Overview
Opium is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for malabsorption. Ahiphena (Opium) is the dried latex obtained from unripe capsules of Papaver somniferum. It is classified as a Visha (poison) and Upavisha. After purification, it is used in very small doses as a powerful analgesic, sedative, anti-diarrheal, and antitussive. The text warns about its addictive nature and toxic effects in excessive doses. It is used in preparations for severe pain, intractable diarrhea, cough, and sleeplessness. Purification involves trituration with specific herbs. Dose: extremely small — 1/4 to 1/2 Ratti. Verses: 196-200.
How Opium Helps with Malabsorption
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Opium has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing malabsorption:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Guru (heavy), Ruksha (dry)
Other Herbs for Malabsorption
See all herbs for malabsorption on the Malabsorption page.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
Ahiphena (opium poppy — Papaver somniferum) one Pala.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 6: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations - Extended)
Administer Ahiphena (opium poppy, Papaver somniferum) medicated wine (asava) in proper dosage.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 1: Diseases of the Liver (Yakrit Roga Adhikara)
Administer Ahiphena (opium poppy, Papaver somniferum) medicated wine (asava) in proper dosage.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 1: Diseases of the Liver (Yakrit Roga Adhikara)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 6: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations - Extended); Parishishtam, Chapter 1: Diseases of the Liver (Yakrit Roga Adhikara)
That which first pervades the entire body and only then undergoes digestion is called Vyavayi (pervasive), like Bhanga (Cannabis sativa) and Phena (opium, born of serpent-referring to Ahiphena/Papaver somniferum).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
Ahiphena (opium poppy — Papaver somniferum) one Pala.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 6: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations - Extended)
Also: Gunja (Abrus precatorius), Ahiphena (Papaver somniferum — opium) — these seven are the Upavisha (sub-poison) varieties.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
Administer Ahiphena (opium poppy, Papaver somniferum) medicated wine (asava) in proper dosage.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 1: Diseases of the Liver (Yakrit Roga Adhikara)
Ahiphena (opium) asava is used as a post-operative analgesic — a remarkable early use of opiate analgesia.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 1: Diseases of the Liver (Yakrit Roga Adhikara)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 6: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations - Extended); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations); Parishishtam, Chapter 1: Diseases of the Liver (Yakrit Roga Adhikara)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.