Abstract

A REVIEW OF ARKA KALPANA WITH THE PREPARATION OF PATHYADI KWATH ARKA: - AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION FOR ARDHAVABHEDAKA

*Dr. Shital Bolkuntwar

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Abstract

Aim and Objective- To review the method of preparation of Arka from Ayurvedic literature and preparation of Pathyadi Kwath Arka by the same. Methodology- The base of Ayurvedic formulation “Panchavidha kashay kalpana” is mentioned in Bhaishajya-ratnavali. It comprises Swarasa (juice), Kalka (paste), Kwath (decoction), Hima (cold infusion), Phanta (Hot infusion). Modern formulations like capsules, syrups, soft gel capsules, drop formulations, etc. are popular nowadays. Some of these formulations are lack behind because of inappropriate study and lesser acceptances. Among them one is Arka kalpana. Author Ravana mentioned detailed explanation of Arka kalpana in the text ‘Arkaprakash’. Slight modification was made; he mentioned Panchavidha kashaya kalpana as Kalka (paste), Churna (powder), Rasa (juice), Tail (oil), and Arka (extract). The potency of each formulation is more than the previous i.e. churna is more potent than kalka and so on; thus Arka is devoid of all dosha, having excellent properties. It is considered as best of all the formulations. Shirorogahara arka mentioned in Arkaprakash contains same ingredient as in Pathyadi Kwath which is a proven formulation for Urdhwajatrugata disorders including Ardhavabheaka. Ingredients of Pathyadi Kwath are Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Amalaki, Nimba, Bhunimba, Haridra and Guduchi sincere effort is taken to review ancient literature on Arkakalpana and method of preparation of pathyadi kwath arka. Conclusion- Arka kalpana is a demand of the age. There arises a need to know the exact procedures and methodologies involved in the preparation of this formulation. The current study gives elaborative description about Arkakalpana which will definitely help in further research in the contest.

Keywords: Arkakalpana, Ravana’s Arkaprakash, Pathyadi Kwath Arka, Distillation process.