Since time immemorial, Ayurveda helped as maintain health and happiness through its magical power. The main aspects of human existence are food and digestion. Both are complimentary of each other. If one of these is left untreated, it might play havoc with the body. To assist us in the process, Chitrakadi Vati is very important.
What is Chitrakadi Vati?
Chitrakadi vati is an ayurvedic medicine. It is otherwise called Chitrakadi Gutika. Charaksamhita mentions Chitrakadi vati as the combination of alkalies, salt, and herbs. This ayurvedic medicine can be found in tablet form. This medicine is used in case of stomach problems because it improves the pitta while balancing the other two doshas. In the treatment of indigestion and anorexia, it is widely used. It has a certain detoxifying which can remove toxins accumulated due to the malabsorption of food particles. In another way, Chitrakadi Vati helps in digesting the undigested food. Thus, it can be said Chitrakadi vati acts as the natural dietary supplement that treats the accumulated ‘ama’ inside the body.
In the human body, digestion is the most important function of the body because if it does not function properly in a body, that body will malfunction in different other activities.
Not only proper eating of food but also proper digesting of that food is of utmost necessity for the body. When the body does not digest the food properly you may feel the symptoms given below.
- You might feel heaviness in your stomach or abdomen.
- Irregular bowel movement
- You may feel nauseating.
- You may feel flatulence
- Continuous or intermittent pain in the abdomen region.
These symptoms clearly indicate an abnormality of the digestion system. These problems, if left untreated, may accumulate Ama.
Ama is that undigested food in the body which will go through the process of fermentation producing toxins for the body. Thus, it is necessary that the food we eat should digest well. This is when we require Chitrakadi vati to assist the body in the process of digestion.
What are benefits and uses of Chitrakadi Vati?
This is very useful for persons with excess kapha but in the case of persons with excess pitta, Chitrakadi Vati might increase the pitta as it already has warming effects.
From stimulating the digestive process of reducing gas and congestion, Chitrakadi Vati has an immense use in the digestive process.
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Digestive power:
Chitrakadi vati is of the hot composition. This hotness has the property of stimulating the process of digestion. In those persons who suffer from Vishamagni or lack of digestive power, Chitrakadi Vati helps them in digestion. Persons of Vata-Kapha prakriti can be benefitted hugely by this mixture. Lack of regular appetite, indigestion, bloating, constipation, gas can be cured with the help of this mixture.
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Detoxifying Power:
Ama, the undigested food, can accumulate inside the body and lead to Ama dosha.The sluggish digestive fire due to Ama dosha can create Ama Visha or toxin. Chitrakadi Vati, on the other hand, can create appetite by acting as an appetizer. Thus, detoxification of Ama toxin is achieved through this combination.
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Carminative Power:
Carminative is that kind of drug which frees one from the discomfort of accumulated gas in the digestive tract. Chitrakadi Vati is dry as well as light. It reduces the vata inside the body with the help of Asafoetida present in it.
These are the three main properties and uses of Chitrakadi Vati. In all types of gastric problems, digestive impairment, lack of appetite, Chitrakadi Vati will be useful.
What is composition of Chitrakadi Vati?
The ingredients used in Chitrakadi Vati are as follows
- Plumbago Zeylanica- Chitrak
- Apium Graveolens -Ajmoda
- Piper Nigrum – Marich
- Piper Longum- Pippali
- Zingiber Officinale – Sonth
- Piper Chaba – Chavya
- Asafoetida – Hing
- Piper Longum – Pippali mool
- Salt – Sambhar
- Common salt -Samudra Lavana
- Black Salt – Sauvarchala Lavana
- Rock Salt – Sendha Namak
- Ammonium Salt – Vida Lavana
- Sarjika Kshara
- Hordeum Vulgare -Yava Kshara
- Lemon or Pomegranate juice.
Each of the ingredients is mixed by 1 part. Each is found in the mixture as 6.66%.
How to use Chitrakadi Vati?
Chitrakadi Vati is found in the tablet form. According to age, 1-2 tablets can be consumed twice a day. You should take it with warm water after eating food.
In the case of infants, Chidrakadi Vati need not be used but to little children, 1/2 of a tablet can be given. Adults can take 1-2 tablets as recommended. With increasing age, the amount should be decreased. The maximum limit in a day should not 2000mg.
Apart from age, prakriti of the person consuming it should be taken into account. A person with Vata dominance should decrease the dosage because Chitrakadi Vati itself is light. People with Pitta dominance should avoid it and can consume only if there are symptoms of Kapha dosha. People with Kapha dominance may increase the dosage.
While taking Chitrakadi Vati, you must consult an ayurvedic physician because there might be side effects and in some specific conditions, this combination is not used.
What are side effects of Chitrakadi Vati?
Chitrakadi Vati has no side effects and is tolerable among people with excess Kapha. But in the case of people with excess Pitta, it may cause side effects like heartburn, burning sensation, and hyperacidity.
You must avoid Chitrakadi Vati during pregnancy and lactation period.
Apart from these, other side effects may arise because of its salt content. You must avoid it in Hypernatremia and Diabetes Insipidus. At the same time, you should not take this combination if you suffer from Ulcer, Heartburn, Mouth Ulcer and Ulcerative colitis.
What is nutritional value of Chitrakadi Vati?
There is no such nutritional value available regarding Chitrakadi Vati mainly because it acts more as a medicine than food. Though its therapeutic and medicinal value can’t be ignored.
Thus, we can see the digestive power of Chitrakadi Vati that can help those suffering from chronic indigestion. As the gift of Ayurveda Chitrakadi Vati excels in its uses and benefits. So, visit an ayurvedic physician and consult with him before starting with Chitra jadi Vati.
Read More: Swarna Bhasma | Ashwagandharishta | Arogyavardhini Vati | Arjunarishta
