Grehani Gajkesari Ras – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Reference : Ras Tantra Saar and Siddha prayog Sangreha

Classical Indication : Grehani

Introduction

Grahani in Ayurveda refers to a disorder of the small intestine, the organ responsible for retaining food until proper digestion occurs. It is governed by Agni (digestive fire), and when Agni becomes weak (mandagni) due to improper diet, incompatible foods, stress, or chronic illness, incomplete digestion leads to formation of ama. This weakens the Grahani, resulting in irregular bowel habits, mucus in stool, abdominal pain, fatigue, and poor nutrient absorption. Management focuses on rekindling Agni and strengthening intestinal tone. Classical formulations such as Grahani Gajakesari Rasa are described to restore digestive strength, regulate bowel movements, and improve absorption in chronic Grahani conditions.

Ingredients

1. Shuddha Parad (Purified mercury)
2. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified sulphur)
3. Abhraka bhasma (Mica Calx)
4. Purified Hingula (Cinnabar)
5. Loha bhasma (Iron calx)
6. Jaiphal (Nutmeg)
7. Belgiri (Aegle marmelos)
8. Mochras (Salmalia malabarica)
9. Purified Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox)
10. Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)
11. Trikatu (Dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper)
12. Flowers of Dhatki
13. Bhang (Cannabis sativa)
14. Harad (Terminalia chebula)
15. Kapittha guda (Limonia acidissima)
16. Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus)
17. Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi)
18. Chitrak root (Plumbago zeylanica)
19. Anardana (Dried Pomegranate Seeds)
20. Sohaga (Borex)
21. Indrayava (Holarhena antidysentrica seeds)
22. Purified seeds of Dhatura (Dhatura metel)
23. Talmakhana (Foxnut)— these 22 drugs, 1–1 tola each
24. Opium – 5½ Tolas

Description Of Ingredients

1. Shuddha Parad (Purified Mercury)

Shuddha Parad in this formulation is processed into Kajjali and acts as yogavahi (catalytic carrier), enhancing the potency and bioavailability of accompanying drugs. Classical texts describe it as rasayana and balya, helping restore weakened dhatus in chronic Grahani. In malabsorption, where agni is impaired and tissues are depleted, Parad supports metabolic transformation and improves tissue assimilation. Its synergistic action improves digestion, nutrient uptake, and intestinal tone, thereby addressing chronic diarrhea and nutrient deficiency states.

2. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified Sulphur)

Purified Gandhak is rasayana, krimighna, and deepana. It supports gut detoxification and enhances metabolic fire. In Grahani, excess ama and microbial imbalance weaken digestion. Gandhak helps regulate intestinal flora and improves mucosal health. Modern perspectives suggest sulphur compounds possess antimicrobial and detoxifying properties, supporting gut barrier integrity. Gandhak also assists in reducing inflammation of intestinal lining and supports tissue regeneration, making it useful in chronic malabsorption with mucus and irregular stools.

3. Abhraka Bhasma (Mica Calx)

Abhraka bhasma is described as balya, rasayana, sūkṣma srotogami, and dhatu-restorative. In malabsorption syndrome, long-standing digestive weakness leads to emaciation and tissue depletion. Abhraka supports nutrient assimilation and enhances agni at the cellular level. Classical references highlight its role in strengthening grahani and correcting chronic digestive weakness. Scientifically, Abhraka contains trace minerals that may support enzymatic processes and metabolic activity. Its adaptogenic action helps restore vitality, improve hemoglobin levels, and support mucosal repair, addressing fatigue and weakness associated with chronic malabsorption.

4. Purified Hingula (Cinnabar)

Hingula is deepana and regulates gastric kapha according to classical description. It stimulates digestive fire and reduces excessive mucus accumulation in the stomach and intestines. In malabsorption, kapha dominance leads to sluggish digestion and sticky stools. Hingula improves gastric secretions and metabolic efficiency. It helps reduce heaviness, bloating, and indigestion, promoting proper breakdown and assimilation of food.

5. Loha Bhasma (Iron Calx)

Loha bhasma is stambhaka, balya, rasayana, and rakta-vardhaka. Chronic malabsorption often causes anemia and fatigue. Loha supports hemoglobin synthesis and improves oxygen transport. Ayurvedically, it strengthens agni and improves nutrient assimilation. It restores strength and counters tissue depletion. Additionally, its mild astringent effect helps reduce excessive intestinal discharge.

6. Jaiphal (Nutmeg)

Jaiphal is vedanahara, grahi, and mildly sedative. In Grahani, frequent loose stools and abdominal pain dominate. Nutmeg reduces intestinal hypermotility and controls diarrhea. It contains myristicin and essential oils with carminative and antispasmodic action. It strengthens digestive fire while reducing excessive peristalsis. Its astringent nature helps consolidate stool and reduce mucus discharge, thereby improving absorption.

7. Belgiri (Aegle marmelos)

Bael fruit is a classical remedy for chronic diarrhea and Grahani. It is grahi, deepana, and anti-inflammatory. It strengthens intestinal mucosa and improves stool consistency. Scientific studies show antimicrobial and anti-diarrheal effects, supporting gut motility regulation. Its tannins help reduce excessive intestinal secretions. Belgiri restores digestive tone and supports mucosal healing in malabsorption syndrome.

8. Mochras (Salmalia malabarica)

Mochras is stambhaka and cooling. It reduces excessive mucus and bleeding from intestinal lining. In malabsorption with mucous diarrhea, it acts as a protective demulcent. Rich in mucilage and tannins, it soothes inflamed mucosa and reduces fluid loss. It strengthens intestinal tissues and prevents excessive secretion.

9. Purified Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox)

Purified Vatsanabha, after proper detoxification, acts as deepana, vedanahara, and metabolic stimulant. It enhances digestive fire and corrects vata-related abdominal pain and colic commonly seen in Grahani. It improves circulation and stimulates sluggish metabolism. In minute therapeutic doses, it reduces spasmodic pain and supports digestive efficiency. From a physiological perspective, processed alkaloids may stimulate nervous and digestive activity, enhancing gut tone. In malabsorption syndrome characterized by cold digestion, pain, and weakness, Vatsanabha rekindles agni and restores intestinal strength, helping improve nutrient assimilation and reduce chronic discomfort.

10. Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)

Ativisha is a renowned pediatric and chronic anti-diarrheal herb. It is deepana, pachana, and grahi, effectively reducing ama and strengthening Grahani. It improves digestive fire without causing irritation. Traditionally used in chronic diarrhea and fever, it balances pitta and kapha in the intestines. Modern studies demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting gut health and reducing pathogenic overgrowth. Ativisha improves absorption by stabilizing intestinal secretions and correcting digestive inefficiency. In malabsorption syndrome, it restores appetite, reduces loose stools, and enhances nutrient uptake.

11. Trikatu (Dry Ginger, Black Pepper, Long Pepper)

Trikatu is the classical digestive stimulant composed of Shunthi, Maricha, and Pippali. It is deepana, pachana, and enhances bioavailability (yogavahi effect). It stimulates gastric enzymes, improves bile secretion, and enhances intestinal absorption. Piperine from black pepper increases nutrient bioavailability by improving intestinal permeability and enzyme activity. Trikatu clears ama, reduces kapha-induced sluggish digestion, and improves metabolic efficiency. In malabsorption syndrome, where digestive fire is weak, Trikatu rekindles agni, reduces bloating, and ensures proper breakdown and assimilation of nutrients.

12. Flowers of Dhatki (Woodfordia fruticosa)

Dhatki flowers are grahi and mildly astringent. They help regulate excessive bowel movements and strengthen intestinal tone. Traditionally used in digestive disorders and fermentation processes, they support healthy gut flora. Their tannin content reduces excessive secretion and mucosal inflammation. In malabsorption syndrome with chronic loose stools, Dhatki stabilizes the intestines and reduces mucus discharge. It promotes healing and supports balanced digestion.

13. Bhang (Cannabis sativa)

In controlled classical doses, Bhang acts as deepana, grahi, and vedanahara. It reduces intestinal hypermotility and abdominal cramping. Cannabinoids interact with gut endocannabinoid receptors, modulating motility and inflammation. It reduces excessive peristalsis and supports appetite improvement. In Grahani with frequent loose stools and pain, Bhang helps stabilize bowel frequency and reduces spasms. It improves appetite and mental calmness in chronic weakness. Thus, in malabsorption syndrome, it helps regulate motility and supports digestive recovery.

14. Harad (Terminalia chebula)

Haritaki is rasayana, deepana, and mild bowel regulator. It balances all three doshas and improves digestive strength. Though mildly laxative in small doses, it regulates bowel tone and prevents ama formation. Rich in antioxidants and tannins, it supports mucosal healing and improves gut microbiota balance. In malabsorption syndrome, Harad enhances nutrient assimilation, corrects irregular bowel movements, and strengthens Grahani function.

15. Kapittha Guda (Limonia acidissima)

Kapittha pulp is astringent and digestive. It strengthens intestinal walls and reduces excessive mucus discharge. Its tannin-rich composition helps consolidate stool and reduce fluid loss. It supports appetite and improves digestive strength. In malabsorption, it restores intestinal tone and promotes better absorption of nutrients by reducing chronic irritation and secretion.

16. Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus)

Nagarmotha is deepana, pachana, and grahi. It reduces ama, inflammation, and intestinal spasms. It regulates digestive fire and corrects kapha-pitta imbalance in the gut. Modern studies suggest antimicrobial and anti-diarrheal activity. In malabsorption syndrome, it improves appetite, reduces loose stools, and strengthens intestinal absorption.

17. Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi)

Ajwain is carminative and digestive due to thymol content. It stimulates gastric secretions and reduces bloating and gas. It improves enzyme activity and reduces intestinal spasms. In malabsorption, Ajwain enhances digestion and prevents fermentation-related discomfort. It supports better nutrient breakdown and absorption.

18. Chitrak Root (Plumbago zeylanica)

Chitrak is a powerful deepana and metabolic stimulant. It enhances digestive enzyme secretion and improves sluggish metabolism. It reduces ama and strengthens agni. In malabsorption syndrome, it promotes effective digestion and prevents accumulation of undigested residues. Its stimulant action enhances intestinal absorption capacity.

19. Anardana (Dried Pomegranate Seeds)

Anardana is grahi and antioxidant-rich. It reduces intestinal inflammation and strengthens mucosa. Its tannins help reduce excessive bowel discharge. It improves appetite and supports digestive balance. In malabsorption, it reduces mucus and promotes better nutrient assimilation.

20. Sohaga (Borax)

Sohaga acts as a mild digestive stimulant and carminative. It reduces bloating and supports enzymatic digestion. Traditionally used to enhance digestion, it helps correct weak agni and supports assimilation in chronic digestive disorders.

21. Indrayava (Holarhena antidysentrica Seeds)

Indrayava is a classical anti-dysenteric and grahi drug. It reduces chronic diarrhea, mucus discharge, and intestinal infection. Research confirms anti-amoebic and antimicrobial effects. It strengthens intestinal tone and improves absorption in chronic malabsorption syndrome.

22. Purified Dhatura Seeds (Dhatura metel)

After purification, Dhatura acts as vedanahara and secretion regulator. Its anticholinergic alkaloids reduce excessive bowel motility and secretion. It controls spasmodic pain and watery diarrhea. In malabsorption with severe hypermotility, it stabilizes bowel movements and reduces fluid loss.

23. Talmakhana (Foxnut)

Talmakhana is nourishing and strengthening. It supports tissue restoration and improves stamina. Rich in proteins and minerals, it helps replenish nutrient deficiency in chronic malabsorption. It strengthens weakened intestinal tissue and supports recovery.

24. Opium

Opium is stambhaka and potent anti-diarrheal. It reduces intestinal motility and controls excessive watery stools. Its alkaloids decrease peristalsis and increase fluid absorption time. In severe chronic malabsorption with persistent diarrhea, it stabilizes bowel movements and reduces fluid loss, allowing mucosal healing and nutrient retention.

Methods Of Preparation

• First prepare Kajjali of mercury and sulphur.
• Then mix Hingula, bhasmas, Visha, and opium sequentially.
• Afterwards add the powdered remaining drugs and triturate with the juice of Dhatura leaves for two days.
• Prepare pills of half–half ratti each.

Indications

When administered with suitable adjuvants, this formulation destroys Grahaṇī roga, chronic Grahaṇī, Āma-grahaṇī, long-standing diarrhoea with mucus and blood, severe painful dysentery, and obstinate Pravāhikā (chronic dysentery). It is useful in severe disorders. In Saṅgrahaṇī, there is intense abdominal pain and frequent passage of excessive slimy stools, along with blood and āma. Severe abdominal colic persists. Pain may radiate to the waist, abdomen, throat, and knees, or present as pricking pain. There is constant distress from abdominal pain; the cardiac region and stomach feel repeatedly squeezed. There is cutting pain inside the small and large intestines. Eating gives temporary relief, but once digestion begins, abdominal discomfort or distension appears. The patient soon becomes weak, emaciated, and debilitated. There is a desire to eat various foods, but no taste is perceived. The mind remains unstable. As pain increases, patience diminishes and the body wastes away. Sometimes, due to weakness of mind, wherever the patient sits, sudden gripping pain in the abdomen causes loose motions which he cannot control. In such Vata-dominant Grahaṇī, this medicine acts swiftly.

Clinical Use

• In severe grahaṇī, along with abdominal pain, blood passes frequently. During the passage of blood there is straining and twisting pain in the abdomen; the patient feels as if the abdomen must be pressed or supported. A gurgling sound is heard in the abdomen and there is a sensation as if lumps are moving inside. With the passage of blood and stool, the body loses strength. Both the small and large intestines become lax like soft tubes; their tone becomes excessively loose. In some patients, this looseness increases so much that with straining, pressure falls upon the rectum and a portion protrudes outside — this is called prolapse of the anus (gudabhraṁśa). Along with this, bleeding also occurs. In some, only blood passes; in others, foul-smelling, blackish-blue or reddish fluid mixed with oily particles is discharged. The patient becomes extremely restless and frightened. The severity of the disease creates deep fear in the mind. In such conditions, administering Grahaṇī Gajakesarī with decoction of Bael bark or with plain decoction gives excellent benefit.
• In āmatīsāra (diarrhoea with āma) or āmasaṅgrahaṇī, fasting (laṅghana) should first be done. However, many patients cannot tolerate complete fasting. In such cases mild purificatory measures should be adopted. Strong purgation with castor oil is not approved by Ayurveda in this condition. It removes āma downward but does not digest it; therefore it is not considered proper here. In this disorder, digestive and appetizing medicines along with mild purgation are preferred. Initially, drugs like Indrayava, Nagarmotha, Bael fruit, Ativisha etc., or Bael bark with mild corrective medicines may be given to reduce āma as much as possible.
• When colic is extremely severe and with each urge a large quantity of āma passes; when sharp abdominal pain occurs with twisting; when there is frequent burning in the chest, anorexia, nausea, lack of desire for food; when thin, watery, foul stools are passed repeatedly and in large quantity — the patient quickly becomes debilitated due to pain and excessive discharge. He feels restless, irritable, fatigued, and mentally weak. In such a state, Grahaṇī Gajakesarī works very effectively.
• Most saṅgrahaṇī disorders ultimately develop into pravāhikā (chronic dysentery), or sometimes pravāhikā appears from the beginning. This disease is extremely distressing. The chief defect is intestinal laxity, due to which digestive and absorptive power becomes weak, leading to repeated evacuations. Just as water flows continuously from a pot filled with water when its base is pierced, similarly a uniform watery discharge keeps flowing from the intestines. There is straining and pain in the abdomen, burning sensation, and increased thirst. The stool resembles slimy water. Sometimes intense abdominal pain occurs and the patient becomes very restless. During urges there is no control, or sometimes the urge comes without actual need for stool. There is no effort required for evacuation, and sometimes the passage is almost unnoticed. Due to this condition the patient becomes extremely exhausted. In this disease, along with internal medicines, the use of piccha basti (mucilaginous enema) is necessary. In saṅgrahaṇī the use of piccha basti is especially beneficial. In this stage of pravāhikā, Grahaṇī Gajakesarī should be administered along with mild unctuous substances like oil of mango kernel or diluted butter.

Dosage

1 to 2 pills, three times daily, with water, honey, or as per disease-specific adjuvant.

Special Note

In the text, in place of the word “Pakṣaśeṣaṇa,” some commentators have interpreted it as “Yakṣaśeṣaṇa,” taking it to mean the seeds of Lata-karanja; some have taken it to mean Sarjarasa (resin). The editor of Yogaratnakara has listed it as 22 drugs. Some authors consider it to mean Talmakhana.

In this formulation, if 22 or 23 drugs are taken, there is confusion whether opium should be taken as 5½ or 11 tolas (four times). One text mentions 23 drugs, 1–1 tola each, and 4 tolas of opium. However, following traditional practice, we have added opium as one-fourth, i.e., 5½ tolas.

Crush Dhatura leaves, extract their juice, strain it, and keep it for 2–3 hours. Use the supernatant juice for trituration, adding it little by little.

Conclusion

At last we can conclude that Grahani is not merely a disorder of digestion but a reflection of disturbed Agni, weakened intestinal integrity, and impaired systemic balance. Ayurveda recognizes that mental stress, worry and emotional strain directly disturb Agni, highlighting the ancient understanding of what modern science calls the gut–brain axis. Chronic stress alters gut motility, secretion, and microbial balance, worsening malabsorption and irregular bowels. Therefore, management must address both digestive fire and mental stability. Along with dietary regulation and stress control, classical formulations like Grahani Gajakesari Rasa help strengthen intestinal tone, regulate excessive motility, reduce mucus discharge, and restore proper nutrient absorption, promoting holistic digestive recovery.