Chapter 7.6: Pharmaceutical Preparations of Kritavedhana (Kritavedhana Kalpa Adhyaya / कृतवेधनकल्प अध्याय)

Sixty pharmaceutical preparations of Kritavedhana (Luffa acutangula, ridged gourd) for emetic therapy in deep-seated diseases like dermatosis, anemia, abdominal masses, and slow poisoning.

Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan by Vagbhata

This chapter describes 60 pharmaceutical preparations of Kritavedhana (ridged gourd, Luffa acutangula) for emetic therapy. As the most potent and tikshna (sharp) among the six emetic drugs, Kritavedhana is reserved for deep-seated, chronic conditions including dermatosis, anemia, splenomegaly, and slow poisoning. A unique feature is the 10 slimy (piccha) preparations using Shalmali root. Modern research documents anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, and antimicrobial activities.