Relieves Constipation:

Ayurveda strongly suggests the use of this concoction in the treatment of constipation. It increases secretion of bile by the liver, which in turn, acts on the peristalsis movement of the intestines and liver, thereby allowing smooth faecal passage from the large intestine. It also plays a quintessential role in minimalizing mucous and excess fat content in the stools and preventing them from sticking to the intestinal walls and thereby allowing easy movement through peristalsis.

Promotes Digestion:

Touted as a powerful digestive stimulant, this traditional herbal formulation helps in breaking down food particles in the stomach and intestine, promotes the secretion of the digestive juices and thereby increases the absorption of essential nutrients through the intestines. It helps to eliminate abdominal gas and in turn reduces abdominal distension, bloating and gaseous cramps. It also holds high significance in treating a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like esophagitis, heartburn, diarrhoea, flatulence, peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Treats IBS

IBS also known as Grahani in Sanskrit is mostly caused due to excessive intake of food particles which are difficult to digest, unhealthy dietary choices, intake of foods that cause allergy, intake of foods low on nutrients, overeating, eating at irregular intervals, and other physical and mental factors like emotional problems, stress, etc. IBS can cause both diarrhoea and constipation. The use of trikatu (i.e. pippali, maricha and shunthi)  and other powerful herbs in ashta choornam make it an effective choice for treating this painful disease. 

Enhances Appetite

Ashta choornam is extremely crucial for patients suffering from a loss of appetite and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia, pre-existing chronic debilitating disorders, and during convalescence from an acute or chronic infective disorder. Regular intake of this magical remedy acts as a natural appetizer and aids in the digestion of food, improves appetite and helps the person to eat.

Remedies Arthritis

The classical medicine has potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which is extremely beneficial in reducing joint and muscle pain, thereby reducing the chances of chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases like  rheumatoid arthritis which occurs due to the vitiation of Vata Doshas. It is also beneficial for bursitis, muscle and joint pain, shoulder dislocation pain and general debility due to fever.

Effect On Doshas:

Ashta choornam is sanctified with Katu (i.e. pungent taste) and Lavana Rasa (i.e. salty taste) and Laghu (i.e. light), Ushna (i.e. hot) and Rukshna Guna (i.e. rough quality). It inherently portrays Ushna Virya (i.e. hot potency) and Katu Vipaka (i.e. pungent metabolic taste). Being rough and light, it appeases the Vata doshas (i.e. air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas, whereas having a pungent metabolic taste, it aggravates and detoxifies the Pitta (fire and air) doshas.

Therapeutic Dosage

The effective therapeutic dosage of Ashta choornam may vary from person to person depending upon the age, severity, and condition of the patient. Consultation from an ayurvedic doctor is a must, as he or she will thoroughly examine the indications and prescribe the correct dosage for a specific time period.

Adults: 1 to 3 grams twice a day, preferably with lukewarm water or cow’s ghee or as specified by the ayurvedic doctor for the specific gastrointestinal disorder.

How To Make Ashta Choornam?

Ingredients:

1 Part  Pippali - Piper longum    

1 Part Maricha  -  Piper nigrum    

1 Part Shunti  -  Zingiber officinalis    

1 Part Sweta jeeraka  -  Cuminum cyminum  

1 Part Krishna jeeraka  -  Carom bulbocastanum  

1 Part Shuddha Hingu (Processed with Ghee) - Ferula asafoetida  

1 Part Ajamoda  -  Carum roxburghianum 

1 Part Saindhava  - Rock salt