Patoladi Kashaya (4) – Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages

Introduction

Patoladi Kashaya is an Ayurvedic herbal decoction prepared using three ingredients: Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Indrayava (Holarrhena pubescens) and Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum). The preparation is described for Chhardi (vomiting) and Atisara (diarrhoea), conditions that affect the digestive system and can lead to fluid loss when symptoms are frequent. The formulation combines the digestive properties of its ingredients with a decoction-based method of preparation. Sugar and honey are specified as additives in the reference. The decoction is prepared by boiling the coarse herbal ingredients in water and reducing the liquid to one-eighth of its original volume.

Classical Reference

पटोलयवधान्याकक्वाथः पेयः सुशीतलः।
शर्करामधुसंयुक्तः छर्द्यतीसारनाशनः॥ (Sahasrayogam)

A decoction prepared from Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Yavani/Indrayava (Holarrhena pubescens) and Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum), taken in a suitably cooled state and combined with sugar and honey, is indicated for Chhardi (vomiting) and Atisara (diarrhoea). The verse identifies the three principal ingredients and specifies the addition of sugar and honey. It also describes the preparation’s use in vomiting and diarrhoea. The temperature instruction indicates that the decoction should be allowed to cool to a suitable drinking temperature before administration. The formulation is described in Chakradatta, Atisara Chikitsa (3:46), and Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Atisara Chikitsa Prakaranam (7:112).

Ingredients of Patoladi Kashaya

The formulation contains the following ingredients in equal proportions:

Patola — Trichosanthes dioica: 1 part
Indrayava — Holarrhena pubescens: 1 part
Dhanyaka — Coriandrum sativum: 1 part
Water — 16 times the combined quantity of the herbal ingredients

Indrayava refers to the seeds of Holarrhena pubescens, while Dhanyaka generally denotes the dried fruits of Coriandrum sativum used as a medicinal ingredient.

Method of Preparation

Take equal quantities of coarse powders of Trichosanthes dioica, Holarrhena pubescens seeds and Coriandrum sativum fruits.
Add water in a quantity equal to 16 times the combined quantity of the ingredients.
Boil the mixture over a controlled flame until the liquid is reduced to one-eighth of its original volume.
Filter the decoction through a clean cloth to remove the coarse herbal residue.
Allow the liquid to cool to a suitable drinking temperature before administration.
Add sugar and honey according to the prescribed preparation and the patient’s suitability.

Ayurvedic Properties of the Ingredients

1. Patola (Trichosanthes dioica)

Patola (Trichosanthes dioica) is described in Ayurveda as a bitter-tasting medicinal plant. Its bitter taste is considered useful in digestive care, particularly when appetite and digestive comfort are affected. Within this preparation, it forms one of the three principal ingredients intended for use in Chhardi (vomiting) and Atisara (diarrhoea).

2. Indrayava (Holarrhena pubescens)

Indrayava (Holarrhena pubescens) consists of the plant’s medicinal seeds. It is recognised in Ayurvedic texts for its use in Atisara (diarrhoea) and Grahani (malabsorption syndrome) disorders involving altered bowel function. Its astringent and bitter properties are considered useful in formulations intended to support bowel regulation.

3. Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum)

Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum) is described as having digestive and carminative properties. It is used to support digestive wellness and help manage symptoms such as reduced appetite, abdominal discomfort and digestive disturbances. In Patoladi Kashaya, it complements the other ingredients in a preparation indicated for vomiting and diarrhoea.

Ayurvedic Mode of Action

Patoladi Kashaya combines three ingredients with complementary Ayurvedic properties:

Patola (Trichosanthes dioica) provides the bitter-tasting component of the decoction and helps in managing nausea and vomiting.
Indrayava (Holarrhena pubescens) seeds are recognised for their use in diarrhoeal conditions and support the formulation’s indication of Atisara.
Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum) assists digestive comfort and helps with overall digestion related problems.

The combined preparation is prescribed for Chhardi (vomiting) and Atisara (diarrhoea). Its use should be in accordance with the patient’s symptoms, hydration status, age and overall clinical condition.

Indications of Patoladi Kashaya

Patoladi Kashaya is described for the following conditions:

Chhardi (vomiting): The formulation is indicated in the classical reference for episodes of vomiting.
Atisara (diarrhoea): It is prescribed for diarrhoeal symptoms, with Holarrhena pubescens seeds being an ingredient for this indication.

Pathya and Apathya

1. Pathya (Recommended Dietary Practices)

During recovery from vomiting or diarrhoea, dietary choices should support hydration and digestive comfort.

Take oral rehydration solution when fluid loss is occurring.
Choose easily tolerated foods, such as rice porridge or soft rice, according to appetite.
Eat small portions at regular intervals as tolerated.
Maintain adequate fluid intake and follow medical advice when dehydration is suspected.

2. Apathya (Practices to Avoid)

Avoid very oily or heavy meals if they worsen symptoms.
Limit foods or drinks that aggravate nausea or diarrhoea.
Avoid alcohol during the symptomatic period.

Precautions

Patoladi Kashaya should be taken under qualified medical guidance, particularly in children, older adults, pregnant individuals and people with existing medical conditions.
The appropriate dose and suitability of sugar and honey depend on the patient’s circumstances and should be decided by an ayurvedic practitioner.
Repeated vomiting, blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, high fever, reduced urination, marked weakness or signs of dehydration require prompt medical assessment. Oral rehydration is important during diarrhoea, and severe dehydration may require urgent treatment.

Conclusion

Patoladi Kashaya is a three-ingredient decoction prepared from Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Indrayava (Holarrhena pubescens) seeds and Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum). Its classical reference specifies sugar and honey as additives and identifies Chhardi (vomiting) and Atisara (diarrhoea) as its indications. Correct preparation, suitable administration and attention to hydration and warning signs are important when using this formulation.