SHANKHA VATI
Introduction:
Shankhavati is commonly used to support digestive functions and ease digestion related discomforts, dyspepsia, and anorexia etc. It is a combination of ingredients, including Shankha Bhasma (powdered conch shell), which is known for its digestive properties in Ayurveda, is an excellent appetizer, digestive which relieves pain, and removes vata. It is extremely useful in conditions abdominal pain, indigestion, and intestinal colic.
It contains a heavy metal i.e. Parada (mercury) in the form of Kajjali and a herbal drug Vatsanabha along with other ingredients. Hence caution to be exercised and to be taken under supervision of experienced Vaidya.
Reference: Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Yog Ratnakar, Ras Tantra Sar
Content of ingredients differ in preparations shown in various reference books, Common preparation is tabulated below.
Ingredients: Contains following ingredients:
| HERB | BINOMIAL NAME | SANSKRIT NAME | HINDI NAME | GUJARATI NAME | PART |
| Imali Kshar | Tamarindus indica | आमलिका | इमली | આમલી | 4 |
| Rock Salt | Sodium Chloride | सिंधव लवण | सेंधा नमक | સિંધાલુણ | 1.25 |
| Vida Salt | Amonium Chloride | वीदा लवण | वीदा नमक | વીદા મીઠુ | 1.25 |
| Black salt | Sodium Chloride | सौवारचल लवण | काला नमक | સંચળ | 1.25 |
| Common Salt | Sodium Chloride | समुद्र लवण | समुद्री नमक | સમુદ્ર નું મીઠું | 1.25 |
| Earthen Salt | Sodium Chloride | रोमका लवण | सांभर लवण | સાંભર મીઠું | 1.25 |
| Black Pepper | Piper Nigrum | मरिच | काली मिर्च | કાળા મરી | 1 |
| Pippali | Piper Longum | पिपली | पिपली | પીપર ઝીણી | 1 |
| Ginger | Zingiber Officinale | अदरका, सुंठी | अदरक, सोंठ | સૂંઠ | 1 |
| Asafetida | Ferula foetida | हिङ्गु | हिंग | હિંગ | 1 |
| Shankh Bhasma | Calcined conch | शंख भस्म | शंख भस्म | શંખ ભસ્મ | 4 |
| Lemon Juice | Citrus lemon | नींबू सत्व | नींबू सत्व | લીંબુનો રસ | Q.S. |
| Vatsanabh | Aconitum ferox | वत्सनाभ | मीठा विष | વછનાગ | 0.25 |
| Mercury | Purified mercury | शुद्ध पारा | शुद्ध पारा | શુદ્ધ પારો | 0.25 |
| Sulphur | Purified Sulphur | शुद्ध गंधक | शुद्ध गंधक | શુદ્ધ ગંધક | 0.25 |
Doses:
Take 1-2 tablets with lukewarm water once/twice a day or as directed by the physician.
Preparation:
Imli kshar and Panch lavan are mixed in lemon juice (Kharal-triturated). Small quantity of Shankh Bhasma is added and mixed well. Kajjali is prepared by mixing Sulphar and Parad. Kajjali, vatsanabh, asafetida, Ginger, Black pepper and pippali are added by in required quantity of lemon juice. Once mixed well Vati (tablets) are prepared.
Uses:
- Useful in Indigestion/dyspepsia, bloating, intestinal colic, and stomach pain.
- Is an appetizer and improves digestion power, strengthen digestive system.
- Useful in burning sensation of stomach, acidity.
- By improving digestion, it is useful in gaining weight for thin or weak individuals, promote general wellness.
- Helpful to cure vomiting due to bloating and gas.
Precautions:
It contains a heavy metal i.e. Parada (mercury) in the form of Kajjali and a herbal drug Vatsanabha along with other ingredients. Hence caution to be exercised and to be taken under supervision of experienced Vaidya.
(It is always advisable to consult qualified Vaidya, information here is for sharing knowledge about the ayurvedic preparation)