Sutshekhar Ras is an important medicine in Ayurveda. It acts on Pitta Dosha and reduces symptoms like heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, epigastric tenderness, hiccup, fever, breathing troubles, headache etc. Sutshekhar Ras is an Ayurvedic medicine in tablet or powder form. It is useful in the treatment of dyspepsia, gastritis, vomiting, abdominal pain etc. This product is took under strict medical supervision.
Uses of Sutshekhar Ras
It is useful in the treatment of Dyspepsia, gastritis, vomiting, abdominal colic, cough, cold, diarrhea, dysentery, bloating and indigestion. It is also useful in the treatment of Chronic Hiccups.
Dosage
125 – 250 mg once or twice a day, before or after food. It is traditionally administered along with hot water and betel leaf. It can be consumed upto 1 – 2 months based on doctor’s prescription.
Side Effects
Some people may get metallic taste after taking this. It can be normal, if it happens for a week then subsides. If it continues beyond 1 week time, better to consult your doctor.
Take this medicine in precise dose and for limited period of time, as advised by doctor.
It is best to avoid in pregnancy, lactation and in children.
Contents of Sutshekhar Ras
- Shuddha Parada – Herbal purified Mercury
- Swarna Bhasma – Bhasma of Gold
- Tankana Bhasma – Borax
- Shuddha Vatsanabha – Purified Aconitum ferox
- Shunti – Ginger Rhizome – Zingiber officinalis
- Maricha – Black pepper – Piper nigrum
- Pippali – Long pepper fruit – Piper longum
- Dattura – Datura metel
- Gandhaka – Purified and processed Sulphur
- Tamra Bhasma – Bhasma prepared from Copper
- Ela – Cardamom – Elettaria cardamomum
- Twak – Cinnamon – Cinnamomum zeylanicum
- Patra – Cinnamomum tamala
- Nagakeshara – Mesua ferrea
- Shankha Bhasma – Bhasma of Conch Shell
- Fruit pulp of Bilva – Bael Fruit – Aegle marmelos
- Kachura – Curcuma zeodaria
- Juice extract of Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba – quantity sufficient
Method of Preparation
Purified Mercury and Sulphur are triturated. It gives a black powder mix. The ingredients in fine powder form is ground with the juice extract. Paste and pills are made.
Mode of Action of different ingredients
Dhatura
Datura stramonium is a main ingredient of Sutshekhar Ras. It is a widespread annual plant, containing atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, which can produce poisoning with a severe anticholinergic syndrome13. Atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine/daturine (the l-enantiomer of atropine) are the primary active constituents in all dhatura species. The three primary alkaloids in dhatura are antimuscarinic anticholinergics, which means they competitively antagonize (block) the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. As this is a potent anticholinergic drug, it inhibits the action of Acetylcholine. Previously we said that Acetylcholine from parasympathetic vagal efferent modulates basal acid secretion and stimulate acid secretion indirectly by inhibiting the release of somatostatin, so ultimately by blocking the acetylcholine, Dhatura inhibits acid(HCl) production in gastric mucosa and relieves hyperacidity.
Shankh Bhasm
The other component of Sutshekhar Ras is Shankh Bhasm. This is a Calcium carbonate compound. This directly reacts with gastric HCl and neutralize them, so this acts as potent antacid.
CaCO3 + HCl = H2O + CO2 + CaCl2
Indirectly, acetylcholine also stimulates acid secretion through activation of M2 and M4 receptors on D cells. Antacids work instantaneously and give rapid relief from hyperacidity. The primary effect of antacids is partial neutralization of gastric hydrochloric acid and inhibition of the proteolytic enzyme pepsin. These antacids are administered orally. Their potency is measured by the amount of acid neutralized by a given dose of the antacid.
Most Commonly we use sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide as antacids. For example, calcium carbonate is sparingly soluble. Hence it reacts with HCl and generates soluble calcium chloride. Which converts back to calcium carbonate in the alkaline conditions of the small intestine. Other used antacids are the insoluble aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Aluminum and calcium containing products generally cause constipation. Hence these agents are combined with magnesium hydroxide. These drugs when administered alone can cause diarrhea and loose stools.
Benefits of Sutshekhar Ras
Its main action is on Pitta and Vata dosha. It is used in diseases with aggravation of Pitta and Vata that are related with following organs:
- All organs of abdomen – stomach, liver, small intestine, large intestine, colon, pancreas, spleen, and gall bladder.
- Heart and blood vessels
- Brain and nerves
- Lungs
Gastritis, Hyperacidity, GERD, Heartburn, Acid Reflux
Sutshekhar Ras reduces the increased sourness and sharpness or penetrating powder of Pitta. These things are responsible for increasing acid production in the stomach and increasing the sensitivity of the gastric mucosa. The increase in sensitivity causes inflammation of the lining of the stomach which is gastritis. Same things occur in hyperacidity, heartburn, GERD or indigestion, but the mechanism may be different. For example, in heartburn and GERD, acid backs up into the food pipe due to irritated esophageal sphincter. The continuous irritation of the sphincter leads to its malfunctions. This irritation occurs due to increased sharpness of the Pitta dosha, according to ayurveda.
As Sutshekhar Ras acts on these things and restores the balance, so gives relief from all gastric diseases occurring due to this. Therefore, it is highly useful in hyperacidity, gastritis, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), or acid reflux. It soothes the gastric mucosa, and linings of the oesophagus, and esophageal sphincter, which helps to reduce their irritation and ultimately cures these problems.
Esophagitis
Similarly, Sutshekhar Ras works to reduce the inflammation of the esophagus, as it works in gastritis. Sutshekhar Ras in reduced dosage of 65 mg along with Yashtimadhu, Shatavari, Giloy Satva, Praval Pishti and Mukta Pishti is useful. This combination can provide relief in this condition within a few weeks. It reduces chest pain, epigastric tenderness, and pain or difficulty during occurring swallowing. It also prevents the leakage of stomach acids back into the esophagus.
Loss of Appetite
Sutshekhar Ras is a good remedy for loss of appetite. It is useful in Pitta conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, or hyperacidity. It maintains and restores the natural balance in acid secretion and reduces gastric irritation. The second action also appears on the mind and improves the desire to eat.
Many people with liver disorders has also reported poor appetite. Sutshekhar Ras is useful in case pitta is main condition in other associated symptoms. If condition is likely to be Kapha, then Arogyavardhini Vati is more beneficial.
Motion Sickness
Sutshekhar Ras is highly effective medicine for motion sickness. It should taken half an hour before travelling, it helps to prevents nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, feeling of restlessness, and dizziness. In long journeys it can taken after every 4 to 6 hours in dosage of 250 mg for adults and 125 mg for children.