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

Classical Reference : Ras Tantra Saar and Siddha prayog Sangreha

Classical Indication : Grehani

Introduction

Grahaṇī is not merely a disorder of digestion—it is a disturbance of Agni, the sacred digestive fire that governs nourishment, strength, and vitality. When Agni becomes weak or irregular, food is not properly transformed, leading to chronic loose stools, fatigue, malabsorption, weight loss, and lingering weakness. In Ayurveda, Grahaṇī reflects a deeper imbalance where the body loses its ability to “hold” and assimilate nutrients. Suvarna Grahaṇī Gajakesarī Ras is a classical, potent formulation designed to rekindle this impaired fire. Enriched with Suvarna Bhasma and synergistic mineral-herbal ingredients, it works as a deepana, pachana, and grahi remedy—enhancing digestion, absorbing excess moisture, and restoring intestinal strength. Like a lion among medicines, it not only stabilizes the gut but also rebuilds vitality, making it especially valued in chronic Grahaṇī and debilitating digestive disorders.

Ingredients

1. Shuddha Parad (Purified mercury) – 2 tolas
2. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified sulphur) – 2 tolas
3. Kapardika bhasma (Cowrie Ash) – 11 tolas
4. Swarna bhasma (Gold Calx) – 2 tolas
5. Suvarna-mākṣika bhasma (Copper-Iron Pyrite Calx) – 2 tolas
6. Abhraka bhasma (Mica Calx) – 4 tolas
7. Purified Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox)
8. Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)
9. Roasted Heeng (Asa foetida)
10. Mochrus (Salmalia malabarica)
11. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)

Each 1–1 tola each

Description Of Ingredients

1. Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury)

In Ayurveda, Shuddha Parada is considered Yogavahi—a catalytic substance that enhances the potency and bioavailability of accompanying drugs. It is described as Sara, Sukshma, Vyavayi, and deeply penetrating, helping correct impaired Agni at the cellular level. In Grahani (malabsorption), where digestive fire is irregular and tissue nourishment is faulty, Parada supports metabolic transformation and proper assimilation. Classical texts attribute it to Rasayana and Deepana-Pachana properties. Properly processed mercurial preparations in classical Ayurvedic pharmaceutics are converted into stable compounds and it has been suggested that they enhance bioavailability and enzymatic stimulation, though safety depends strictly on correct purification and preparation.

2. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified Sulphur)

Gandhak is described as Snigdha, Ushna, Rasayana, and Krimighna. In malabsorption linked with Ama and microbial imbalance, its Ushna (heating) quality rekindles weakened Jatharagni and clears metabolic toxins. Gandhak supports gut mucosal integrity and improves nutrient assimilation by reducing inflammatory processes in the intestines. It balances Vata and Kapha, which are often aggravated in chronic Grahani. Modern science recognizes sulfur’s role in detoxification pathways, amino acid synthesis, and maintaining gut barrier health. Sulfur compounds show antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, which may help regulate intestinal flora contributing to improved absorption.

3. Kapardika Bhasma (Cowrie Shell Calx)

Kapardika is Kshariya, Ushna, Deepana, Pachana, and strongly Grahi. It is classically indicated in hyperacidity, indigestion, and chronic diarrhea, a key contributor to malabsorption. By neutralizing excess acidity and stabilizing erratic digestive fire, it restores proper digestion and assimilation. Its calcium-rich composition supports mucosal repair and strengthens intestinal tone. Ayurveda describes it as reducing Kapha and Vata in the gastrointestinal tract. Calcium compounds act as acid-neutralizing agents and may help regulate gastric pH, creating a favorable environment for digestive enzymes and nutrient absorption.

4. Swarna Bhasma (Gold Calx)

Swarna Bhasma is revered as a potent Rasayana, Balya, and Agnivardhaka. In chronic malabsorption where tissues are depleted, it enhances Dhatvagni (tissue metabolism) and promotes optimal assimilation at deeper levels. It strengthens immunity (Ojas vardhaka) and improves vitality compromised due to prolonged nutrient deficiency. Ayurvedic texts highlight its ability to stabilize Vata and improve mental and digestive strength. The nano-sized particles in properly prepared Swarna Bhasma may exert immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory effects, which could indirectly support gut repair and systemic absorption efficiency.

5. Suvarna Makshika Bhasma (Copper-Iron Pyrite Calx)

Suvarna Makshika is Deepana, Pachana, Lekhana, and Raktavardhaka. It is especially useful in Grahani associated with anemia and chronic weakness. By improving liver function (Yakrituttejaka) and stimulating digestive enzymes, it enhances metabolic processing and assimilation of nutrients. It balances Pitta in a regulated way while correcting Kapha-induced sluggish digestion. From a scientific perspective, its copper and iron components are essential for enzymatic reactions, hemoglobin synthesis, and mitochondrial function, all of which influence nutrient metabolism and energy production.

6. Abhraka Bhasma (Mica Calx)

Abhraka Bhasma is Tridoshaghna, Rasayana, and deeply rejuvenative. It strengthens Agni without aggravating Pitta and enhances absorption at both intestinal and cellular levels. In chronic Grahani, where tissue depletion and weakness prevail, Abhraka restores vitality and supports regeneration of intestinal mucosa. Classical texts describe it as beneficial in long-standing digestive disorders and malnutrition. Scientifically, processed Abhraka contains trace minerals that may aid metabolic pathways and cellular repair. Some studies indicate antioxidant and adaptogenic properties, supporting improved nutrient assimilation and systemic resilience.

7. Purified Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox)

Vatsanabha, after proper Shodhana, acts as Deepana, Pachana, Vata-Kaphahara, and stimulant. In malabsorption associated with weak, cold digestion and sluggish motility, it ignites digestive fire and removes obstruction caused by Ama. It enhances circulation and metabolic activity, thereby improving assimilation. Classical use emphasizes very small therapeutic doses due to potency. Modern pharmacology notes aconite alkaloids have stimulatory effects on metabolism and circulation when processed correctly, though safety is dose-dependent and requires expert supervision.

8. Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)

Ativisha is one of the best herbs for pediatric and chronic Grahani. It is Laghu, Tikta, Katu, and Deepana-Pachana with strong Grahi action. It corrects impaired digestion without excessive heat, making it ideal in Pitta-sensitive malabsorption. It reduces diarrhea, improves appetite, and enhances nutrient uptake. Scientifically, Ativisha demonstrates antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive enzyme-stimulating effects, supporting gut balance and improved absorption.

9. Roasted Heeng (Asafoetida)

Heeng is a powerful Vatahara and Deepana-Pachana agent. In malabsorption associated with bloating, gas, and irregular peristalsis, it improves intestinal motility and reduces fermentation. Its Ushna and Tikshna qualities stimulate digestive enzymes and clear Ama. Ayurveda describes it as excellent for Grahani and colicky conditions. Modern research shows asafoetida has antispasmodic, carminative, antimicrobial, and enzyme-stimulating properties, helping optimize digestive function and nutrient assimilation.

10. Mochrus (Salmalia malabarica)

Mochrus (Shalmali resin) is Kashaya, Sheeta, and strongly Grahi. It stabilizes intestinal mucosa and reduces excessive fluid loss in chronic diarrhea contributing to malabsorption. By toning intestinal tissues and reducing inflammation, it supports improved absorption. Its astringent quality checks abnormal secretions and strengthens gut integrity. It contains tannins and mucilage that provide protective and anti-inflammatory effects on the intestinal lining, enhancing mucosal healing and absorption capacity.

11. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)

Cumin is Deepana, Pachana, Vata-Kaphahara, and mildly Grahi. It enhances secretion of digestive enzymes, improves bile flow, and supports liver function—key elements in correcting malabsorption. It reduces bloating and improves appetite, helping restore balanced Agni. Ayurveda considers it excellent in Grahani and Mandagni. Modern studies confirm cumin stimulates pancreatic enzymes, improves gut motility, and has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, thereby promoting efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.

Method Of Preparation

1. Grind 2 tolas each of purified mercury and sulphur into kajjali. Melt it in an iron pan with a little ghee. Then mix 1–1 tola each of cowrie bhasma and makshika bhasma, spread the mixture on fresh cow dung over a banana leaf, cover with another leaf, seal and prepare a bolus (parpattī).
2. Separately triturate 1 tola mercury with 1 tolas gold bhasma thoroughly. Add 1 tolas sulphur and prepare kajjali. Melt this also with a little ghee. Mix 6 Masha of the cowrie bhasma into it and prepare parpattī as per the method.
3. Above both parpati and mix 1 tolas abhraka bhasma and other herbs and mix properly.
4. Then triturate it with decoctions of Arani Moola, Akarkara, Chirmi Paan, Ashwagandha, Panchkola one time each.
5. Prepare pills of 1–1 ratti each.

Indications

This Suvarna Grahaṇī Gajakesarī rasa is deepana (enhances digestive fire), pachana (improves digestion), rucikara (improves appetite), grahi (absorbs excess moisture), hridya (cardiotonic), nourishing, antimicrobial, and beneficial in poisoning and fever. It stops āma-related diarrhea, restores appetite, removes fever, relieves abdominal distension, prevents loose stools, improves poor digestion, destroys intestinal worms, and eliminates toxic accumulation in the blood.

It Is Especially Useful In

• Chronic Grahaṇī
• Sprue
• Intestinal tuberculosis
• Rajayakshma with diarrhea

Clinical Use

1. Chronic Grahaṇī – In chronic grahaṇī, stool becomes foul-smelling, greenish in color, and the patient becomes extremely emaciated. Generally, gold potalli are given. However, if there is fever, indigestion and āma aggravation, even gold pattis may not show proper effect. Administering Suvarna Grahaṇī Gajakesarī provides quick relief. If used along with buttermilk and appropriate digestive powders, results are faster.
2. Intestinal Tuberculosis – In this disease, digestive fire becomes weak, food is poorly digested, small ulcers develop in the intestines, mild fever persists, the body becomes weak and emaciated, and stools are foul and intermittent. In such cases, this medicine is used. If there is no fever, Hemagarbhapottali (second method) may also help. But when fever, distension and indigestion are present, this formulation is considered especially beneficial. In some grahaṇī patients, liver becomes very weak. Digestion becomes improper, distension occurs and stools remain foul. If intestinal secretions are excessive, Panchamrit Parpati with buttermilk is given. When the disease becomes chronic with emaciation, this medicine is added. It removes wasting symptoms and helps restore strength.
3. Productive Cough With Cold Exposure – Excess exposure to cold wind or sun leads to cold with continuous discharge and productive cough. Improper treatment allows the condition to reach the stomach, causing nausea, vomiting sensation and āma accumulation in the abdomen. Some patients also develop phlegm accumulation in the lungs. In such cases, Suvarna Grahaṇī Gajakesarī, along with Sohaga phula, Shankha bhasma and Kapur churna mixed with ghee and honey, is administered.
4. Hill Diarrhea – During intense mountain travel (e.g. Badrinath and other hill journeys), many people suffer from hill diarrhea. Irregular diet and mountain water cause intestinal inflammation, abdominal pain, frequent stools with mucus, indigestion and severe emaciation. In such cases, this medicine can be prescribed in appropriate dosage with Kutajavleha and Ardrakavleha.
5. Pittatisara (Pitta-Type Diarrhea) – In postpartum women, if excessive intake of hot medicines, very heating substances, dry ginger, Ajwain, jaggery, etc., is given, pitta becomes aggravated and diarrhea develops. The stool becomes thin and hot, and the body becomes weak. In such conditions, taking this medicine along with Laghugangadhar churna or Jirakarishta provides relief within 4–6 days.
6. Chronic Pravahika (Chronic Dysentery) – Excessive intake of sweet, oily, and heavy foods causes persistent vitiation of digestion and accumulation of āma. Symptoms such as mild abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and a feeling of heaviness or gas in the abdomen appear, and frequent passage of stools continues 3–4 times daily. In such cases, if Suvarna Grahaṇī Gajakesarī is administered along with Pravala Panchamrita, quick benefit is obtained.

Dosage

1–2 ratti, 2–3 times daily, with ghee, roasted dry ginger powder and honey, or as per the condition of the disease.

Note

It can be administered safely to children, the elderly, youth, pregnant and postpartum women. It is widely used in Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch regions.

Conclusion

At last we can conclude that the management of Grahaṇī demands a formulation that not only stabilizes bowel function but also rebuilds digestive resilience and systemic strength. Suvarna Grahaṇī Gajakesarī Ras fulfills this role with its unique combination of mineral and herbal components that support metabolic efficiency, intestinal tone, and overall nourishment. It is particularly valuable in chronic, debilitating conditions where weakness, malabsorption, and recurrent loose stools persist. When used appropriately alongside disciplined dietary measures, it helps restore balance, improve nutrient assimilation, and promote steady recovery. Thus, it holds an esteemed place in classical Ayurvedic therapeutics for long-standing digestive disorders.