A Review on an Indigenous Recipe in Sutikacharya

Ayurveda, with its eight facets, addresses not only the treatment of diseases but also the promotion of health. Ayurvedic pharmaceutics emphasizes various Pathyakalpana (therapeutic measures) for disease prevention. Among these, numerous indigenous formulations are followed as pathya (appropriate therapies) for maintaining health. One such traditional formulation, commonly practiced in the Southern part of India, is specifically designed to promote lactation and overall health in postpartum women. In Ayurveda, after childbirth and the expulsion of the placenta, a woman enters the sutika phase, where Sutika paricharya (postpartum care) is crucial. This care involves principles such as Agnideepana (enhancing digestive fire), Vataniryama (alleviating vata), Sadharana poshana (providing nourishment), Dhathu poshana (nourishing bodily tissues), Brhmana (strengthening), and Punarnavikaraṇa (rejuvenation). The formulation under discussion includes a combination of herbs such as Ajamoda, Dhanyaka, Sarshapa, Jeeraka, Lanka, Haridra, Maricha, Methika, Narikela ksheera, Rasona, Palandu, Guda, Narikela taila, Dried narikela, Khus khus, Pruthuka, and Shali, all of which play an essential role in addressing the needs of women in the puerperium period. The majority of the ingredients possess Kaṭu rasa (pungent taste), Tikṣṇa guṇa (sharp property), and Uṣṇa virya (hot potency), which contribute to the management of the health status of the Sutika. This paper aims to highlight the therapeutic benefits of this traditional recipe and bring it into contemporary clinical focus.