Chitrakadi Tablet / Vati 

Chitrakadi Vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation known for its powerful Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestive) actions. Traditionally used to restore digestive fire (Agni) and balance Vata and Kapha, this tablet is especially beneficial in conditions arising from impaired digestion and accumulation of Ama (metabolic toxins).

Reference

Ayurvedic Formulary of India 1-12:11 , चरकसंहिता, चिकित्सास्थान, अध्याय १५-९६, भैषज्यरत्नावली, अग्निमान्धादिरोगधिकारः १०/९ २२-२४  

चित्रक पिप्पलीमूलं द्वो क्षारो लवणानि च । 

व्योषं हिड़ग्वजमोदां च चव्यं चैकत्र चूर्णयेत्‌ ॥ ९६ ॥  

गुडिका मातुलुङ्गस्य दाडिमस्य रसेन वा ।  - AFI 1-12:11 , चरकसंहिता, चिकित्सास्थान, अध्याय १५-९६,

चित्रक पिप्पलीमूलं द्वो क्षारो लवणानि च । 

व्योषं हिड़ग्वजमोदां च चव्यं चैकत्र चूर्णयेत्‌ ॥ २२ ॥  

सौवर्चलं सैन्धवं च विडमौद्विदमेव च । 

सामुद्रेण समं पञ्च लवणान्यत्र योजयेत् ॥ २३ ॥  

गुडिका मातुलुङ्गस्य दाडिमस्य रसेन वा ।  

कृत्वा विपाचयत्यामं दीपयत्याशु चानलम् ॥ २४ ॥  - भैषज्यरत्नावली, अग्निमान्धादिरोगधिकारः १०/९ २२-२४            

Key Benefits

• Enhances Agni – Stimulates sluggish digestive fire and supports optimal metabolism.
• Improves Appetite – Useful in loss of appetite, anorexia, and post-illness digestive weakness.
• Reduces Ama – Helps clear heavy, sticky toxins from the system.
• Relieves Gas & Bloating – Effective for flatulence, abdominal discomfort, and indigestion.
• Balances Vata & Kapha – Supports digestive rhythm and bowel regularity.
• Useful in Chronic Dyspepsia – Addresses long-standing digestive disorders due to weak Agni.

Key Ingredients

Chitraka, Pippali, Marich, Sunthi, Hing, Saindhav Lavan, Lemon Juice Bhavana (Ingredients may vary slightly as per classical reference or manufacturer).

How to Use 

1–2 tablets, twice daily, or as directed by an Ayurvedic practitioner. To be taken after meals with warm water for best results.    

Safety & Precautions

• Not recommended in pregnancy, ulcerative conditions, or Pitta-aggravated disorders.
• Should be used cautiously in individuals with burning sensation, acidity, or gastritis.
• Keep away from children.
• Use under medical supervision in chronic illnesses.

Practitioner’s Guide (Clinical Use)

Clinical Rationale

Chitraka, the lead herb, acts as a potent Agni-deepaka. Combined with Pippali, Shunthi, Hingu, and Saindhav Lavan, the formulation promotes:

• Faster conversion of Ama into digestible form
• Rectification of impaired Sama-Vata in the gut
• Improved motility and digestive enzyme activity
• Better absorption of nutrients
• The Lemon Bhavana enhances bioavailability and synergistic action.

Recommended Combinations

• For severe gas & bloating → Warm water + hing infusion
• For sluggish digestion post-illness → Warm Jeera water
• For Kapha-dominance → Dry ginger infusion

Contraindications / Caution

• Avoid or use cautiously in:
• Pitta-Prakriti individuals
• Hyperacidity, gastric inflammation
• Pregnancy & lactation
• Active ulcers or bleeding disorders
• Severe dehydration

Practitioner Tips

• Best suited for Ama + Vata/Kapha involvement.
• Not ideal for “tikka-ushna aggravated” conditions, heartburn, or Pitta dominance.
• Works well along with Trikatu, Hingwashtak Churna, or Gandharvahastadi Erand based on clinical need.
• In Grahani: Combine with Kutajghan Vati during acute episodes and later continue Chitrakadi for Agni management.

Check Sensory Markers (Organoleptic)

Ask a sample before a bulk purchase, to quickly judge by checking the general parameters of quality which may differ from the reference:

• Appearance: Round, smooth, uniformly compressed tablets or pills; Brown to dark brown in colour (depending on herbal powders and lemon bhavana); Fine visible specks of spices like Pippali/Maricha may be present
• Colour: Brown to dark brown; Slight variation acceptable due to natural herbs and Bhavana process
• Odour: Strong, pungent, characteristic spicy aroma; Dominant notes of Hingu (asafoetida), Pippali, and Chitraka; Slight sour undertone due to lemon juice Bhavana
• Taste: Katu (pungent) and Lavana (salty) are dominant; Mild sourness may be noticeable; Warming sensation on the tongue; Aftertaste is typically spicy and slightly tingling due to Tikshna herbs
• Texture: Hard, dry tablet with slightly rough surface; Breaks easily when chewed or crushed; Smooth swallow when taken with water
• Mouthfeel: Strong warming sensation; Immediate perception of pungency; Slight irritation or tingling possible in Pitta-sensitive individuals

Note : 
Price variation happens due to preparation reference, the quality of ingredients, processing techniques, quality management, manufacturing reputation & standards followed.

Disclaimer

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This guideline is based on Ayurvedic classical principles and intended for educational use. Practitioners should use their clinical judgment, patient assessment, and individualised protocol before prescribing in actual clinical settings.