Arshohar Gutika – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More
Reference : Ras Tantra Saar and Siddha prayog Sangreha
Classical Indication : Arsha (Piles)
Introduction
Piles, known as Arsha in Ayurveda, are engorged and inflamed vascular swellings in the anal canal, often arising from chronic constipation, sedentary lifestyle, low-fiber diet, and aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Clinically, they present with pain, bleeding during defecation, itching, swelling, and discomfort that significantly affect quality of life. Ayurveda considers impaired digestive fire (Agnimandya) and accumulation of toxins (Ama) as root contributors. Arshohar Gutika, a classical Ayurvedic formulation, is traditionally used to manage piles by correcting digestion, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy bowel movement. Its herbal-mineral components exhibit mild laxative, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic properties, helping to shrink pile masses and reduce bleeding. By addressing both symptoms and underlying doshic imbalance, Arshohar Gutika offers a holistic and supportive approach in the management of piles. Let’s discuss this formulation in detail!
First Method
Ingredients With Description
1. Reetha (Sapindus Mukorossi)
Reetha, commonly known as soapnut, is valued in Ayurveda for its cleansing and detoxifying properties. It possesses katu (pungent), tikta (bitter) rasa, and helps balance Kapha and Pitta dosha. Reetha acts as a mild laxative and supports proper bowel movement, reducing strain during defecation—one of the main causes of piles. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial nature helps soothe swollen hemorrhoidal tissues and prevent infection. By promoting gentle cleansing of the intestines and reducing accumulated toxins (ama), Reetha assists in relieving bleeding, itching, and discomfort associated with piles, thereby supporting healthy anorectal function.
2. Rasont (Rasaut – Extract Of Berberis Aristata)
Rasont, prepared from the concentrated extract of Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), is known for its tikta (bitter) and kashaya (astringent) properties. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha dosha and acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent. In piles, Rasont helps reduce bleeding due to its astringent action, which constricts dilated veins and controls excessive discharge. Its antimicrobial and cooling properties soothe burning sensations and irritation in bleeding hemorrhoids. Additionally, it improves digestion and reduces inflammation in the lower gastrointestinal tract, thereby addressing the root cause of piles and promoting faster healing of affected tissues.
Method Of Preparation
- Mix equal parts of Ritha bark and Rasaut with water and grind well. Prepare pills of 1–2 ratti each by adding sufficient water.
Dosage
Take 1–2 pills twice daily. After swallowing, drink 10 tolas of goat’s milk that has been boiled and then cooled.
Clinical Use And Indication
By taking this preparation, bleeding piles are relieved within 1–2 weeks.
Second Method
Ingredients With Description
1. Purified Mainshil (Realgar – Arsenic Disulfide)
Mainshil, after proper purification (shodhana), is used in classical Ayurveda in very minute doses. It is considered ushna (heating) and helps pacify aggravated Kapha and Vata. In piles, especially chronic and painful types, purified Mainshil helps reduce hard swelling, improves sluggish circulation in the anorectal region, and supports the resolution of mass-like growths. It also stimulates digestive fire (agni), preventing constipation—one of the main causative factors of hemorrhoids. Due to its potency, it is always used under strict supervision and in properly processed form.
2. Purified Gandhak (Sulphur)
Shuddha Gandhak is widely valued for its rasayana (rejuvenative) and anti-inflammatory properties. It balances Pitta and Vata, supports healthy digestion, and acts as a mild laxative. In piles, Gandhak helps reduce inflammation, burning sensation, itching, and pain. Its antimicrobial nature protects the affected tissues from infection and promotes wound healing. By improving bowel regularity and reducing dryness in the intestines, it prevents straining during defecation, thereby assisting in both the management and prevention of hemorrhoids.
3. Bhang Juice (Cannabis Sativa)
Bhang juice, derived from Cannabis sativa leaves and processed traditionally, is described in Ayurveda as deepana (digestive stimulant) and vedanasthapana (pain-relieving). In piles, it helps relieve severe pain, spasm, and discomfort associated with inflamed hemorrhoidal veins. It also supports appetite and digestion, reducing ama formation and constipation. When used in controlled, classical formulations, bhang acts as a synergistic medium (bhavana dravya), enhancing the potency and absorption of other ingredients while calming irritation in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Method Of Preparation
- Take purified Mainshil (realgar) and purified Gandhak (sulphur) in equal parts.
- Triturate them in bhang (cannabis) juice for 7 days and prepare pills of 1–2 ratti each.
Dosage
Take 1–2 pills with buttermilk or goat’s milk, twice daily.
Clinical Use And Indication
This preparation relieves piles (internal and external), Mandagni (low digestive fire), abdominal pain, constipation, and weakness.
Third Method
Ingredients With Description
1. Pearl Shell (Mukta Shukti)
Pearl shell, known as Mukta Shukti in Ayurveda, is rich in natural calcium compounds and is processed into bhasma through repeated calcination. It possesses sheeta (cooling) and pitta-pacifying properties. In piles, especially bleeding and burning types, Mukta Shukti helps reduce heat, inflammation, and irritation in the anorectal region. Its astringent and healing action supports the contraction of dilated veins and assists in controlling bleeding. Additionally, it strengthens mucosal tissues and promotes faster healing of ulcers or fissure-like lesions commonly associated with hemorrhoids.
2. Radish Juice (Raphanus Sativus)
Radish juice is described as deepana (appetizer) and bhedana (mild laxative) with the ability to pacify aggravated Vata in the lower abdomen. It improves digestion, relieves constipation, and reduces abdominal bloating—major contributing factors in piles. Its natural fiber and detoxifying action help soften stools and ensure smooth bowel evacuation, minimizing strain during defecation. By clearing accumulated ama (toxins) and improving liver function, radish juice supports overall gastrointestinal health, thereby indirectly reducing recurrence and severity of hemorrhoids.
3. Aluva (Aloe Vera)
Aluva, commonly identified with Aloe vera, is known for its mridu virechana (gentle laxative) and soothing properties. It pacifies Pitta and Vata, reduces dryness in the intestines, and promotes smooth bowel movement. In piles, Aloe vera helps reduce inflammation, burning sensation, and irritation. Its wound-healing and cooling effects soothe swollen hemorrhoidal tissues and aid tissue repair. By preventing constipation and maintaining intestinal lubrication, Aluva plays a supportive role in both managing symptoms and preventing further aggravation of piles.
4. Rasont (Rasaut – Berberis Aristata Extract)
Rasont, a concentrated extract of Daruharidra, has strong astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha and is particularly beneficial in bleeding piles. Its astringent action helps constrict dilated veins and control rectal bleeding, while its antimicrobial properties protect against secondary infections. Rasont also improves digestion and reduces intestinal inflammation, addressing the root causes such as mandagni and ama accumulation. Through its cooling and healing action, it supports faster recovery and long-term relief in hemorrhoidal conditions.
Method Of Preparation
- Take a pearl shell and give it 3 putas (calcination cycles) in radish juice to prepare bhasma (calx).
- Then mix this bhasma with Aelu and Rasaut in equal parts.
- Triturate with radish juice for 7 days and prepare pills of 1–2 ratti each.
Dosage
Take 1–2 pills with fennel distillate or water, morning and evening.
Clinical Use And Indication
- This preparation purifies the bowels.
- It alleviates piles and liver disorders, constipation, abdominal enlargement, colic pain, Mandagni (Low digestive fire), and Piles.
- It stops bleeding of piles and has also been found beneficial in flatulence.
- It relieves enlargement of the liver, splenic disorders, accumulation of toxins (ama), and disorders caused by ama. As it contains pearl shell bhasma, it also helps in conditions arising from calcium deficiency such as skin eruptions, boils, or disorders resembling cold-type eruptions.
- If excessive purgation occurs, the medicine should be stopped temporarily or the dose should be reduced by half. This is a time-tested formulation and is considered highly effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, piles (Arsha) require a comprehensive approach that not only relieves symptoms but also corrects the underlying digestive imbalance. Arshohar Gutika serves as a supportive Ayurvedic formulation that helps regulate bowel movements, reduce inflammation, control bleeding, and soothe discomfort. By improving Agni and minimizing Ama accumulation, it assists in preventing recurrence and promoting anorectal health. When taken under proper guidance along with dietary modifications and a healthy lifestyle, this formulation can be used for good relief and long-term management of piles, offering a natural and holistic pathway toward improved comfort and well-being.
