Mustakarishta (Mustharishtam)
Mustakarishta (also spelled as Mustharishtam, Mustakadyarishta or Mustarishta) improves appetite and digestion. It increases the secretion of gastric juices and corrects the liver functions. It is well known Ama Pachak in ayurvedic medicine, which prevents toxins (AMA) formation from the undigested food particles. It also helps to digest the formed AMA in the body and prevent its conversion to AMAVISHA. However, it is an appetizer, but it also increases burning of fat due to its digestive action, so it is given to improve the digestion of fats. The obese people should increase intake of fruits, vegetables, and salad if they experience the increase in appetite after taking Mustharishtam.
Mustakarishta is commonly used for the treatment of loss of appetite, indigestion, severe diarrhea, dysentery, malabsorption syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Ingredients (Composition)
The main ingredient of Mustakarishta is Nagarmotha (Nut Grass). The complete list of ingredients of Mustharishtam is provided below.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Nagarmotha or Mustak (Nut Grass) – Cyperus Rotundus | 100 Parts |
| Water | 1024 Parts |
Prepare a decoction with 100 Parts Mustak and 1024 Parts water. Reduce it to ¼ Parts of Liquid i.e. 256 Parts. Then leave it for cooling. Filter the decoction. When decoction is slightly warm, add the following ingredients.
| Gur – Jaggery | 150 Parts |
| Dhataki Flower- Woodfordia Fruticosa | 8 Parts |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) – Trachyspermum Ammi | 1 Part |
| Sonth (Ginger Rhizome) – Zingiber Officinale | 1 Part |
| Kali Mirch (Black Pepper) – Piper Nigrum | 1 Part |
| Laung (Clove) – Syzygium Aromaticum | 1 Part |
| Methi (Fenugreek) – Trigonella Foenum-Graecum | 1 Part |
| Chitrakmool – Plumbago Zeylanica | 1 Part |
| Jeera (Cumin Seeds) – Cuminum Cyminum | 1 Part |
- After mixing these ingredients, seal the asava vessel with a clay-smeared cloth. Leave it for 30 days in arishta place.
- After 30 days, filter the liquid (Mustakarishta) and preserve it in food-grade bottles.
Pharmacological Actions
Mustakarishta has following medicinal properties:
- Ama Pachak
- Appetizer
- Digestive
- Metabolism stimulant
- Astringent
- Antidiarrheal
Dosha Karma
Mustakarishta mainly reduces Kapha Dosha and modulates Pitta Dosha, The modulation of the Pitta improves the digestion and metabolism.
Therapeutic Indications
The main indication of Mustakarishta is to increase AGNI (digestive fire). It is indicated in the following health conditions:
- Loss of appetite
- Dysentery
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Severe diarrhea
- Gastroenteritis
- Obesity
Mustakarishta Uses & Benefits
Mustakarishta mainly acts on stomach, intestine, colon, liver and fatty tissue.
Loss of appetite
Mustakarishta increases appetite by stimulation of the gastric juices and improving the functions of the liver. It also improves the digestion and assimilation of the food and prevents the toxins (AMA) formation.
Diarrhea, Dysentery & Gastroenteritis
Mustakarishta has astringent and anti-diarrheal action attributed to Nagarmotha (Nutgrass). In gastroenteritis, it decreases the severity of vomiting and loose motions.
Malabsorption syndrome
Mustakarishta has digestive action and acts as Ama Pachak medicine. In malabsorption syndrome, AMA is commonly formed, which results in several diseases. Mustakarishta improves digestion and metabolism and increases the absorption of important nutrients.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If diarrhea or loose stools are the main concerns in IBS, then Mustakarishta is beneficial. It binds the stools due to its astringent action and reduces the frequency of bowel movement. It should be started in the dosage of 2.5 ml twice daily and the gradually increase its dosage to 15 ml twice daily over a month.
Weight Loss
Mustakarishta has anti-obesity action. However, it does not suppress appetite. In fact, it increases appetite, but it also promotes fat burning and stimulates fat metabolism in the body. Along with other medicines, it can be used for losing weight.
Read More: Ayurvedic Medicines for Weight Loss
Mustakarishta Dosage
| The general dosage of Mustakarishta is as follows. | |
| Children (above the age of 5 years) | 2.5 to 10 ml |
| Adults | 10 to 30 ml |
| Maximum Possible Dosage | 60 ml Per Day (in divided doses) |
| Doses: Twice a day with equal amount of water | |
| Best Time to Take: After Food | |
Safety Profile
Mustakarishta is considerably safe for most individuals when taken as per its indications in appropriate dosage under professional supervision.
Side Effects of Mustakarishta
There are no side effects reported with Mustakarishta.
Contraindications
There are no absolute contraindications for Mustakarishta.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Mustakarishta contains Chitrak, which can increase uterine contractions and may promote uterine bleeding. Therefore, pregnant women should not take Mustakarishta.
Mustakarishta is possibly safe to consume by lactating mothers. Consult an ayurvedic physician before using Mustakarishta during lactation.
