Krimighna Gana: Parasites Relieving Herbs: Review, Benefits, Formulations

This article is written by Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD.
The word ‘Krimi’ means ‘worms’ or ‘micro organisms’ in Sanskrit.The drug which kills or destructs the worms in their site is called Krimighna. 

Ayurveda explains several varieties of Krimi based upon the size, shape, site, nature etc. Even though each variety of worms has their own method to pacify the Krimighna gana referred here intends to kill the maximum variety of Krimis.

Krimighna Gana

By nature itself all such medicines are deep penetrative, hot in potency and pungent or bitter in character.

Let us review the quality and action of these drugs one by one in brief-

1. Aksheeva (Moringa oleifera Lam.)-Seeds/Stem bark
Anti helmenthic, eye tonic, anti inflammatory, anti pyretic, analgesic etc.

2. Maricha – Black pepper fruit –Piper nigrum-Seeds
Adaptogenic,  appetizer,  carminative,  digestive, liver stimulant,  wormicide etc.

3. Gandira (Euphorbia antiquorum Linn.)-Stem bark
Laxative, appetizer, analgesic, anti inflammatory, stimulant etc.

4. Kebuka – Costus speciosus -Roots
Anti biotic, blood purifier, purifier of the semen, energizer, anti helmenthic etc.

5. Vidanga – False Black Pepper (Embelia ribes Burm. f.)-Seeds
Rejuvinative, potent wormicide, haemetenic etc.

6. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) – Leaves/Root
Anti inflammatory, analgesic, wormcide, healing etc.

7. Kinihi – Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera Linn.)-Whole plant
Wound healing, anti biotic, antacid, wormicide, scraping etc.

8.  Shwadamstra- Gokshura – (Tribulus terrestris)-Seeds
Diuretic, aphrodisiac, anti inflammatory, rejuvinative, anti biotic  etc.

9. Vrisaparnika (Ipomoea sp.)- Tubers
Anti pyretic, bitter tonic, liver stimulant, wormicide, anti microbial etc.

10. Akhuparnika (Ipomoea reniformis Chois)-Whole plant
Anti helmethic, anti pyretic, bitter tonic, carminative,digestive,stimulant, anti microbial etc.

Qualities, Actions

Qualities in general and actions of Krimighna gana drugs:
These drugs are bitter or astringent in nature. They usually have the tendency to undergo pungent kind of metabolic change (Katu vipiaka) followed with hot potency.

These drugs are potent anti microbial, anti helmenthic, wormicide, bitter tonics and liver stimulants. Few of the drugs have the ability to restore and stabilize the intestinal flora too.

Therapeutic uses

Therapeutic uses of Krimighna gana drugs:
These drugs can be used in intestinal worms, skin diseases, abdominal pain, fever, blood borne disorders, colic pain etc. In food poisoning and mal digestion cases also they are found to be effective.

Ayurvedic formulations

Formulations containing Krimighna drugs :
Vidangarishtha, Gandeeradyarishtha, Krimighna kashaya, Raktashodhaka kashaya ,Kottam chukkadi kashaya etc formulations possess the ingredients of Krimighna gana.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of Krimighna gana drugs:
As the drugs of this Gana are hot and strong they are not advisable in diarrhea, severe anemia, intestinal perforation, ulceration etc. In pregnancy and puerperal period also this should be avoided or else it should be administered with caution.

Simple formulations

Simple formulations that can be made from the above drugs and their application in routine practice:
Akhuparni alone is used in fresh juice or decoction form in intestinal worms. Likewise Vidanga choorna or its kashaya are also equally beneficial in worms. Fine powder of Kushtha has the ability to check repeated episodes of pin worms by strengthening the gut due to its anti microbial property.

Formulation development opportunities:
 Tablets and syrups can be made out of these drugs against the worms. By potentiation (bhavana) technique capsules or medicated powders can also be designed.
If laxatives are also included  in the formulation desired therapeutic actions can be obtained as per the need, now a days.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD.