Patala for Hiccups: Does It Work?
Does Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens) help with hiccups? It has a genuine classical listing, but a brief one. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu names hiccup (Hikka) among Patala's classical uses, alongside difficult breathing (Shwasa), fever, swelling and Kapha-Vata disorders. It gives no recipe or dose for that use.
Patala is a fragrant-flowered tree whose root bark is used in medicine. It is one of the great five roots (Brihat Panchamula) inside Dashamula, the classical ten-root formula, and it is almost always taken in that company rather than alone.
The fit with hiccups comes from its dosha action. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu says Patala calms Kapha and Vata, and those two doshas sit behind the phlegm-heavy and gas-driven patterns of hiccups. It is a reasonable supporting root for those patterns, not a quick stop for a passing bout.
How Patala Helps with Hiccups
Our sources list hiccups among Patala's uses but do not explain how it works there. The reasoning below links its recorded properties to the dosha picture the hiccups sources describe.
Clearing Kapha from the chest
The Charaka Samhita treats hiccups together with breathing difficulty in one chapter (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa, Chikitsa Sthana 17), and the classical approach aims to loosen thick phlegm blocking the breathing channels. Patala is bitter and astringent in taste, light and dry (Laghu, Ruksha) in quality and heating (Ushna Virya) in potency. Those qualities oppose the cold, heavy, moist nature of Kapha, and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu also lists cough and breathing difficulty among its uses.
Settling Vata through digestion
Ayurvedic guidance links hiccups to constipation, bloating and colon gas, a sign of Vata pushing upward. Patala is classed as calming Vata and as kindling the digestive fire (Deepani), and the Charaka Samhita uses it with the other great roots in enemas for Vata disorders and in gruels and soups during abdominal disease.
A caution for heat
Because Patala is heating, it suits cold, heavy or gassy hiccups better than the heat pattern, where burning, heavy sweating or weakness are present. Our sources contain no modern research on Patala for hiccups.
How to Use Patala for Hiccups
Our sources give no Patala preparation or dose written specifically for hiccups, and no standalone dose at all. In practice you meet it as part of Dashamula, so follow the product label or a qualified practitioner.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root decoction (Kvatha), usually with the other great roots | Not specified in our sources | Hiccups with phlegm, cough or breathing difficulty (Kapha-Vata) | Under practitioner guidance |
| Dashamula powder or decoction | As directed on the label | Everyday Dashamula use | As directed |
| Great five roots added to gruel or soup | A small amount in cooking | Weak digestion with gas and bloating | With meals |
Vehicle and timing
Our sources name no specific vehicle (Anupana) for Patala in hiccups. The Charaka Samhita does show the great five roots cooked into rice gruel and soups with a little ghee during abdominal disease, which is a gentle food-based way to use them when digestion is weak.
Duration
Our sources set no course length. Patala is a slow, background support for a recurring Kapha-Vata pattern; for an active bout, start with held breathing or breathing into a paper bag. If hiccups last more than about 48 hours, see a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Patala a classical remedy for hiccups?
Yes, in a brief listing. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu includes hiccup (Hikka) among Patala's classical uses, with breathing difficulty, fever and swelling. It gives no specific hiccup recipe or dose.
Can I take Patala on its own?
It is rarely sold or used alone. The classical texts use it as one of the great five roots in Dashamula, and that is how you will usually find it.
Patala vs Brihati for hiccups?
Brihati has a more specific classical hiccup use: the Charaka Samhita describes fumes of Brihati, Kantakari and Adhaki leaves for hiccups caused by poisoning, a practitioner's treatment. Brihati also appears alongside Patala in a root list in the Charaka Samhita chapter on abdominal disease. Patala's link is a general listing for hiccup and breathing difficulty.
Patala vs Ajwain for hiccups?
Ajwain is the more practical home choice for gas-driven hiccups. It is a single kitchen seed described as antispasmodic and carminative, while Patala works slowly as part of a root formula.
Who should avoid Patala?
Our sources hold no pregnancy or nursing data, so avoid it then unless a practitioner advises it, and do not give it to children without guidance. Dashamularishta, a common fermented form, contains natural alcohol.
Recommended: Start Patala for Hiccups
If you want to start using Patala for hiccups today, the simplest starting point is a Dashamula product, since Patala is one of its ten roots and is rarely sold alone.
Best form: Dashamula powder or decoction, taken as the label directs. It suits hiccups that come with phlegm, cough or a heavy chest, or with gas and weak digestion.
Kitchen Version
For an active bout, Patala is not the fastest tool. Hold a deep breath low behind the belly button and exhale slowly, or mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of castor oil and lick a fingertip of it every 2 or 3 minutes.
Match It to Your Pattern
If phlegm or gas comes first (Kapha or Vata): Dashamula fits well. If you feel hot, sweaty or depleted (Pitta): skip heating Patala and choose cooling Amla instead.
Find Dashamula (with Patala) on Amazon ↗ Castor Oil ↗
Safety: avoid Patala in pregnancy, while breastfeeding and in children unless a practitioner advises it, and see a doctor if hiccups last more than about 48 hours.
Safety & Precautions
Our classical sources do not list specific contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Patala. That is not the same as proof of safety; it simply means the texts we draw on are silent.
A few points are worth keeping in mind:
- Patala has a heating potency and light, dry qualities. Ayurvedic reasoning would make you cautious about using strongly heating, drying herbs in large amounts without guidance.
- It is traditionally used in combination, usually as part of Dashamula. Products should list all their ingredients, so check every one, not only Patala.
- Fermented preparations such as Dashamularishta contain naturally produced alcohol.
- No pregnancy or nursing data appears in our sources, so avoid it during those times unless a qualified practitioner advises otherwise.
If you take prescription medicines or have a medical condition, speak to your doctor before adding any herbal product. This page is educational, not medical advice.
Other Herbs for Hiccups
See all herbs for hiccups on the Hiccups page.
▶ Classical Text References (6 sources)
- Kapha-Vata disorders
- Jwara (fever)
- Shotha (swelling/edema)
- Hikka (hiccup)
- Shwasa (dyspnea)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
- Jwara (fever)
- Kasa (cough)
- Shwasa (dyspnea)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Very cool water kept in mud pot along with flowers of patala and karpura (camphor) should be used for drinking.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal
ब वका मयतकार पाटला ट टुकैमहत ् जये कषाय त तो णं प चमूलं कफा नलौ Bilwa, kasarya, tarari, patala and tintuka are together known as Mahat panchamula.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
Tikta Gana – group of bitters :त तः पदोल ाय ती वालकोशीर च दनम ् भू न ब न ब कटुका तगरा गु व सकम ् न तमाला वरजनी मु त मूवाट पकम पाठापामागकां यायोगुडू चध वयासकम ् प चमल ू ं महा या यौ वशाल अ त वषावचा Patoli, Trayanti – Gentiana kurroa, Valaka, Usira – Vetiveria zizanioides, Chandana – Sandalwood, Bhunimba – The creat (whole plant) – Andrographis paniculata, Nimba – Neem – Azadirachta indica, Katuka – Picrorhiza kurroa, Tagara – Indian Valerian (root) – Valeriana wallichi, Aguru, Vatsaka – Hol
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Either Rasanjana (Aqueous extract of Berberis aristata), Brihat Pancamula (Agnimantha, Shyonaka, Gambhari, Patala, Bilva), Guggulu – along with the fresh juice of Agnimnatha is suitable;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dvividha Upakramaneeya
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal; Annaswaroopa Food; Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their; Dvividha Upakramaneeya
Patala, Agnimantha, Bilwa and 10+ others for asthapana and anuvasana enemas in vata disorders.
— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 2: Dehusked Seeds of Apamarga & Panchakarma (Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya / अपामार्गतण्डुलीय अध्याय)
f), shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum Vent), kashmari (Gmelina arborea), patala (Stereospermum suaveolens), shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum DC), prishniparni (Uraria picta Desv), brihati (Solanum indicum Linn), kantakari (Solanum surattense Burm.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
Yavagu (rise gruel) and odana (rice) should be given along with cereal soup, or meat soup that are prepared by adding mild sour tasting drugs, small amount of ghee, pungent tasting drugs and panchamula (bilva (Aegle marmelos), agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), kashmari (Gmelina arborea) and patala (Stereospermum suaveolens).
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
Abdomen should be treated with parisheka (pouring medicated liquids on body parts) by using decoction prepared from vrishchikali (Tragia involucrata), vacha (Acorus calamus), kushtha (Saussurea lappa), bilva (Aegle marmelos), agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), kashmari (Gmelina arborea), patala (Stereospermum suaveolens), punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), bhutika (Cymbopogon jvarancusha), nagara (Zingiber officinale) and dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum).
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
Make paste of panchamoola (bilva, shyonaka, gambhari, patala and gambharika), abhaya, trikatu, pippalimoola, saindhava, rasna, two kshara (sarjika and yavakshara), ajaji, vidanga and sati and prepare medicated ghee with sukta, juice of matulunga and ardraka, suṣkamoolaka, kolambu, chukrika, pomengranate, butter milk, mastu (supplement liquid portion in the curd/yoghurt), suramanda (indigenous beer beverage prepared from fermented cereals) sauviraka (acidic fermented liquid obtained from wheat),
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 2: Dehusked Seeds of Apamarga & Panchakarma (Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya / अपामार्गतण्डुलीय अध्याय); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Combined with Patala Kvatha it conquers Mushakavisha (rat poison).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
The ingredients are: Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens), Aranikas (Premna mucronata and Clerodendrum phlomidis), Kashmarya (Gmelina arborea), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Araluka (Ailanthus excelsa), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), the two Brihatis — Brihati (Solanum indicum) and Kantakari (Solanum surattense), Pippali (Piper longum), Shringi (Pistacia integerrima), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Amrita/Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and Abhaya/Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
The outermost patala is composed of tejas (light/fire) and jala (water);
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 1: Aupadravika Adhyaya (Chapter on Complications / Secondary Eye Diseases)
We shall now describe the twelve terrible diseases located there (six and six), and the characteristics of timira (visual impairment) as it penetrates each patala (layer).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 7: Drishtigata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of Vision/Pupil)
When the vitiated dosha, having traveled through the blood vessels, becomes established in the first patala (layer) of the drishti.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 7: Drishtigata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of Vision/Pupil)
When the dosha reaches the second patala, vision begins to fail.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 7: Drishtigata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of Vision/Pupil)
When it reaches the third patala, one sees above but not below.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 7: Drishtigata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of Vision/Pupil)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 1: Aupadravika Adhyaya (Chapter on Complications / Secondary Eye Diseases); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 7: Drishtigata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of Vision/Pupil)
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.