heart. Therefore, it is highly recommended to take this medicine with due caution. The dose should not exceed the recommended amount. It must not be used during pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to take this medicine ONLy under direct medical supervision. The purpose of this page is to give you the correct information about the medicine.
Here is given more about this medicine, such as:
- What is Ashtakshari Gulika?
- What are the ingredients present in Ashtakshari Gulika?
- What are the uses of Ashtakshari Gulika?
- What are the side-effects of Ashtakshari Gulika?
- When not to take Ashtakshari Gulika?
- What are the possible drug interactions?
- What are the warnings, and suggestions?
Product Details
- Reference Text: Vaidyayoga Ratnavali Gutika Prakarana: 71
- Synonyms: Ashtakshari Gutika, Ashtakshari Gulika Ashtakshari Vati, Ashtakshari Tablet
- Availability: Online, and at medical stores
- Type of medicine: Classical Medicine
- Dosha Effect: V-, K-, P+
Ashtakshari Gulika Composition
Ingredients present in this formulation are given below:
- Nagaphena (Ahiphena) – shuddha (Fr. Exd.) 1 Part
- Shveta Candana (Ht.Wd.) 1 Part
- Raktacandana (Ht.Wd.) 1 Part
- Jati (Jatiphala) (Sd.) 1 Part
- Hingula 1 Part
- Magadhi (Pippali) (Fr.) 1 Part
- Ramatha (Hingu) (Exd.) 1 Part
- Ativisha (Rt.Tr.) 1 Part
- Bilva (Fr.) Q.S. for Bhavana
- Jiraka kashaya (Shveta jiraka) (Fr.) Q.S. for Bhavana
- Dusparsha kashaya (Kantakari) (Pl.) Q.S. for Bhavana
- Musta kashaya (Musta) (Rz.) Q.S. for Bhavana
- Dipyaka kashaya (Ajamoda) (Fr.) Q.S, for Bhavana
- Dhanyaka (Fr.) Q.S. for Bhavana
- Jambira shvarasa (Jambira) (Fr.) Q.S for
Know the Ingredients
Opium
Opium is the thickened latex collected from the immature Poppy capsules of the plant Papaver somniferum after making an incision. The dried latex is collected. Opium is nerve sedative, and the strongest form of nerve relaxant due to the presence of alkaloids morphine (3-23%), narcotine (2-10%), codeine (0.2-3.5%), papaverine (0.5-3%), and thebaine (0.2-1%). Opium is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its sedative, tranquilizing, hypnotic, calming, and analgesic properties.
The side effects of Opium include:
Alkaloid morphine can cause euphoria, sedation then narcotic sleep.
It depresses breathing, and slows down the evacuation of the stomach, causing constipation, and urine retention.
It may cause overstimulation.
It can cease peristalsis, and cause constipation. It causes dizziness, general weakness, headache, hyperthermia, itchy skin, rashes, and trembling of the hands, chronic twitching, retention of urine, depression on the central nervous system, etc.
An overdose of Afeem leads to a reduction of mental capacity, reactive euphoria, bradycardia, pulmonary, and brain oedemas.
Regular use makes a person addicted to it.
Jatiphala
Nutmeg or Jaiphal/Jaifal is traditionally used in the treatment of diarrhea. It has an anti-enterotoxic activity which means it is effective against organisms producing a toxin specific for cells of the intestinal mucosa. It is carminative, and gives relief in pain, abdominal swelling, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Excess intake of Nutmeg causes intoxicating, causing hallucinations, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations. Long term use of Nutmeg affects semen, and make it thin.
Pippali
Pippali is known as Pippali, Pipal, Long Pepper, and Dried Catkins. It is fruits of a plant Piper longum. It is pungent (Katu) in taste, hot in potency, and sweet (Madhur Vipak) after digestion. The main organs on which it works are digestive, reproductive, and respiratory. It has analgesic, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, carminative, and expectorant properties, and is used in the treatment of digestive, and respiratory ailments such as gas, bloating, distension, digestive weakness, excess phlegm, asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs, and laryngitis. It is also used in rheumatic pain, gout, paralysis, etc. as it reduces Vata inside the body, gives relief in pain, and digests Ama (toxic waste produced in the body to incomplete digestion).
Pippali increases Pitta inside the body. So, people of Pitta nature should use it cautiously. Moreover, the long term, and excessive use of Pippali is contraindicated in Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic Action / Karma
- Bhedana: Causes excretion of accumulated feces, and Dosha.
- Deepan: Increase appetite.
- Kapha-Vata har: Remover of the Humor of Kapha-Vata.
- Krimighna: Anthelmintic
- Shulaprasamanam: Relieve colic.
Biomedical Action
- Abortifacient: Induces abortion.
- Anticatarrhal: Remove excess mucus from the body.
- Aphrodisiac: Stimulates sexual desire.
- Calmative: Having relaxing or pacifying properties
- Hypnotic: Sleep-inducing
- Sedative: Promoting calm or inducing sleep
- Tranquilizer: Reduce tension or anxiety.
Ashtakshari Gulika Health Benefits
- It boosts the energy level.
- It gives relief in diarrhea.
- It has stimulant action of the body organs.
- It improves appetite.
- It is heating in action, and reduces cough.
- It supports better digestion due to Pitta vardhak action.
Ashtakshari Gulika Therapeutic Uses
Ashtakshari Gulika has antidiarrheal, carminative, and antispasmodic action.
- Grahani (Malabsorption syndrome)
- Atisara (Diarrhoea)
- Pravahika (Dysentery)
- Shula (Colicky Pain)
- Anaha (Distension of abdomen due to obstruction to the passage of urine, and stools)
Ashtakshari Gulika Dosage
- This is a prescription drug of Ayurveda.
- Take this medicine in medical supervision only as it contains opium.
- It is not suitable for the long term use.
- It should be taken ONLY ONCE or TWICE as prescribed by a doctor based on medical condition.
- The recommended dosage of medicine is 125 mg.
- It is to be taken with water after food.
- Or take as directed by a doctor.
Suggestions
- Ayurvedic medicines containing detoxified, toxic material/ poisonous substances, heavy metals should be taken only under medical supervision.
- It is a highly recommended to give this medicine only when prescribed by Ayurvedic doctor.
- 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 humour, 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
- It is contraindicated in pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
- Avoid in the high Pitta with heartburn, ulcers, and sweating.
- It is not suitable for the long term use.
- Do not take it regularly.
- Do not take if suffering from:
- Constipation
- Piles
- Dryness
- Fluid retention
- Hypertension
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.
Side-effects
- Since it is hot in potency, and increases Pitta, an excess dose may cause a burning sensation.
- It increases acidity.
- Opium causes dependence or addiction.
- It increases dryness in the body.
- It may cause constipation.
- It may cause constipation, and fluid retention.
- Other side effects are also possible.
Side Effects of opium
Side Effects of include either overstimulation or ceased peristalsis, dizziness, general weakness, headache, hyperthermia, itchy skin, rashes, and trembling of the hands, chronic twitching, retention of urine, depression on the central nervous system, etc.
An overdose of Afeem leads to a reduction of mental capacity, reactive euphoria, bradycardia, pulmonary, and brain oedemas.
In Ayurveda, decoction of Berberis aristata or Daruhaldi is given during opium or morphine withdrawal. Leaves juice of Celastrus paniculatus Jyotishmati is given in opium poisoning, and as a de-addiction 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 a tightly closed container, protected from light, and moisture.
- Keep away from the sight, and reach of children.
- Keep bottle cap closed after every use.
FAQs About Ashtakshari Gulika
Is it safe to take Ashtakshari Gulika?
Yes, it is safe to take Ashtakshari Gulika ONLY when prescribed by Ayurvedic Doctor. It is a prescription drug, and must not be used without consulting doctor.
What is the Chief Indication of Ashtakshari Gulika?
The most common use of this medicine is for diarrhea.
What is Effect on Vata-Pitta or Kapha?
- Vata Reducing.
- Pitta Increasing.
- Kapha Reducing.
Does it contain non-herbal ingredients?
Yes.
Hingula or Shingraf is a preparation of Cinnabar (very heavy mineral ore of mercury, Red Sulphide of Mercury).
In Ayurveda, Shuddha Hingula or Purified Cinnabar is prepared by grinding cinnabar with goat’s milk for over six hours, followed by grinding the mixture with lime juice for one hour. This process is repeated seven times until a fine powder is obtained.
Hingula is considered Tonic, alterative, purgative, antiphlogistic, and antiseptic. Hingula is bitter, astringent, and pungent. It cures eye diseases, aggravated kapha as well as pitta, hrillasa (nausea), kustha (obstinate skin diseases including leprosy), jvara (fever), Kamala (jaundice) plihan (splenic disorders), amavata (rheumatism), and gara (poisoning).
How long can I take this medicine?
You may take it for a few days.
What is the Best time to take Ashtakshari Gulika?
It should be taken after a meal. Try to take at the same time daily.
Is Ashtakshari Gulika a habit-forming medicine?
Yes, when taken regularly.
Is it safe to drive while taking Ashtakshari Gulika?
If a person feels side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension, headache, or any symptoms affecting mental alertness, he or she must not drive or operate heavy machinery.
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.
Can a diabetic person take it?
Yes.
Can I give it to children?
No.
What happens in case of an overdose?
Overdose can affect internal organs. It is UNSAFE in a larger dose, immediately consult the doctor.
When to consume Ashtakshari Gulika, empty stomach, before food or after food?
It should be taken after food.