Abhayadi Modak – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Reference : Ayurveda Sar Sangrah, Page number – 605

Abstract

Abhayadi Modak is a classical Ayurvedic formulation indicated for managing chronic constipation, sluggish digestion, abdominal distension, and vata-related gastrointestinal disorders. Rich in purgative, digestive, and rejuvenative herbs, it promotes healthy bowel movements, improves metabolic fire (Agni), and detoxifies the system. It is particularly beneficial in conditions like Visham Jwara (intermittent fevers), Pandu (anemia), and Udar Roga (abdominal ailments).

Introduction

Abhayadi Modak is a well-established classical Ayurvedic formulation prominently used for its bowel-regulating and detoxifying actions. Rooted in the principles of Ayurveda, this herbal compound is centered around herbs such as Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Dry ginger (Zingiber officinale), etc, which is known for its ability to balance Vata and Kapha doshas, stimulate digestion, and gently cleanse the gastrointestinal tract. Traditionally prepared in a pill-like form (Modak), it combines purgative, carminative, and rejuvenative herbs to address chronic constipation (Baddha Koshta), weak digestion (Mandagni), intermittent fevers (Visham Jwara), and abdominal disorders (Udar Roga).

Ingredient

Take the following ingredients in equal quantities — 11.66 grams (1 tola) each:

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Dry Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Vayavidanga (Embelia ribes)
Amla (Emblica officinalis)
Pippali (Piper longum)
Pippali Mool (Piper longum – root)
Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Tejpatra (Cinnamomum tamala)
Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus)
Jamalghota (Croton tiglium – root) – 23.32 grams (2 tola)
Nishoth (Operculina turpethum) – 93.31 (8 tola)

Description Of The Ingredient

1. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

It is a Tridoshahara drug with a dominant action on Vata. It acts as a mild laxative, digestive, and rasayana. The tannins and chebulinic acid stimulate peristalsis and improve bowel evacuation, making it beneficial in constipation (Baddhakoshata). Its deepana-pachana action enhances Agni, helping correct Mandagni and eliminate ama, a root cause of Visham Jwara and Udar Roga. The rasayana property supports the production of healthy Rasa and Rakta dhatu, aiding in Pandu (anemia).

2. Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

This herb is also known as Maricha in Ayurveda, is a potent spice and medicinal herb characterized by its Katu (pungent) rasa, Ushna (hot) virya, and Katu vipaka. It primarily pacifies Vata and Kapha doshas. The chief active compound, Piperine, enhances the secretion of digestive enzymes, thereby improving appetite and gut motility, which helps in relieving constipation (Baddhakoshata) and weak digestion (Mandagni). Its deepana-pachana (digestive and carminative) actions help in the digestion of Ama (toxic undigested material), which is often the root cause of intermittent fevers (Visham Jwara) and abdominal disorders (Udar Roga) such as bloating and heaviness. Moreover, Piperine increases the bioavailability of nutrients and iron, indirectly supporting the management of anemia (Pandu). Due to its heating potency, it is beneficial in alleviating Vata-related disorders, especially those linked to coldness, stiffness, and poor circulation in the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Dry Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

It is also known as Shunthi in Ayurveda, is celebrated for its deepana (appetizer), pachana (digestive), vatanulomana (Vata-pacifying), and srotoshodhaka (channel-cleansing) actions. It possesses Katu (pungent) rasa, Ushna (hot) virya, and Madhura vipaka, making it highly effective in managing Mandagni (weak digestion) and Vata-related disorders. Its active constituent Gingerol, which converts to Shogaol on drying, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and carminative effects. These phytochemicals stimulate digestive enzymes, enhance gut motility, and reduce bloating, thereby relieving abdominal disorders (Udar Roga) and constipation (Baddhakoshata). Its antipyretic action is also notable in Visham Jwara (intermittent fevers), where it helps in pacifying Ama and restoring digestive strength. Additionally, by improving assimilation and nutrient absorption, dry ginger indirectly aids in conditions like Pandu (anemia) where digestive insufficiency plays a central role.

4. Vayavidanga (Embelia ribes)

This herb is also known as Vidanga, is a powerful Krimighna (anti-parasitic) and Pachana herb. It has Katu rasa, Ushna virya, and Katu vipaka, which help pacify Kapha and Vata doshas. Its major bioactive compound, Embelin, is a potent anthelmintic, antioxidant, and digestive stimulant. Vayavidanga acts directly on Udar Roga, especially those involving parasitic infections, indigestion, and abdominal distention. It promotes the expulsion of intestinal worms and reduces Ama accumulation, thereby improving overall gut health. Its deepana-pachana effects correct Mandagni and facilitate regular bowel movements, thus helping in Baddhakoshata (constipation). The enhanced digestion and absorption resulting from Vayavidanga’s action also contribute positively to Pandu (anemia), where impaired digestion and worm infestation are often underlying causes. Moreover, its Vata-kapha shamak (balancing) qualities make it useful in Vata-related disorders and chronic fevers like Visham Jwara.

5. Amla (Emblica officinalis)

It is revered as Amalaki in Ayurveda, is a cornerstone Rasayana herb with Tridosha-shamaka properties, especially effective in pacifying Pitta and Vata. It is rich in Vitamin C, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and emblicanin A & B, which exert strong antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and digestive-enhancing effects. Amla supports Mandagni (weak digestion) by gently stimulating the digestive fire without aggravating Pitta. Its mridu rechaka (mild laxative) action helps in Baddhakoshata (constipation), while its Rasayana effect supports hemopoiesis, thus benefiting in Pandu (anemia). In Visham Jwara (intermittent fevers), Amla acts as a coolant and reduces the effects of internal heat and inflammation. Its balancing effect on Vata improves nerve and bowel function, making it supportive in Vata-related disorders and Udar Roga involving debility or sluggish digestion.

6. Pippali (Piper longum)

Also known as Magadhi, is a powerful Deepana-Pachana herb. It contains piperine, which is well-known for its bioavailability-enhancing effect and for stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. Pippali strengthens the digestive fire, making it highly effective in Mandagni, Udar Roga, and Baddhakoshata by reducing Ama and improving gut motility. It also has mild expectorant and antipyretic action, hence useful in Visham Jwara. In cases of Pandu (anemia), it improves iron absorption and rejuvenates the tissues. Its action on Vata-Kapha dosha makes it beneficial in chronic Vata-related disorders, especially those presenting with digestive sluggishness and systemic weakness.

7. Pippali Mool (Piper longum – root)

This herb also shares many properties with its fruit, but is traditionally considered to have a deeper and more grounding action on Vata and Kapha. It is Deepana, Pachana, and Vatanulomana, making it ideal for treating chronic constipation (Baddhakoshata), abdominal pain, and gas associated with Udar Roga. The alkaloids piperine and piplartine in the root act as bio-enhancers and mild nervine tonics, improving digestive function and pacifying spasmodic pain linked to Vata disorders. In Mandagni, it helps stimulate sluggish metabolism, while its mild febrifuge activity helps in managing intermittent fevers (Visham Jwara). It also supports hemopoiesis indirectly by improving nutrient absorption, thereby aiding in Pandu (anemia).

8. Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Also known as Tvak, is a warm, aromatic, and stimulating herb used in Ayurveda for its Deepana, Kaphahara, and Hridya (cardiac stimulant) properties. Its active constituents, such as cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and tannins, possess antimicrobial, digestive, and circulatory stimulant actions. Dalchini enhances Mandagni, clears Ama, and improves peristalsis, thus relieving Baddhakoshata and Udar Roga. In Visham Jwara, its diaphoretic property helps to reduce fever and restore balance. Its warming nature makes it ideal for countering Vata-related disorders, and its ability to improve peripheral circulation and metabolism indirectly supports recovery in Pandu (anemia) by improving nutrient assimilation and tissue nourishment.

9. Tejpatra (Cinnamomum tamala)

Also known as Indian bay leaf, is known for its deepana (appetizer) and pachana (digestive) properties. It is katu (pungent) and tikta (bitter) in taste with ushna (hot) virya, making it highly effective in correcting Mandagni (weak digestive fire) and easing Udar Roga (abdominal disorders). The active constituents like cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and linalool stimulate gastric secretions, improving digestion and relieving gas and bloating. Its warming nature also balances aggravated Vata dosha and supports relief from Visham Jwara (intermittent fever) through its mild antipyretic and antimicrobial properties.

10. Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus)

It is a tridosha-balancing herb, especially beneficial in calming Vata and Kapha doshas. It is used widely in Mandagni, Pandu (anemia), and Udar Roga due to its pachana (digestive), krimighna (anti-parasitic), and shothahara (anti-inflammatory) qualities. Cyperene and sesquiterpenes in Nagarmotha exhibit antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects, which support its use in Visham Jwara and abdominal disorders. By improving liver function and digestion, it indirectly benefits conditions like anemia and chronic constipation as well.

11. Jamalghota (Croton tiglium – root)

It is a potent virechaka (purgative) drug used in controlled quantities under supervision. It is primarily included in Abhayadi Modak for its strong action on Baddhakoshata (constipation) and chronic Vata-related disorders. The active compound croton oil contains phorbol esters, which induce strong peristalsis and bowel evacuation. While toxic in high doses, its microprocessed root form in formulations like this helps dislodge deep-seated toxins (ama) and relieve chronic digestive blockages, thereby supporting liver detox and reducing associated feverish conditions.

12. Nishoth (Operculina turpethum)

This is another powerful virechaka herb widely used in Vata-Kapha disorders and liver-related Udar Roga. It is tikta (bitter) and katu (pungent) with ushna virya, ideal for clearing Baddhakoshata, detoxifying the gastrointestinal tract, and reducing Pandu through enhanced liver metabolism. Its major bioactive glycosides, like turpethin, exert purgative, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Nishoth helps in expelling morbid doshas, supports digestion, relieves chronic constipation, and works as a rasayana in long-standing Visham Jwara and abdominal pathologies.

Method Of Preparation

Grind all ingredients finely and sieve through a cloth to obtain a smooth powder.
Add 69.98 grams (6 tola) of sugar and enough honey (Madhu) to bind the mixture.
Roll into 11.66 grams (1 tola) Modak (pills) and store safely in a dry container.

Medicinal Properties

Acts as a mild purgative (mridu virechak) and deepana-pachana (stimulates and corrects digestion)
Serves as a rasayana, helping in cellular rejuvenation and detoxification
Alleviates Vata-Kapha-related digestive ailments and supports liver and gut health

Indications

Constipation (Baddhakoshata)
Weak digestion (Mandagni)
Fever (Visham Jwara)
Abdominal disorders (Udar Roga)
Anemia (Pandu)
Vata-related disorders

Dosage

1-1 tablet twice a day with cold water.

Contraindication

This herbal formulation does not have any side effects.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children below 5 years should consult a healthcare provider before using this herbal formulation.

Conclusion

Abhayadi Modak is a classical Ayurvedic formulation with a time-tested role in managing chronic constipation, indigestion, and abdominal disorders. With potent herbs like Haritaki, Nishoth, and Pippali, it offers gentle detoxification, boosts metabolism, and strengthens the digestive system. Its Rasayana effect supports vitality and longevity, making it a valuable remedy in daily Ayurvedic practice.

Note

Both Danti (Baliospermum montanum) and Nishoth (Operculina turpethum) included in this formulation are well-known virechaka (purgative) herbs. Among these, Nishoth is present in a higher quantity and is especially renowned for its strong purgative action. This is why Abhayadi Modak is particularly effective in treating constipation-related disorders (Baddhakoshthajanya Roga). Its regular use helps in cleansing the bowels and relieving chronic constipation, thereby providing noticeable therapeutic benefits.