Each entry presents the complete Caraka Saṃhitā references in original Sanskrit, the classical Ayurvedic profile (rasa–guṇa–vīrya–vipāka), key chemical constituents, and the bridge between spiritual and physical action.
Caraka Saṃhitā References 📜 200+ citations
Śuṇṭhī/Nāgara is among the most referenced herbs in the entire Caraka Saṃhitā, appearing across Sūtra, Vimāna, Śārīra, Kalpa, and Cikitsā Sthānas. Key Mahākāṣāya group entries shown below; full index follows.
6. Dīpanīya — Appetite-Kindling Group
पिप्पलीपिप्पलीमूलचव्यचित्रकशृङ्गवेराम्लवेतसमरिचाजमोदाभल्लातकास्थिहिङ्गुनिर्यासा इति दशेमानि दीपनीयानि भवन्ति (६)
pippalī-pippalīmūla-cavya-citraka-śṛṅgavera-āmlavetasa-marica-ajamoda-bhallātaka-asthi-hiṅgu-niryāsā iti daśemāni dīpanīyāni bhavanti (6)
Pippalī, pippalī root, cavya, citraka, ginger (śṛṅgavera), āmlavetasa, marica, ajamoda, bhallātaka seed, and hiṅgu extract — these ten are the appetite-kindlers.
11. Tṛptighna — Anti-Satiation Group
नागरचव्यचित्रकविडङ्गमूर्वागुडूचीवचामुस्तपिप्पलीपटोलानीति दशेमानि तृप्तिघ्नानि भवन्ति (११)
nāgara-cavya-citraka-viḍaṅga-mūrvā-guḍūcī-vacā-musta-pippalī-paṭolānīti daśemāni tṛptighnāni bhavanti (11)
Nāgara (dried ginger), cavya, citraka, viḍaṅga, mūrvā, guḍūcī, vacā, musta, pippalī, and paṭola — these ten relieve pseudo-satiation.
12. Arśoghna — Anti-Hemorrhoidal Group
कुटजबिल्वचित्रकनागरातिविषाभयाधन्वयासकदारुहरिद्रावचाचव्यानीति दशेमान्यर्शोघ्नानि भवन्ति (१२)
kuṭaja-bilva-citraka-nāgara-ativiṣā-abhayā-dhanvayāsaka-dāruharidrā-vacā-cavyānīti daśemānyarśoghnāni bhavanti (12)
Kuṭaja, bilva, citraka, nāgara (dry ginger), ativiṣā, abhayā, dhanvayāsa, dāru-haridrā, vacā, and cavya — these ten destroy hemorrhoids.
18. Āmapācana — Digesting Āma Group
नागरचित्रकविडङ्गमुस्तगुडूचीभूनिम्बत्रिवृत्पिप्पलीवचापाठा इति दशेमान्यामपाचनानि भवन्ति (१८)
nāgara-citraka-viḍaṅga-musta-guḍūcī-bhūnimba-trivṛt-pippalī-vacā-pāṭhā iti daśemānyāmapācanāni bhavanti (18)
Nāgara (dry ginger), citraka, viḍaṅga, musta, guḍūcī, bhūnimba, trivṛt, pippalī, vacā, and pāṭhā — these ten digest āma (toxic metabolic residue).
29. Tṛṣṇā-nigrahaṇa — Anti-Thirst Group
नागरधन्वयवासकमुस्तपर्पटकचन्दनकिराततिक्तकगुडूचीह्रीवेरधान्यकपटोलानीति दशेमानि तृष्णानिग्रहणानि भवन्ति (२९)
nāgara-dhanvayavāsaka-musta-parpaṭaka-candana-kirātatiktaka-guḍūcī-hrīvera-dhānyaka-paṭolānīti daśemāni tṛṣṇānigrahaṇāni bhavanti (29)
Nāgara (dry ginger), dhanvayavāsaka, musta, parpaṭaka, candana, kirātatiktaka, guḍūcī, hrīvera, dhānyaka, and paṭola — these ten suppress excessive thirst.
42. Śīta-praśamana — Cold-Dispelling Group
तगरागुरुधान्यकशृङ्गवेरभूतीकवचाकण्टकार्यग्निमन्थश्योनाकपिप्पल्य इति दशेमानि शीतप्रशमनानि भवन्ति (४२)
tagara-aguru-dhānyaka-śṛṅgavera-bhūtīka-vacā-kaṇṭakārī-agnimantha-śyonāka-pippalya iti daśemāni śītapraśamanāni bhavanti (42)
Tagara, aguru, dhānyaka, śṛṅgavera (ginger), bhūtīka, vacā, kaṇṭakārī, agnimantha, śyonāka, and pippalī — these ten dispel cold.
45. Śūla-praśamana — Pain-Relieving Group
पिप्पलीपिप्पलीमूलचव्यचित्रकशृङ्गवेरमरिचाजमोदाजगन्धाजाजीगण्डीराणीति दशेमानि शूलप्रशमनानि भवन्ति (४५)
pippalī-pippalīmūla-cavya-citraka-śṛṅgavera-maricā-ajamoda-jagandhā-jājī-gaṇḍīrāṇīti daśemāni śūlapraśamanāni bhavanti (45)
Pippalī, pippalī root, cavya, citraka, ginger (śṛṅgavera), marica, ajamoda, jagandhā, jājī, and gaṇḍīra — these ten relieve colic pain.
Complete Caraka Saṃhitā Reference Index — Śuṇṭhī / Nāgara / Śṛṅgavera (Ginger) 99 refs
Classical Ayurvedic Profile
Guṇa
Laghu, Rūkṣa
Light, Dry
Vipāka
Madhura
Sweet (post-digestive)
Bhāvaprakāśa calls śuṇṭhī viśvabhaiṣajya — the "universal medicine" — balancing vāta and kapha.
Key Chemical Constituents
Spiritual ↔ Physical Bridge
How the Classical Maps to the Chemical
Dīpana (kindles agni)
⟷
Gingerols stimulate gastric motility and HCl secretion
Śūla-praśamana (colic relief)
⟷
6-shogaol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis (COX/LOX)
Śīta-praśamana (dispels cold)
⟷
Shogaols activate TRPV1 thermoreceptors, raise metabolic heat
Āmapācaka (detoxifier)
⟷
Zingerone scavenges reactive oxygen species; hepatoprotective
Caraka Saṃhitā References — Sūtrasthāna Ch.4
16. Viṣaghna — Anti-Toxic Group
हरिद्रामञ्जिष्ठासुवहासूक्ष्मैलापालिन्दीचन्दनकतकशिरीषसिन्धुवारश्लेष्मातका इति दशेमानि विषघ्नानि भवन्ति (१६)
haridrā-mañjiṣṭhā-suvahā-sūkṣmailā-pālindī-candana-kataka-śirīṣa-sindhuvāra-śleṣmātakā iti daśemāni viṣaghnāni bhavanti (16)
Haridrā, mañjiṣṭhā, suvahā, fine cardamom (sūkṣmailā), pālindī, candana, kataka, śirīṣa, sindhuvāra, and śleṣmātaka — these ten are anti-toxic.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.11
37. Śvāsahara — Anti-Dyspnea Group
शटीपुष्करमूलाम्लवेतसैलाहिङ्ग्वगुरुसुरसातामलकीजीवन्तीचण्डा इति दशेमानि श्वासहराणि भवन्ति (३७)
śaṭī-puṣkaramūla-āmlavetasa-elā-hiṅgu-aguru-surasā-tāmalakī-jīvantī-caṇḍā iti daśemāni śvāsaharāṇi bhavanti (37)
Śaṭī, puṣkaramūla, āmlavetasa, cardamom (elā), hiṅgu, aguru, surasā, tāmalakī, jīvantī, and caṇḍā — these ten relieve dyspnea.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.16
44. Aṅgamarda-praśamana — Body-Ache Relieving Group
विदारीगन्धापृश्निपर्णीबृहतीकण्टकारिकैरण्डकाकोलीचन्दनोशीरैलामधुकानीति दशेमान्यङ्गमर्दप्रशमनानि भवन्ति (४४)
vidārīgandhā-pṛśniparṇī-bṛhatī-kaṇṭakārikā-eraṇḍa-kākolī-candana-uśīra-elā-madhukānīti daśemānyaṅgamardapraśamanāni bhavanti (44)
Vidārīgandhā, pṛśniparṇī, bṛhatī, kaṇṭakārikā, eraṇḍa, kākolī, candana, uśīra, cardamom (elā), and madhuka — these ten relieve body aches.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.17
Complete Caraka Saṃhitā Reference Index — Ēlā (Cardamom) 11 refs
Classical Ayurvedic Profile
Rasa
Kaṭu, Madhura
Pungent, Sweet
Guṇa
Laghu, Rūkṣa
Light, Dry
Elā stimulates agni without aggravating pitta — clears the mind and mitigates the vāta-provoking effect of black tea and dairy.
Key Chemical Constituents
Spiritual ↔ Physical Bridge
How the Classical Maps to the Chemical
Śvāsahara (relieves dyspnea)
⟷
1,8-Cineole relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, thins mucus
Viṣaghna (anti-toxic)
⟷
Limonene induces Phase II detoxification (glutathione-S-transferase)
Hṛdya (clears the mind)
⟷
Linalool modulates GABA-A receptors, produces anxiolytic calm
Caraka Saṃhitā References — Sūtrasthāna Ch.4
6. Dīpanīya — Appetite-Kindling Group
पिप्पलीपिप्पलीमूलचव्यचित्रकशृङ्गवेराम्लवेतसमरिचाजमोदाभल्लातकास्थिहिङ्गुनिर्यासा इति दशेमानि दीपनीयानि भवन्ति (६)
pippalī-pippalīmūla-cavya-citraka-śṛṅgavera-āmlavetasa-marica-ajamoda-bhallātaka-asthi-hiṅgu-niryāsā iti daśemāni dīpanīyāni bhavanti (6)
Pippalī, pippalī root, cavya, citraka, ginger, āmlavetasa, black pepper (marica), ajamoda, bhallātaka seed, and hiṅgu extract — these ten kindle appetite.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.9
15. Krimighna — Anthelmintic Group
अक्षीवमरिचगण्डीरकेबुकविडङ्गनिर्गुण्डीकिणिहीश्वदंष्ट्रावृषपर्णिकाखुपर्णिका इति दशेमानि क्रिमिघ्नानि भवन्ति (१५)
akṣīva-marica-gaṇḍīra-kebuka-viḍaṅga-nirguṇḍī-kiṇihī-śvadaṁṣṭrā-vṛṣaparṇikā-khuparṇikā iti daśemāni krimighnāni bhavanti (15)
Akṣīva, black pepper (marica), gaṇḍīra, kebuka, viḍaṅga, nirguṇḍī, kiṇihī, śvadaṁṣṭrā, vṛṣaparṇikā, and khuparṇikā — these ten destroy worms/parasites.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.11
27. Śiro-virecana — Nasal Cleansing Group
ज्योतिष्मतीक्षवकमरिचपिप्पलीविडङ्गशिग्रुसर्षपापामार्गतण्डुलश्वेतामहाश्वेता इति दशेमानि शिरोविरेचनोपगानि भवन्ति (२७)
jyotiṣmatī-kṣavaka-marica-pippalī-viḍaṅga-śigru-sarṣapa-āpāmārga-taṇḍula-śvetā-mahāśvetā iti daśemāni śirovirecana-upagāni bhavanti (27)
Jyotiṣmatī, kṣavaka, black pepper (marica), pippalī, viḍaṅga, śigru, sarṣapa, āpāmārga, taṇḍula, śvetā, and mahāśvetā — these ten aid nasal cleansing.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.13
45. Śūla-praśamana — Pain-Relieving Group
पिप्पलीपिप्पलीमूलचव्यचित्रकशृङ्गवेरमरिचाजमोदाजगन्धाजाजीगण्डीराणीति दशेमानि शूलप्रशमनानि भवन्ति (४५)
pippalī-pippalīmūla-cavya-citraka-śṛṅgavera-marica-ajamoda-jagandhā-jājī-gaṇḍīrāṇīti daśemāni śūlapraśamanāni bhavanti (45)
Pippalī, pippalī root, cavya, citraka, ginger, black pepper (marica), ajamoda, jagandhā, jājī, and gaṇḍīra — these ten relieve colic.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.17
Complete Caraka Saṃhitā Reference Index — Marica (Black Pepper) 133 refs
Classical Ayurvedic Profile
Guṇa
Laghu, Tīkṣṇa
Light, Sharp
Key Chemical Constituents
Spiritual ↔ Physical Bridge
How the Classical Maps to the Chemical
Dīpana (kindles agni)
⟷
Piperine stimulates thermogenesis via TRPV1, increases gastric acid
Krimighna (destroys parasites)
⟷
Piperine disrupts helminth neuromuscular function
Yogavāhī (carrier/enhancer)
⟷
Piperine inhibits CYP3A4 & P-glycoprotein → increases bioavailability of co-administered compounds by up to 2000%
Caraka Saṃhitā References — Sūtrasthāna Ch.4
Pippalī is the most-referenced chai herb in the 50 Mahākāṣāya, appearing in 8 groups — more than any other single spice.
6. Dīpanīya — Appetite-Kindling Group
पिप्पलीपिप्पलीमूलचव्यचित्रकशृङ्गवेराम्लवेतसमरिचाजमोदाभल्लातकास्थिहिङ्गुनिर्यासा इति दशेमानि दीपनीयानि भवन्ति (६)
pippalī-pippalīmūla-cavya-citraka-śṛṅgavera-āmlavetasa-marica-ajamoda-bhallātaka-asthi-hiṅgu-niryāsā iti daśemāni dīpanīyāni bhavanti (6)
Long pepper (pippalī), pippalī root, cavya, citraka, ginger, āmlavetasa, black pepper, ajamoda, bhallātaka seed, and hiṅgu — these ten kindle appetite.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.9
9. Kaṇṭhya — Throat-Beneficial Group
सारिवेक्षुमूलमधुकपिप्पलीद्राक्षाविदारीकैटर्यहंसपादीबृहतीकण्टकारिका इति दशेमानि कण्ठ्यानि भवन्ति (९)
sārivā-ikṣumūla-madhuka-pippalī-drākṣā-vidārī-kaiṭarya-haṁsapādī-bṛhatī-kaṇṭakārikā iti daśemāni kaṇṭhyāni bhavanti (9)
Sārivā, sugarcane root, madhuka, long pepper (pippalī), grape, vidārī, kaiṭarya, haṁsapādī, bṛhatī, and kaṇṭakārikā — these ten benefit the throat.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.10
25. Āsthāpanopaga — Enema Adjuvant Group
त्रिवृद्बिल्वपिप्पलीकुष्ठसर्षपवचावत्सकफलशतपुष्पामधुकमदनफलानीति दशेमान्यास्थापनोपगानि भवन्ति (२५)
trivṛd-bilva-pippalī-kuṣṭha-sarṣapa-vacā-vatsaka-phala-śatapuṣpā-madhuka-madana-phalānīti daśemānyāsthāpana-upagāni bhavanti (25)
Trivṛd, bilva, long pepper (pippalī), kuṣṭha, sarṣapa, vacā, vatsaka fruit, śatapuṣpā, madhuka, and madana fruit — these ten aid enema therapy.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.13
27. Śiro-virecana — Nasal Cleansing Group
ज्योतिष्मतीक्षवकमरिचपिप्पलीविडङ्गशिग्रुसर्षपापामार्गतण्डुलश्वेतामहाश्वेता इति दशेमानि शिरोविरेचनोपगानि भवन्ति (२७)
jyotiṣmatī-kṣavaka-marica-pippalī-viḍaṅga-śigru-sarṣapa-āpāmārga-taṇḍula-śvetā-mahāśvetā iti daśemāni śirovirecana-upagāni bhavanti (27)
Jyotiṣmatī, kṣavaka, black pepper, long pepper (pippalī), viḍaṅga, śigru, sarṣapa, āpāmārga, taṇḍula, śvetā, and mahāśvetā — these ten aid nasal cleansing.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.13
30. Hikkā-nigrahaṇa — Anti-Hiccough Group
शटीपुष्करमूलबदरबीजकण्टकारिकाबृहतीवृक्षरुहाभयापिप्पलीदुरालभाकुलीरशृङ्ग्य इति दशेमानि हिक्कानिग्रहणानि भवन्ति (३०)
śaṭī-puṣkaramūla-badara-bīja-kaṇṭakārikā-bṛhatī-vṛkṣaruhā-abhayā-pippalī-durālabhā-kulīraśṛṅgya iti daśemāni hikkānigrahaṇāni bhavanti (30)
Śaṭī, puṣkaramūla, badara seed, kaṇṭakārikā, bṛhatī, vṛkṣaruhā, abhayā, long pepper (pippalī), durālabhā, and kulīraśṛṅgya — these ten suppress hiccough.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.14
36. Kāsahara — Anti-Cough Group
द्राक्षाभयामलकपिप्पलीदुरालभाशृङ्गीकण्टकारिकावृश्चीरपुनर्नवातामलक्य इति दशेमानि कासहराणि भवन्ति (३६)
drākṣā-abhayā-amalaka-pippalī-durālabhā-śṛṅgī-kaṇṭakārikā-vṛścīra-punarnavā-tāmalakya iti daśemāni kāsaharāṇi bhavanti (36)
Grape, abhayā, āmalaka, long pepper (pippalī), durālabhā, śṛṅgī, kaṇṭakārikā, vṛścīra, punarnavā, and tāmalakya — these ten relieve cough.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.16
42. Śīta-praśamana — Cold-Dispelling Group
तगरागुरुधान्यकशृङ्गवेरभूतीकवचाकण्टकार्यग्निमन्थश्योनाकपिप्पल्य इति दशेमानि शीतप्रशमनानि भवन्ति (४२)
tagara-aguru-dhānyaka-śṛṅgavera-bhūtīka-vacā-kaṇṭakārī-agnimantha-śyonāka-pippalya iti daśemāni śītapraśamanāni bhavanti (42)
Tagara, aguru, dhānyaka, ginger, bhūtīka, vacā, kaṇṭakārī, agnimantha, śyonāka, and long pepper (pippalī) — these ten dispel cold.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.17
45. Śūla-praśamana — Pain-Relieving Group
पिप्पलीपिप्पलीमूलचव्यचित्रकशृङ्गवेरमरिचाजमोदाजगन्धाजाजीगण्डीराणीति दशेमानि शूलप्रशमनानि भवन्ति (४५)
pippalī-pippalīmūla-cavya-citraka-śṛṅgavera-marica-ajamoda-jagandhā-jājī-gaṇḍīrāṇīti daśemāni śūlapraśamanāni bhavanti (45)
Long pepper (pippalī), pippalī root, cavya, citraka, ginger, marica, ajamoda, jagandhā, jājī, and gaṇḍīra — these ten relieve colic pain.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.17
Complete Caraka Saṃhitā Reference Index — Pippalī (Long Pepper) 26 refs
Classical Ayurvedic Profile
Guṇa
Laghu, Tīkṣṇa
Light, Sharp
Pippalī is uniquely classified as both rasāyana (rejuvenative) and vṛṣya (aphrodisiac). Trikaṭu cūrṇa (pippalī + marica + śuṇṭhī) is the classical prototype chai masala.
Key Chemical Constituents
Spiritual ↔ Physical Bridge
How the Classical Maps to the Chemical
Rasāyana (rejuvenative)
⟷
Piperlongumine selectively induces apoptosis in senescent cells
Kāsahara (anti-cough)
⟷
Piperine suppresses cough reflex via TRPV1 desensitization
Kaṇṭhya (throat-beneficial)
⟷
Piperine + sesamin reduce pharyngeal inflammation (NF-κB inhibition)
Śīta-praśamana (dispels cold)
⟷
Piperine activates brown adipose tissue thermogenesis via TRPV1
Caraka Saṃhitā References — Sūtrasthāna Ch.4
25. Āsthāpanopaga — Enema Adjuvant Group
त्रिवृद्बिल्वपिप्पलीकुष्ठसर्षपवचावत्सकफलशतपुष्पामधुकमदनफलानीति दशेमान्यास्थापनोपगानि भवन्ति (२५)
trivṛd-bilva-pippalī-kuṣṭha-sarṣapa-vacā-vatsaka-phala-śatapuṣpā-madhuka-madana-phalānīti daśemānyāsthāpana-upagāni bhavanti (25)
Trivṛd, bilva, pippalī, kuṣṭha, sarṣapa, vacā, vatsaka fruit, fennel (śatapuṣpā), madhuka, and madana fruit — these ten aid enema therapy.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.13
26. Anuvāsanopaga — Oil Enema Adjuvant Group
रास्नासुरदारुबिल्वमदनशतपुष्पावृश्चीरपुनर्नवाश्वदंष्ट्राग्निमन्थश्योनाका इति दशेमान्यनुवासनोपगानि भवन्ति (२६)
rāsnā-suradāru-bilva-madana-śatapuṣpā-vṛścīra-punarnavā-śvadaṁṣṭrā-agnimantha-śyonākā iti daśemānyanuvāsana-upagāni bhavanti (26)
Rāsnā, suradāru, bilva, madana, fennel (śatapuṣpā), vṛścīra, punarnavā, śvadaṁṣṭrā, agnimantha, and śyonāka — these ten aid oil enema therapy.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.13
Complete Caraka Saṃhitā Reference Index — Śatapuṣpā (Fennel) 25 refs
Classical Ayurvedic Profile
Rasa
Madhura, Kaṭu
Sweet, Pungent
Guṇa
Laghu, Snigdha
Light, Unctuous
Fennel is the rare cooling carminative in chai — moderating the heat of pungent spices while supporting digestion of dairy and sweets.
Key Chemical Constituents
Spiritual ↔ Physical Bridge
How the Classical Maps to the Chemical
Dāha-praśamana (soothes burning)
⟷
Anethole blocks Ca²⁺ influx → relaxes smooth muscle, reduces gastric acid
Stanyajanana (promotes lactation)
⟷
trans-Anethole has dopamine-receptor-mediated prolactin release
Śīta Vīrya (cooling energy)
⟷
Unlike TRPV1-active pungents, anethole does not activate heat receptors
Caraka Saṃhitā References — Sūtrasthāna Ch.4
29. Tṛṣṇā-nigrahaṇa — Anti-Thirst Group
नागरधन्वयवासकमुस्तपर्पटकचन्दनकिराततिक्तकगुडूचीह्रीवेरधान्यकपटोलानीति दशेमानि तृष्णानिग्रहणानि भवन्ति (२९)
nāgara-dhanvayavāsaka-musta-parpaṭaka-candana-kirātatiktaka-guḍūcī-hrīvera-dhānyaka-paṭolānīti daśemāni tṛṣṇānigrahaṇāni bhavanti (29)
Nāgara, dhanvayavāsaka, musta, parpaṭaka, candana, kirātatiktaka, guḍūcī, hrīvera, coriander (dhānyaka), and paṭola — these ten suppress thirst.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.14
42. Śīta-praśamana — Cold-Dispelling Group
तगरागुरुधान्यकशृङ्गवेरभूतीकवचाकण्टकार्यग्निमन्थश्योनाकपिप्पल्य इति दशेमानि शीतप्रशमनानि भवन्ति (४२)
tagara-aguru-dhānyaka-śṛṅgavera-bhūtīka-vacā-kaṇṭakārī-agnimantha-śyonāka-pippalya iti daśemāni śītapraśamanāni bhavanti (42)
Tagara, aguru, coriander (dhānyaka), ginger, bhūtīka, vacā, kaṇṭakārī, agnimantha, śyonāka, and pippalī — these ten dispel cold.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.17
Complete Caraka Saṃhitā Reference Index — Dhānyaka (Coriander) 46 refs
Classical Ayurvedic Profile
Rasa
Kaṣāya, Tikta
Astringent, Bitter
Key Chemical Constituents
Spiritual ↔ Physical Bridge
How the Classical Maps to the Chemical
Tṛṣṇā-nigrahaṇa (quenches thirst)
⟷
Linalool's cooling sensation + quercetin's mild diuretic rebalances fluid
Pitta-pacifying
⟷
Linalool does not activate TRPV1; instead modulates GABA-A → systemic calming
Caraka Saṃhitā References — Sūtrasthāna Ch.4
3. Lekhanīya — Emaciating / Scraping Group
मुस्तकुष्ठहरिद्रादारुहरिद्रावचातिविषाकटुरोहिणीचित्रकचिरबिल्वहैमवत्य इति दशेमानि लेखनीयानि भवन्ति (३)
musta-kuṣṭha-haridrā-dāru-haridrā-vacā-ativiṣā-kaṭurohiṇī-citraka-cira-bilva-haimavatya iti daśemāni lekhanīyāni bhavanti (3)
Musta, kuṣṭha, turmeric (haridrā), dāru-haridrā, vacā, ativiṣā, kaṭurohiṇī, citraka, cira-bilva, and haimavatya — these ten are emaciating/scraping agents.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.9
13. Kuṣṭhaghna — Anti-Skin Disease Group
खदिराभयामलकहरिद्रारुष्करसप्तपर्णारग्वधकरवीरविडङ्गजातीप्रवालाइति दशेमानि कुष्ठघ्नानि भवन्ति (१३)
khadira-abhayā-amalaka-haridrā-ruṣkara-saptaparṇā-ragvadha-karavīra-viḍaṅga-jātī-pravālā iti daśemāni kuṣṭhaghnāni bhavanti (13)
Khadira, abhayā, āmalaka, turmeric (haridrā), ruṣkara, saptaparṇā, ragvadha, karavīra, viḍaṅga, and jātī-pravāla — these ten destroy skin diseases.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.11
16. Viṣaghna — Anti-Toxic Group
हरिद्रामञ्जिष्ठासुवहासूक्ष्मैलापालिन्दीचन्दनकतकशिरीषसिन्धुवारश्लेष्मातका इति दशेमानि विषघ्नानि भवन्ति (१६)
haridrā-mañjiṣṭhā-suvahā-sūkṣmailā-pālindī-candana-kataka-śirīṣa-sindhuvāra-śleṣmātakā iti daśemāni viṣaghnāni bhavanti (16)
Turmeric (haridrā), mañjiṣṭhā, suvahā, cardamom, pālindī, candana, kataka, śirīṣa, sindhuvāra, and śleṣmātaka — these ten are anti-toxic.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.11
Complete Caraka Saṃhitā Reference Index — Haridrā (Turmeric) 7 refs
Classical Ayurvedic Profile
Rasa
Tikta, Kaṣāya
Bitter, Astringent
Guṇa
Laghu, Rūkṣa
Light, Dry
Key Chemical Constituents
Spiritual ↔ Physical Bridge
How the Classical Maps to the Chemical
Kuṣṭhaghna (skin disease destroyer)
⟷
Curcumin inhibits NF-κB and TNF-α in dermal keratinocytes
Lekhanīya (scraping/fat-reducing)
⟷
Curcumin activates AMPK, enhances lipolysis and reduces adipogenesis
Viṣaghna (anti-toxic)
⟷
Curcumin induces Phase II enzymes (Nrf2/ARE pathway), chelates heavy metals
Raktaprasādana (blood purifier)
⟷
Curcumin reduces CRP and IL-6 — measurable reduction in systemic inflammation
Caraka Saṃhitā References — Sūtrasthāna Ch.4
Madhuka appears in 9 Mahākāṣāya groups — the second most referenced herb after pippalī.
1. Jīvanīya — Vitalizing Group
जीवकर्षभकौमेदामहामेदाकाकोलीक्षीरकाकोलीमुद्गपर्णीमाषपर्ण्यौजीवन्तीमधुकमिति दशेमानि जीवनीयानि भवन्ति (१)
jīvaka-ṛṣabhaka-medā-mahāmedā-kākolī-kṣīrakākolī-mudgaparṇī-māṣaparṇī-jīvantī-madhukam iti daśemāni jīvanīyāni bhavanti (1)
Jīvaka, ṛṣabhaka, medā, mahāmedā, kākolī, kṣīrakākolī, mudgaparṇī, māṣaparṇī, jīvantī, and licorice (madhuka) — these ten are vitalizing.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.9
Also in Groups: 5 (Sandhānīya), 8 (Varṇya), 14 (Kaṇḍūghna), 21 (Snehopaga), 28 (Chardi-nigrahaṇa), 34 (Mūtra-virajanīya), 41 (Dāha-praśamana), 44 (Aṅgamarda-praśamana)
Madhuka's presence across 9 of the 50 Mahākāṣāya reflects its role as one of Ayurveda's most versatile dravyas — spanning vitalization, wound healing, complexion, anti-itch, oleation support, anti-emetic, urinary, anti-burning, and body-ache relief categories.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.9–17 (multiple verses)
Complete Caraka Saṃhitā Reference Index — Yaṣṭimadhu / Madhuka (Licorice) 35 refs
Classical Ayurvedic Profile
Guṇa
Guru, Snigdha
Heavy, Unctuous
Key Chemical Constituents
Spiritual ↔ Physical Bridge
How the Classical Maps to the Chemical
Jīvanīya (vitalizing)
⟷
Glycyrrhizin modulates cortisol → adrenal support; liquiritigenin is neuroprotective
Varṇya (complexion-enhancing)
⟷
Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase → reduces melanin overproduction
Dāha-praśamana (soothes burning)
⟷
Glycyrrhetic acid increases protective gastric mucus secretion
Caraka Saṃhitā References — Sūtrasthāna Ch.4
Known as "abhayā" — "that which removes fear of disease." Appears in 7 Mahākāṣāya groups.
12. Arśoghna — Anti-Hemorrhoidal Group
कुटजबिल्वचित्रकनागरातिविषाभयाधन्वयासकदारुहरिद्रावचाचव्यानीति दशेमान्यर्शोघ्नानि भवन्ति (१२)
kuṭaja-bilva-citraka-nāgara-ativiṣā-abhayā-dhanvayāsaka-dāruharidrā-vacā-cavyānīti daśemānyarśoghnāni bhavanti (12)
Kuṭaja, bilva, citraka, nāgara, ativiṣā, haritaki (abhayā), dhanvayāsaka, dāru-haridrā, vacā, and cavya — these ten destroy hemorrhoids.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.11
Also in Groups: 13 (Kuṣṭhaghna), 24 (Virecana), 30 (Hikkā-nigrahaṇa), 36 (Kāsahara), 39 (Jvarahara), 50 (Vayaḥ-sthāpana)
Harītakī spans anti-skin disease, purgative support, anti-hiccough, anti-cough, antipyretic, and rejuvenation categories — reflecting its status as a tridoṣa-balancing rasāyana.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.11–18 (multiple verses)
Complete Caraka Saṃhitā Reference Index — Abhayā / Harītakī (Haritaki) 20 refs
Classical Ayurvedic Profile
Rasa
Pañcarasa (5 tastes)
All except salty
Guṇa
Laghu, Rūkṣa
Light, Dry
Key Chemical Constituents
Spiritual ↔ Physical Bridge
How the Classical Maps to the Chemical
Vayaḥ-sthāpana (age-stabilizing)
⟷
Gallic acid + chebulagic acid scavenge ROS; chebulic acid improves insulin sensitivity
Anulomana (normal downward flow)
⟷
Anthraquinone glycosides stimulate peristalsis via myenteric plexus
Rasāyana (rejuvenative)
⟷
Corilagin inhibits TGF-β → anti-fibrotic tissue repair
Caraka Saṃhitā References — Sūtrasthāna Ch.4
2. Bṛṁhaṇīya — Nourishing / Bulk-Promoting Group
क्षीरिणीराजक्षवकाश्वगन्धाकाकोलीक्षीरकाकोलीवाट्यायनीभद्रौदनीभारद्वाजीपयस्यर्ष्यगन्धा इति दशेमानि बृंहणीयानि भवन्ति (२)
kṣīriṇī-rājakṣavakā-aśvagandhā-kākolī-kṣīrakākolī-vāṭyāyanī-bhadraudanī-bhāradvājī-payasya-ṛṣyagandhā iti daśemāni bṛṁhaṇīyāni bhavanti (2)
Kṣīriṇī, rājakṣavakā, ashwagandha (aśvagandhā), kākolī, kṣīrakākolī, vāṭyāyanī, bhadraudanī, bhāradvājī, payasyā, and ṛṣyagandhā — these ten are nourishing/bulk-promoting.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.9
7. Balya — Strength-Promoting Group
ऐन्द्र्यृषभ्यतिरसर्ष्यप्रोक्तापयस्याश्वगन्धास्थिरारोहिणीबलातिबला इति दशेमानि बल्यानि भवन्ति (७)
aindrī-ṛṣabhya-atirasā-ṛṣyaproktā-payasyā-aśvagandhā-sthirā-rohiṇī-balā-atibalā iti daśemāni balyāni bhavanti (7)
Aindrī, ṛṣabhya, atirasā, ṛṣyaproktā, payasyā, ashwagandha (aśvagandhā), sthirā, rohiṇī, balā, and atibalā — these ten promote strength.
Caraka Saṃhitā, Sū.4.10
Complete Caraka Saṃhitā Reference Index — Aśvagandhā (Ashwagandha) 20 refs
Classical Ayurvedic Profile
Rasa
Madhura, Tikta
Sweet, Bitter
Guṇa
Guru, Snigdha
Heavy, Unctuous
Modern "ashwagandha chai" or "moon milk" lattes echo the classical use as a warm, nourishing, vāta-pacifying tonic taken with milk before sleep.
Key Chemical Constituents
Spiritual ↔ Physical Bridge
How the Classical Maps to the Chemical
Bālya (strength-promoting)
⟷
Withanolides increase muscle mass and VO₂ max in clinical trials
Rasāyana (rejuvenative)
⟷
Withanone stabilizes p53 and extends cellular lifespan in vitro
Medhya (neurotonic)
⟷
Sitoindosides enhance acetylcholine receptor density in hippocampus
Vātahara (pacifies vāta)
⟷
Sitoindosides normalize HPA axis cortisol → measured anxiolysis in RCTs