ASTHAPANA BASTI DRAVYA

ENUMERATION OF FEW ASTHAPANA BASTI DRAVYA

• Definition

  • Asthapana Basti is a type of therapeutic enema administered for the expulsion of doshas, mainly aiming for cleansing (shodhana) and balancing bodily functions.

• General Composition of Asthapana Basti

  • A typical Asthapana Basti contains a combination of:

    • Kashaya (decoction)

    • Kalka (paste of drugs)

    • Sneha (oil/ghee)

    • Madhu (honey)

    • Lavana (salt)

    • Saindhava (rock salt)

    • Cow's urine or cow’s milk (in specific conditions)

• Mentioned Dravyas (Substances) for Asthapana Basti in Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya

  • 1. Decoction Dravyas (Kashaya Dravya)

    • Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera)

    • Bilva (Aegle marmelos)

    • Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum)

    • Gambhari (Gmelina arborea)

    • Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens)

    • Agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis)

    शठी बलामूलमथाप्यपामार्गं बिल्वं श्योनाकं गम्भारीं पाटलं च।
    (Charaka Samhita, Siddhi Sthana 3/10)

  • 2. Kalka Dravyas (Paste Substances)

    • Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

    • Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

    • Pippali (Piper longum)

    • Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)

    • Eranda mula (Root of Ricinus communis)

    मधूकयष्ट्याह्वपिप्पलीशुण्ठ्येरण्डमूलानां कल्कः कारयितव्यः।
    (Charaka Samhita, Siddhi Sthana 3/12)

  • 3. Sneha Dravyas (Unctuous Substances)

    • Tila Taila (Sesame oil)

    • Ghee (clarified butter)

    तैलं सर्पिः सम्यक् प्रकल्प्यते।
    (Charaka Samhita, Siddhi Sthana 3/11)

  • 4. Madhu and Lavana (Adjuvants)

    • Madhu (honey)

    • Saindhava lavana (rock salt)

    मधु सैंधवेन युक्तम्।
    (Charaka Samhita, Siddhi Sthana 3/11)

  • 5. Additional Ingredients

    • Gomutra (cow’s urine) for specific cases

    • Dugdha (milk) when vata is predominant

    क्षीरेण वा गोमूत्रेण वा संधार्यते।
    (Charaka Samhita, Siddhi Sthana 3/11)

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MAIN INDICATIONS OF ASTHAPANA BASTI

• Vata Dosha Predominance

  • Particularly effective when there is vitiation of vata dosha.

• Pakvashaya Gata Doshas

  • Conditions where doshas are accumulated mainly in the colon (large intestine).

• Diseases Mentioned

  • 1. Vata Vyadhi (Neuromuscular Disorders)

    • Paralysis, sciatica, back pain

  • 2. Arsha (Piles/Haemorrhoids)

    • For treating various types of piles

  • 3. Gulma (Abdominal Tumors)

    • Palpable or non-palpable lumps in abdomen

  • 4. Shoola (Colicky Pain)

    • Acute pain in the abdomen due to vata disturbance

  • 5. Grahani (Malabsorption Syndrome)

    • Disorders related to the digestive system, especially duodenal functions

  • 6. Udavarta (Reverse Movement of Vata)

    • Conditions leading to abdominal distention, constipation, and pain

  • 7. Mutraghata (Urinary Obstruction Disorders)

    • Difficulty or obstruction in urination

  • 8. Skin Diseases

    • Psoriasis, eczema linked to vitiated doshas in intestines

    वातासृग्दोषमेधोरोगगुल्मार्शःशूलग्रहणीतृष्णोदावर्तमूत्राघातान् शमनायास्तापनं बस्तिमुपदिश्यते।
    (Charaka Samhita, Siddhi Sthana 3/4)

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SPECIAL POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Importance of Proper Formulation

  • Correct proportion of all constituents ensures effectiveness and avoids complications.

• Use Based on Disease and Dosha

  • Selection of dravyas varies based on dosha predominance and patient’s constitution (prakriti).

• Balance of Sneha and Kashaya

  • Sneha nourishes while Kashaya cleanses, ensuring balanced action.

• Preparation Time and Administration

  • Immediate preparation before administration is emphasized to maintain potency.

    यथाविधि कारितः स शीघ्रं प्रयोज्यः।
    (Charaka Samhita, Siddhi Sthana 3/16)