Actions & Benefits of the Ingredients
Haritaki (Abhayā): Cleanses the gut, balances the body’s energies, and gently moves the bowels.
Black pepper (Marica): Sparks the digestive fire, reduces cold heaviness, and helps the body absorb other herbs.
Long pepper (Kṛṣṇā): Strengthens digestion, clears mucus, and supports liver health.
Borax (Ṭaṅkaṇa): A mild alkaline agent that can lessen excess fluid in the abdomen.
Dhattūra fruit: After careful purification, it eases cramping pain and relaxes muscles.
Spurge latex (Snuhī kṣīra): Binds the tablet and adds a mild purging and anti-inflammatory effect.
Modern Scientific View
Haritaki contains tannins and chebulagic acid, which show antioxidant and mild laxative activity in labs. Piperine (from black pepper) improves the absorption of many medicines and has anti-inflammatory properties. Piperlongumine (from long pepper) shows liver-protecting effects in experimental studies. Sodium borate (borax) is a weak alkaline salt; a few studies suggest it may help regulate fluids, though human data are limited. Dhattūra holds tropane alkaloids like scopolamine and atropine that can relieve muscle spasms but are toxic if not purified. Euphorbia latex contains diterpenes that have shown anti-inflammatory activity in pre-clinical tests.
Together, these ingredients aim to revive sluggish digestion, clear waste (ama), and reduce fluid buildup that can enlarge the spleen or cause ascites. The blend’s antioxidant and liver-supporting compounds may help protect liver cells, while the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agents relieve pain and swelling. All uses require oversight by a trained Ayurvedic physician.