Charaka Kalpa Sthana 8th Chapter Chaturangula Kalpam

8th chapter of Charaka kalpa sthana deals with “Pharmaceutics of Chaturangula Kalpam”. The chapter name is Chaturangula Kalpam.

Prologue
We shall now explore the chapter dealing with the: “Pharmaceutics of Chaturangula “, thus, said Lord Atreya. [1-2]
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Synonyms

The synonyms of Chaturangula are Aragvadha, Rajavrksa, Sampaka, Chaturangula, Pragraha, Krtamala, Karnikara and Avaghataka.

Therapeutic Utility

Because of its mildness, sweet taste and cooling effect, Rajavrksa (Chaturangula) is exceedingly useful as a purgative for diseases like fever, cardiac ailments, gout and upward movement of wind in the abdomen. Because of mildness it doesn’t produce any complications. Chaturangula is especially suitable as purgative for children, old people, patients suffering from phthisis and emaciation, and for persons having delicate constitution. [4-5]
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Processing of Aragvadha

During appropriate seasons of fruiting, the matured fruits of Aragvadha (Chaturangula) are collected. These fruits endowed with therapeutic attributes are taken in large quantity and kept covered with sand for seven days.  Thereafter, these fruits are taken out of the sand and dried in the sun. The pulp of these fruits is then taken out and stored in a clean jar. [6-7]

Aragvadha (Chaturangula) Swarasa Kalpa

The patient aged between four to twelve years and suffering from daha (burning sensation) as well as udavarta (upward movement of wind in the abdomen) is given one pala (48 g) or one anjali (96gms) of the pulp of Aragvadha (Chaturangula) along with grape juice. [8 – ½ 9]
Read – Anjali Pramana: Volume Measurement As Per Ayurveda

Aragvadha Kalpa with Sura-Manda etc.

Sita-Kashaya or cold infusion of one Prasrta (48 gms. appr) or one Anjali (96 gms. appr) or pulp of aragvadha may also be given along with the following vehicles:
Sura-Manda (supernatant fluid of Sura type of alcoholic drink)
Kola-Sidhu (a type of wine prepared of Jujube-fruit)
Dadhi-manda (whey)
Juice of Amalaki or
Sauviraka (a type of vinegar) [9 ½ – 10]

Chaturangula Kashaya Kalpa

Similarly, the pulp of Aragvadha is made into paste and taken along with the decoction of either Trivrt or Bilva by adding salt and honey. [11]

Aragwadha Avaleha Kalpa

Linctus is prepared of the decoction of Argavadha added with the powder of Trivrt and Jaggery, by cooking over mild fire. This linctus is taken in appropriate dose for purgation [12]

Aragvadha Ghee recipes

Milk is boiled with Aragvadha. From the cream of this medicated milk, ghee is prepared. This ghee is cooked by adding the paste of the pulp of Aragvadha and the juice of Amalaki [this medicated ghee is taken for purgation].
The ghee prepared  in the above mentioned manner is cooked by adding the decoction of Dashamula (bilva, Syonaka, Gambhari, Patala, Ganikarika, Salaparni, Prsniparni, Brhti, Kantakari and Gokshura ), Kulattha and Yava as well as the paste of nine  drugs (viz Syama, Trivrt, Chaturangula , Tilvaka , Mahavrksa, Patala, Sankhini, Danti and Dravanti). [13-14]
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Recipe of Aragvadha with Aristha

In the decoction of Danti, one Anjali (96 gms, appr) each of the pulp of Sampaka (aragvadha) and Jaggery is added and kept [to ferment] for half month. The Arista (medicated wine) thus prepared is taken as a potion for purgation. [15]

Aragvadha with Food, Drinks

Aragvadha is administered as purgative adding to either sweet, pungent or saline food and drinks which are pleasing to the heart of the patient. [16]

Contents of Chapter

To sum up:-
In this chapter dealing with the pharmaceutics of Aragvadha, twelve purgative recipes are described for the happiness of persons of delicate nature. These recipes are as follows:
One recipe to be taken along with grape juice (vide verse no. 8) 
One recipe each of (1) Sura (alcohol), (2) Sidhu (a type of wine), (3) Dadhi (whey), (4) Juice of Amalaki, (5) Sauvira), (6) decoction of Trivrt and, (7) Decoction of Bilva: (vide Verse nos. 9-11)
One recipe in the form of Linctus (vide verse no. 12)
One recipe in the form of medicated wine: and (vide verse no. 15)
Two recipes in the form of medicated ghee (vide verse nos. 13-14) [17-18]

Colophon
Thus, ends the eighth chapter of Kalpa-Sthana dealing with the “Pharmaceutics of Chaturangula” in Agnivesha’s work as redacted by Charaka, and because of its non- availability supplemented by Drdhabala.