Chapter 7.5: Pharmaceutical Preparations of Vatsaka (Vatsaka Kalpa Adhyaya / वत्सककल्प अध्याय)

Eighteen pharmaceutical preparations of Vatsaka (Holarrhena antidysenterica, Kutaja/Kurchi) for emetic therapy, notable for safety in delicate patients.

Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan by Vagbhata

This chapter describes 18 pharmaceutical preparations of Vatsaka (Kutaja/Kurchi, Holarrhena antidysenterica) for emetic therapy. The drug's cold potency and safety profile make it uniquely suitable for delicate patients (sukumara), children, and those with bleeding disorders—unlike the hot-potency emetics described in other chapters. The chapter was reconstructed by Dridhabala as the original text was lost. Modern research confirms anti-amoebic, anti-acne, and hepatoprotective properties.