Nirgundyadi Kashaya (1) – Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages

Introduction

Nirgundyadi Kashaya, also known as Krimihara Kashaya, is an Ayurvedic herbal decoction described for Krimi (intestinal worms and parasitic infestations). Mentioned in Sahasrayoga, this formulation combines herbs recognised in Ayurveda for supporting digestive function and managing conditions caused by Krimi. The formulation contains Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Devadaru (Cedrus deodara), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Akhukarni (Merremia emarginata), Kshapa (Anisomeles malabarica), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Trikatu, Palasha (Butea monosperma), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), Chavya (Piper retrofractum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Lashuna (Allium sativum). The combination brings together bitter, pungent, and other herbs that help in digestive care. The decoction is prepared by boiling the coarse herbal powder in water and reducing the liquid to one-eighth of its original volume. Shigru (Moringa oleifera), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Hingu (Ferula asafoetida), and Saindhava Lavana (rock salt) are specified as additives.

Classical Reference

निर्गुड्यग्निविङ्ङ्ग दारुरजनीमुस्ताखुकर्णीक्षपाः
भाङ्र्गीव्योषपलाशशिग्नु चविकापथ्यारसोनान्विताः।
क्वाथः शिग्रुविडङ्ङ्गहिङगुपटुमान् कीटांश्च विध्वंसयेत्।
दण्डोऽथर्वसमस्त मंत्र सहितः सद्यो थैयवासुरान् ॥ (Sahasrayogam)

The verse describes a decoction containing Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Agni or Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Devadaru (Cedrus deodara), Rajani or Haridra (Curcuma longa), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Akhukarni (Merremia emarginata), Kshapa (Anisomeles malabarica), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Trikatu, Palasha (Butea monosperma), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), Chavya (Piper retrofractum), Pathya or Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Rasona or Lashuna (Allium sativum). The formulation is described for Krimi (intestinal worms and parasitic infestations).

Ingredients Of Nirgundyadi Kashaya

The ingredients are used in the following proportions:

1. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) – 1 part
2. Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) – 1 part
3. Vidanga (Embelia ribes) – 1 part
4. Devadaru (Cedrus deodara) – 1 part
5. Haridra (Curcuma longa) – 1 part
6. Musta (Cyperus rotundus) – 1 part
7. Akhukarni (Merremia emarginata) – 1 part
8. Kshapa (Anisomeles malabarica) – 1 part
9. Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum) – 1 part
10. Trikatu – 3 parts in total, comprising:
    • Pippali (Piper longum)
    • Maricha (Piper nigrum)
    • Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
11. Palasha (Butea monosperma) – 1 part
12. Shigru (Moringa oleifera) – 1 part
13. Chavya (Piper retrofractum) – 1 part
14. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) – 1 part
15. Lashuna (Allium sativum) – 1 part
16. Water – 16 times the total quantity of the herbal ingredients

Additives

• Shigru (Moringa oleifera) powder
• Vidanga (Embelia ribes) powder
• Hingu (Ferula asafoetida) powder
• Saindhava Lavana (rock salt)

Method Of Preparation

• Take the specified quantities of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Devadaru (Cedrus deodara), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Akhukarni (Merremia emarginata), Kshapa (Anisomeles malabarica), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Trikatu, Palasha (Butea monosperma), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), Chavya (Piper retrofractum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Lashuna (Allium sativum).
• Clean the ingredients and prepare a coarse powder.
• Add water in a quantity equal to 16 times the total weight of the herbal mixture.
• Boil the mixture over a controlled flame until the liquid reduces to one-eighth of its initial volume.
• Filter the decoction through a clean cloth to remove the solid residue.
• Add the specified quantities of Shigru (Moringa oleifera), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Hingu (Ferula asafoetida), and Saindhava Lavana (rock salt) as directed.
• Administer the prepared Kashaya in a lukewarm state.

Dose And Administration

• Dose: 40 ml twice daily.
• Dosage form: Herbal decoction (Kashaya).
• Administration: Lukewarm, according to the prescribing physician’s instructions.
• Duration: Determined by the Ayurvedic physician according to the individual’s condition and treatment plan.

Ayurvedic Properties Of The Ingredients

1. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)

Nirgundi has Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), and Kashaya (astringent) tastes and helps pacify Vata and Kapha Doshas (functional principles governing movement and stability). It is known for its pain-relieving properties and is used for conditions involving pain, swelling, and Krimi (parasitic infestations).

2. Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)

Chitraka has Katu Rasa (pungent taste) and Ushna Virya (hot potency). It stimulates Agni (digestive capacity) and is valued in Ayurvedic preparations for supporting appetite and helping the body process food efficiently.

3. Vidanga (Embelia ribes)

Vidanga is especially valued for its Krimighna (antiparasitic) action. It has an established place in Ayurvedic formulations for Krimi (intestinal worms and parasitic infestations) and is a key herb in Nirgundyadi Kashaya.

4. Devadaru (Cedrus deodara)

Devadaru has Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) tastes and is used in Ayurvedic formulations to help regulate Kapha and Vata Doshas. Its inclusion supports the overall purpose of Nirgundyadi Kashaya in the management of Krimi.

5. Haridra (Curcuma longa)

Haridra has Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent) tastes. It is valued for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is used in Ayurveda to support the body’s response to inflammation and help manage Krimi (parasitic infestations).

6. Musta (Cyperus rotundus)

Musta has Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), and Kashaya (astringent) tastes. It helps support Agni (digestive capacity) and is used to regulate Kapha and Pitta Doshas (functional principles governing stability and metabolism).

7. Akhukarni (Merremia emarginata)

Akhukarni is included in Nirgundyadi Kashaya as part of its use for Krimi (intestinal worms and parasitic infestations). It supports the overall Ayurvedic purpose of the formulation, which focuses on managing parasitic conditions.

8. Kshapa (Anisomeles malabarica)

Kshapa (Anisomeles malabarica) is used in Ayurvedic herbal preparations for its medicinal properties. Within Nirgundyadi Kashaya, it forms part of the group of herbs selected for Krimi and supports the formulation’s intended antiparasitic use.

9. Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum)

Bharangi is valued for its Kapha-regulating properties and its use in Ayurvedic formulations for conditions involving excess Kapha Dosha (the functional principle governing structure and stability). It supports the broader therapeutic purpose of Nirgundyadi Kashaya.

10. Trikatu

Trikatu consists of Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale). These herbs have Katu Rasa (pungent taste) and are valued for stimulating Agni (digestive capacity). They help support appetite and normal digestive processes within the overall Ayurvedic management of Krimi.

11. Palasha (Butea monosperma)

Palasha is valued in Ayurveda for its Krimighna (antiparasitic) properties. It is used in formulations intended to manage Krimi (intestinal worms and parasitic infestations) and has a specific place in the therapeutic profile of Nirgundyadi Kashaya.

12. Shigru (Moringa oleifera)

Shigru has Katu Rasa (pungent taste) and is used in Ayurvedic formulations for its Kapha-regulating properties. It is included in the decoction and is also specified as an additive, supporting the formulation’s intended use for Krimi.

13. Chavya (Piper retrofractum)

Chavya has Katu Rasa (pungent taste) and is valued for its role in supporting Agni (digestive capacity). Its use in Nirgundyadi Kashaya helps support the Ayurvedic approach to Krimi through the combined action of herbs selected for antiparasitic care.

14. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

Haritaki is valued for supporting regular bowel movements and maintaining gastrointestinal health. It is widely used in Ayurvedic formulations to support normal bowel function and forms part of Nirgundyadi Kashaya’s broader approach to Krimi.

15. Lashuna (Allium sativum)

Lashuna has Katu Rasa (pungent taste) and Ushna Virya (hot potency). It is valued for its antimicrobial properties and is used in Ayurvedic preparations for Krimi (intestinal worms and parasitic infestations). Its inclusion supports the overall purpose of Nirgundyadi Kashaya.

Ayurvedic Indication: Krimi

Krimi is a broad Ayurvedic term encompassing organisms described as worms or parasites. Ayurvedic assessment considers the presenting symptoms, digestive status, bowel habits, appetite, and other features to guide treatment selection. Nirgundyadi Kashaya is indicated for Krimi in the supplied formulation reference. Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Palasha (Butea monosperma), and the other ingredients form part of the combination selected for this purpose.

Ayurvedic Mode Of Action

The formulation’s Ayurvedic interpretation can be summarised as follows:

• Nirgundyadi Kashaya → Pungent and bitter herbal ingredients → Support for Agni (digestive capacity) and Kapha regulation → Ayurvedic management of Krimi with herbs having antiparasitic actions (intestinal worms and parasitic infestations)
• Vidanga (Embelia ribes) and Palasha (Butea monosperma) provide the formulation’s Krimi-focused component, while Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), and Trikatu support the digestive aspect. The additional ingredients create a broader combination intended to address the worm infestation and related discomfort.

Pathya And Apathya

Pathya (Recommended Practices)

• Consume freshly prepared, balanced meals suited to digestive capacity.
• Maintain adequate hydration and regular meal timings.
• Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and consume safely prepared food.
• Use safe drinking water and maintain proper sanitation.
• Follow the prescribed treatment schedule and seek appropriate testing when intestinal parasitic infection is suspected.

Apathya (Practices To Limit)

• Avoid unsafe drinking water and inadequately cooked food.
• Limit exposure to contaminated soil and food-handling surfaces.
• Avoid self-treatment for persistent abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or unexplained weight loss.
• Avoid changing the dose or adding extra ingredients without professional advice.

Precautions

• Nirgundyadi Kashaya should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, especially when other medicines are being taken.
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood use, and ongoing medical conditions require professional assessment before administration.

Conclusion

Nirgundyadi Kashaya is a classical Ayurvedic formulation known for its Krimihara (antiparasitic) properties. According to Ayurvedic principles, it is used to help manage conditions associated with Krimi (worms and intestinal parasites). Its herbal ingredients are traditionally valued for supporting intestinal health and maintaining digestive function. This formulation reflects Ayurveda’s approach to managing parasitic concerns through herbal combinations that support digestive wellness. It should be used under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic physician according to individual health needs.