Mahathikthakam ghrutham is an Ayurvedic medicine for skin diseases and improving complexion. It also helps to treat many digestive disorders and beneficial in some psychiatric conditions too. As the name suggests, this combination has more effect than thikthakam ghrutham.
Benefits of Mahathikthakam ghrutham
The formulation of Mahathiktakam is explained as a ghrita yoga in Ashtangahrudayam Kushthachikithsa but it is also used as a kashayam.
Mahathiktakam Ghee combination is used either as acchasnehapana as a preparatory procedure to Ayurvedic Panchakarma (cleansing therapy) or as samanasneha in small doses after having Kashaya or other rookshana medicines for a while. It helps to regain health after the Rookshana (drying up) therapies.
It is very effective in chronic skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema, and atopic dermatitis.
It is found beneficial in healing diabetic wounds and gangrene. Also, fistulae, cervical lymphadenitis, abscesses, oedema, and sinus wounds.
Mahathiktakam being pacifying Pitta dosha, it is used in many diseases where Agni is deranged. It includes many liver disorders like Obstructive and infective jaundice, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver.
In psychiatric disorders where Pitta is the main vitiated Dosha, mahathiktakam is very much yielding. It is used successfully in Maniac stage of Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia with grandeur or paranoid delusions etc
In some stages of epilepsy also it is found useful.
Kids with some types of Learning disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder show much affinity to mahathiktakam ghritam and it is very beneficial in such conditions.
Indications of Mahathikhtakam ghrutham
With added results in indications of thikthakam ghrutham which are,
Pittakushtha – Skin diseases where redness, raised temperature and burning sensation are evident.
Pareesarpa – Herpes
Pitika -Boils
Daaha -Burning sensation
Thrit -Excess thirst
Bhrama -Giddiness
Kandu -Pruritis
Pandwamaya -Anaemic disorders
Gandamala – Scrofula/Cervical tubercular lymphadenitis
Dushtavrana -Non-healing wounds and ulcers
Naadeevrana -Sinus
Apachi -Cervical lymphadenitis/Goitre
Visphota -Skin rash with infected blisters and pustules
Vidradhi -Abscess
Gulma -Indigestion with abdominal pain and distension.
Sopha -Oedema
Unmada -Psychotic conditions
Mada -Intoxication
Hridroga – Chest pain and discomforts, diseases of the heart
Timira -Eye diseases including cataract
Vyanga -Melasma
Grahani -Irritable bowel syndrome and Malabsorption
Switra -Vitiligo
Kamila -Jaundice
Bhagandara -Anal fistulae
Apasmara -Epilepsy
Udaram -Ascites
Pradaram -Leucorrhoea
Garam -Chronic and slow poisoning
Arsas -Piles
Asrapitta -Bleeding disorders
And other severe Paittika diseases
Ingredients of Mahathikthakam ghrutham
| Indian devil tree/Scholar’s tree/White cheesewood | Saptachada | Alstonia scholaris.R.Br. |
It is an herb with a rare combination of laghu (light) and Snigdha (oily) properties. It has immune-stimulatory, wound-healing, analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-oxidant, hepato-protective, anti-stress and immune-modulatory properties. It is used in the treatment of colic, indigestion, intestinal parasites, chronic & foul ulcers, asthma, and skin diseases including leprosy.
| Small-flowered fumitory | Parpataka | Fumaria parviflora AUCT. NON. LAM. |
This drug is mentioned as the prime remedy of fever in Ayurveda. Fumaria has been traditionally used as a laxative and diuretic. This plant is applied in treatment for dermatologic conditions such as eczema. The drug is suggested to be beneficial in hepatobiliary disorders, and also for colic pain.
| Golden shower tree | Samyaka/Aragwadha | Cassia fistula |
It has anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, hepato-protective, and hypoglycaemic activities. Also, it has many anti-oxidants. Flowers are used for fever. Root acts as a diuretic and is used in adenopathy, leprosy, skin diseases, syphilis and tubercular glands. The bark and leaves are used for curing skin diseases.
| Yellow gentian, Hellebore | Katurohini | Picrorhiza kurroa |
It is used for Dyspepsia, fever and in purgatives. Although it shows anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities, it is most valued for its hepatoprotective effect.
| Calamus root/sweet flag | Vacha | Acorus calamus L. |
The root is aromatic. It has stimulant, emetic, expectorant, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac, laxative, diuretic, antispasmodic, carminative, and anthelmintic properties. It is slightly tonic, and excitant, and forms a useful adjunct to other tonics and stimulants. It may be used in cases of flatulent colic, atonic dyspepsia etc.
Thriphala-a group of 3 drugs namely,
| Chebulic myrobalan | Pathya | Terminalia chebula RETZ. & WILLD. |
It is one of the main drugs in Ayurveda, one of the Rasayana and a member of an important group, Triphala. It is used in a wide variety of diseases as it possesses anti-bacterial anti-fungal anti-viral anti-diabetic anti-mutagenic anti-oxidant anti-ulcer and wound-healing properties.
| Beleric myrobalan, Bahera | Kalitaru | Terminalia bellirica (GAERTN.) ROXB. |
A very good healer of gastric diseases, common cold, leukoderma and also cures digestive disorders. It has laxative and anti-inflammatory actions. It is one of the important ingredients in triphala an Ayurvedic preparation. Other properties for which it is used are as health tonic and as rejuvenator. It is used in treatment of piles also.
| Amla, Indian gooseberry | Dhatri | Emblica officinalis GAERTN. |
Amla exhibits strong antioxidant activity. It is one of the most important plants in the traditional Ayurvedic medical system as well as in other traditional health systems for immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and hepatoprotective actions. It is widely used for anti-diabetic effect.It is a part of the famous group of drugs called Thriphala.
| Wild Himalayan cherry | Padmaka | Prunus cerasoides |
It has anti-oxidants and is used to treat skin diseases and herpes. It is also used in vomiting, nausea and gastritis.
| false pareira root/ velvet leaf | Paatha | Cissampelos pareira L. |
It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic actions. This plant is used to treat gynaecological conditions. Patha is used in the treatment of chronic non-healing ulcers and sinuses. It is also used in the treatment of chronic skin diseases and in the treatment of poisonous bites.
| Turmeric | Rajani/Haridra | Curcuma longa L. |
Turmeric is used to help with heartburn or bowel problems like diarrhoea, intestinal gas, and bloating. It is famous for its anti-cancerous and detoxification effects. It is widely used in skin diseases. Some may use it to help with memory problems or problems with the liver or gallbladder. It may also help to lessen swelling and help with signs of arthritis. It has marked anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action.
| Indian barberry/chutro/tree turmeric | Darvi | Berberis aristata |
It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal anti-diarrhoeal and anti-cancerous properties. It is used in the treatment of ophthalmic infections.
| Indian sarsaparilla | Sariba | Hemidesmus indicus (L.) SCHULT |
It is a coolant and a potent detoxifier. It is demulcent, alterative, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic, anti-pyretic, and blood purifier. It is used in leprosy, other skin diseases, fever, asthma, bronchitis, syphilis, pruritus, diseases of the urinary tractand leucorrhoea.
| Stinging nettle | Anantha | Tragia involucrata Linn. |
This plant is used in many conditions like wounds, eczema, scabies and other skin infections. It has anti-inflammatory property. It is used to treat piles, migraine, warts and rheumatism.
| Long pepper | Kana | Piper longum |
It has carminative action and maybe used as appetizer. The fruit and root of Pippali are used in the form of powder to treat fever, diarrhoea, piles, cough, hiccough, asthma, hoarseness of voice, flatulence, colic, vomiting, acid gastritis, oedema, diseases of mouth, eye diseases, diseases of semen, diseases of women, jaundice, and earache.
Pippali mixed with honey alleviates cough, dyspnoea, fever splenomegaly, and hiccough.
| Long pepper – root | Pippaleemoola | Piper longum |
It is pungent in taste and hot in potency. It breaks down thick sputum and is beneficial in sinusitis and asthma. It is also useful in the treatment of worm infestation, infected wounds, ascites, enlargement of abdomen, distension of abdomen, splenomegaly, asthma, tuberculosis and other chronic respiratory disorders. It improves taste and relieves anorexia.
| Margosa, Neem | Nimba | Azadirachta indica A. JUSS. |
The important health benefits of this drug include its ability to treat dandruff, soothe irritation, protect the skin, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation. It also speeds up wound healing, treats gastric conditions, slows the aging process, improves hair and scalp health, maintains sexual organ health, has anti-cancer potential, and helps treat diabetes.
| Red sandalwood | Raktachandana | Pterocarpus santalinus L. |
It has anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, anti-hyperglycaemic and diaphoretic properties. It is used in the treatment of fever, haemorrhage and dysentery.
| Liquorice | Madhuka/ Yashtyahwa | Glycyrrhiza glabra L. |
It has anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-malarial, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-hyperglycaemic and hepato-protective properties.
| Colocynth/Bitter apple | Visaala | Citrullus colocynthis. |
It is used to treat jaundice, scrotal enlargement, warts, alopecia, greying of hair, arthritis, amenorrhoea, for inducing vaginal secretion and abortion. It is beneficial in cleaning and healing the wounds. It is used in the treatment of insanity.
In older days, it was used to learn the method for extraction of foreign bodies.
| Conessi | Kalinga/ Indrayavaa | Holarrhena antidysentrica. Wall. |
It has been used in bleeding piles, diarrhoea, eczema, fever and colic. It is beneficial in amoebic dysentery and many other gastro-intestinal disorders.
| Heart leaved moonseed | Amrutha | Tinospora cordifolia (WILLD.) HOOK.F. & THOMS |
It is effective anti-ulcer drug in action. It is a well-known anti-oxidant and has significant anti-inflammatory property.
| Indian gentian | Kiratatiktaka/Bhoonimba | Swertia chirata (ROXB. EX. FLEM.) KAR. |
It is an important herb used in Ayurveda for the treatment of fever, inflammation, skin diseases, intestinal parasites and diabetes. It has hepato-protective action also. It is used in treatment of piles, ulcers and fevers.
| vetiver | Useera/ Sevya/ Udeechya | Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) NASH |
Vetiver is a coolant, yet aids in digestion. It is widely used in treating fever, dysuria, burning sensation, fatigue syndrome, skin disorders etc. Potable water prepared with this also has many health benefits like preventing ulcers.
| Adathoda, Malabar nut | Vaasa/Vrisha | Justicia adathoda L. |
It is an expectorant and is mostly used in respiratory conditions. It helps in treatment of skin diseases. It is also used in jaundice, fevers, headache and urinary infections.
| Rajmahal hemp | Moorva | Marsdenia tenacissima(Roxb.)Moon. |
It is anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory. It is used in the treatment of abscesses, asthma, bronchitis, tonsillitis, cystitis, skin diseases, pneumonia etc. It is effective in food and drug poisoning. It is an anti-cancerous drug.
| Wild asparagus | Satavari | Asparagus racemosus |
It has anti-oxidants and immuno-stimulants. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-bacterial, anti-oxytocic, and reproductive agents.
| Pointed gourd | Patola | Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. |
It has ant-diabetic, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and wound-healing properties. It has anti-oxidants. It is useful in lowering cholesterol and skin diseases. It acts as a laxative.
| Atis root | Ativisha | Aconitum heterophyllum WALL. EX ROYLE |
It has anti-diarrhoeal, diuretic, expectorant, hepato-protective, anti-pyretic, analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-flatulent and carminative properties.
| Coco grass, nut grass, purple nutsredge | Musta | Cyperus rotundus L. |
It has marked anti-inflammatory action. It also has anthelmintic, antioxidant and antifungal properties. The drug improves lactation, relieves fever, burning sensation, and excessive thirst. It is also used in treating diarrhoea, dyspepsia and skin diseases.
| Himalayan gentian | Thrayanthi | Gentiana kurroo ROYLE. |
It has anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immune-modulatory properties.
| Stinging nettle | Dhanwayasha/Duralabha | Tragia involucrata Linn. |
This plant is used in many conditions like wounds, eczema, scabies and other skin infections. It has anti-inflammatory property. It is used to treat piles, migraine, warts and rheumatism.
Details of the manufacturing
As already discussed, Mahathikthakam ghrutham has 32 ingredients in total
All these ingredients should be washed well and dried up in shade.
For preparation of ghrithakalpana,
We use
- Snehadravya (Cow’s ghee) – 1 part
- Dravadravya
Water – 8 parts
Amalakiswarasa – 2 parts
- Kalkadravya (For making paste, ¼ parts)
Saptacchada
Parpadaka
Samyaka
Katuka
Vacha
Thriphala
Padmaka
Paatha
Rajani
Darvi
Sariba
Anantha
Kana
Pippaleemoola
Nimba
Chandana
Yashtyaahwaa
Visaalaa
Indrayavaa
Amruthaa
Kiraathathiktha
Sevyam
Vrusha
Moorvaa
Satavari
Patola
Ativisha
Musta
Thrayanthi
Dhanwayashaka
Take the prescribed swarasa of aamalaki,water, ghruta and kalkadravya in an earthen pot. Make it boil and then cook in the open vessel with low fire. Reduce the quantity into the quantity of ghrutha. Make sure to mix it in between with a ladle. Also, the fire should be kept low to make sure that all the active ingredients in the herbs needed are absorbed well into the water. Continue cooking and stir in between. Check the Paaka as per Snehapakavidhi. Once the desired Paaka is attained, filter the ghruta and keep it in air tight glass bottles after cooling. Ghrutha can be used for a longer period of time without any preservatives.
Dosha Dooshya Predominance with roga marga.
Mahathikthakam ghrutham is Pitta-Kapha hara.
It acts on aabhyantara, madhyama and bahya rogamarga
Dosage and Usage of Mahathikthakam ghrutha
Dosage: Generally, it is prescribed in OP practise as 5-15ml once a day.
It is said in text as one Pala or 48 gm in a person with profound digestive fire.
It differs for Acchasnehapanasodhana) and vicharanasneha(samana)
Usage:
Ghrutham is advised to take in empty stomach, once the ingested food is digested well and when the person is having good appetite.
Usage of ghrutham with prescribed prakshepadravyas according to the condition of disease and the patient gives the best results mostly.
Exercises and Yoga.
As Mahathikthakam ghrutham targets mainly infections, swelling, and immunity, only mild exercises are advised. But when this combination is used for psychotic disorders, relaxing & cooling exercises and meditation are advised. Also, specific Yogacharya including nadisuddhi pranayama, suryanamaskara, bhujangaasana, is recommended.
Regular exercise helps improve the bioavailability of medicine and food ingested and leads to positive health.
Yoga can maintain harmony within the body and with the surrounding system.
Nadisudhi pranayama
Suryanamaskara
Bhujangasana
Simple exercises for lungs and heart health
All the exercises and physical exertions must be decided and done under the supervision of a medical expert only.
Recommended diet and behaviour
Diet:
- To be avoided
Heavy meals and difficult to digest foods – cause indigestion.
junk foods- cause a disturbance in digestion and reduces the bioavailability of the medicine
carbonated drinks – makes the stomach more acidic and disturbed digestion
refrigerated and frozen foods – causes weak and sluggish digestion by weakening Agni (digestive fire)
Milk and milk products – increase Kapha and cause respiratory problems
curd – causes vidaaha and thereby many other diseases
- To be added
Light meals and easily digestible foods
Green gram, soups, honey, fruits and vegetables, dry fruits and nuts in moderate quantity.
freshly cooked and warm food processed with cumin seeds, ginger, black pepper, ajwain, etc
Behavior:
Protect yourself from too much heat.
Better to avoid exposure to excessive sunlight, wind, rain, or dust.
Maintain a regular food and sleep schedule.
Avoid stress.
Avoid sedentary lifestyle. Be active.
Avoid holding or forcing urges like urine, faeces, cough, sneeze, etc.
Avoid sleeping late night.
Side effects and contraindications
No known side effects reported.
Classical references with the image of the text.
ASHTANGAHRUDAYAM CHIKITHSA 19/8,9,10
Equivalent medicines.
Thikthakam ghrutham
Brands Available
AVS Kottakal
Vaidyaratnam oushadhasala
AVP Coimbatore
Nagarjuna Ayurveda
Research papers
Patola -an overview
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358970/
Katuka
Study in Non-alcoholic fatty liver
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3087357/
Hareetaki
ANTI DIABETIC AND RENAL PROTECTION
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1472-6882-6-17
Thrayanthi
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5750598/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24707440/
Raktachandana
Therapeutic roles
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