Chaturbhadra decoction - Chaturbhadra decoction is a herbal formulation listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India1 for management of indigestion and indigestioninduced gastro-intestinal problems. Its ingredients are individually described in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia and are reported to have therapeutic properties useful for management of bowel disorders including impaired digestion, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite and protozoal infection. The formulation is carminative and astringent and it improves the digestive and gastro-intestinal functions
Main chemical constituents -
(1) Ativisha : Alkaloids like atisine, dihydroatisine, hetisine, etc.
(2) Guduchi : Terpenoids, alkaloids, etc.
(3) Mustaka : Volatile oil.
(4) Shunthi : Essential oil, pungent constituents: gingerols and shogaols, resinous matter and starch
Dosage form - Warm, light-brownish decoction
Therapeutic properties - Chaturbhadra decoction has digestive, appetizing, anti-emetic, stomachic, carminative and anti-diarrhoeal properties.
Indications and uses -
(1) The decoction is mainly used for the management of indigestion resulting from overeating, untimely meals and consumption of heavy food items and from liver dysfunction.
(2) Other indications include poor appetite, vomiting, flatulence, nausea and indigestion associated with diarrhoea and dysentery.
(3) Gastro-intestinal upsets due to giardia and amoebic infections can also be managed with Chaturbhadra decoction.
Precautions and safety aspects -
(1) Freshly prepared decoction should be used always. Stale decoction may not be useful.
(2) Individuals not liking the taste of the formulation can add sugar or honey.
(3) To facilitate recovery, patients should consume soft, light and semisolid or liquid diet and avoid cold and heavy foods and raw vegetables.
(4) If indigestion is induced or aggravated due to stress, mental relaxation must be achieved.
(5) The formulation is traditionally considered to be safe in the recommended doses and side effects are mostly unlikely. However, due to presence of Ativisha and Shunthi in the formulation, an overdose may cause symptoms like dryness of mouth, tremor, nervous depression, etc.