Shivakshara Churna is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal-mineral formulation known for its efficacy in enhancing digestion, relieving bloating, and correcting gastrointestinal imbalances.
It is especially useful in pacifying Vata and Kapha doshas and is commonly used for conditions like indigestion, flatulence, and abdominal pain. The churna is a blend of potent herbs and salts, including:
- Shunti (Zingiber officinale)
- Maricha (Piper nigrum)
- Pippali (Piper longum)
- Ajamoda (Trachyspermum ammi)
- Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum)
- Saindhava Lavana (Rock Salt)
- Hingu (Ferula asafoetida)
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
- Sarjakshara (Sodium carbonate, alkali)
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS & MECHANISMS
· Carminative & Digestive Stimulant: Stimulates digestive enzymes and enhances gut motility
· Active components like piperine, thymol aid secretion of gastric juices
· Antispasmodic: Relieves intestinal cramps and discomfort
· Hingu and Ajamoda act as smooth muscle relaxants
· Alkalizing Agent: Sarjakshara neutralizes excess stomach acid
· Restores pH balance in hyperacidity
· Anti-flatulent: Disperses gas and reduces abdominal distension
· Saindhava and Jeeraka reduce intestinal fermentation
· Mild Laxative: Haritaki supports gentle bowel movements without purgation
RELEVANT RESEARCH REFERENCES
1. Singh RH. A clinical study on Shivakshara Churna in functional dyspepsia. AYU. 2008.
2. Sharma PV. Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol II. Chaukhambha, 2005.
3. Johri RK. Cuminum cyminum and its health-promoting properties: A review. Indian J Exp Biol. 2011.
4. Prajapati PK. Pharmaceutics of Ayurvedic Formulations. Chaukhambha Bharati, 2008.
CONTRAINDICATIONS & PRECAUTIONS
- Not suitable for individuals with high Pitta conditions (gastritis, ulcers)
- Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation
- Avoid excessive use, as it may increase internal heat or cause dryness
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
· Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent), Madhura (Sweet), Lavana (Salty), Kashaya (Astringent)
· Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Tikshna (Sharp), Ruksha (Dry)
· Veerya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)
· Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (Sweet)
· Tridoshic Effect: Balances Vata and Kapha, may aggravate Pitta if misused
STORAGE & PACKAGING
· 100% classical Ayurvedic Shivakshara Churna
· Net weight: 4 oz (114 g)
· Packaging: Airtight, food-safe pouch
· Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight
BOTANICAL IMAGES & AYURVEDIC DESCRIPTIONS
- Maricha (Piper nigrum): Enhances metabolism, detoxifies microchannels, and supports healthy circulation.
- Pippali (Piper longum): A Rasayana for digestion, immunity, and respiratory health.
- Saindhava Lavana: Rock salt that improves digestion and balances electrolyte levels.
- Hingu (Ferula asafoetida): A classical Vata-pacifying herb, renowned for relieving gas, cramps, and colic.
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): A Tridosha-balancing Rasayana that supports detox and gut clearance.
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Sarjakshara: An alkaline mineral preparation that neutralizes acidity and enhances gut pH regulation.
CLIMATE & REGION
· Shunti: Cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions such as Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal
· Maricha: Grown in humid, shaded forests of Kerala, Tamil Nadu
· Pippali: Native to tropical parts of Assam, Bengal, and southern India
· Ajamoda: Thrives in dry, arid zones like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and MP
· Jeeraka: Prefers temperate and semi-arid climates, cultivated in Rajasthan and UP
· Hingu: Sourced primarily from Afghanistan, Iran, and parts of Kashmir
· Haritaki: Distributed across deciduous forests in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
· Sarjakshara: Prepared from natural alkaline deposits and refined using Ayurvedic techniques.
