Chapter 7.11: Pharmaceutical Preparations of Saptala and Shankhini (Saptalashankhini Kalpa Adhyaya / सप्तलाशङ्खिनीकल्प अध्याय)

Thirty-nine purgative preparations using the paired drugs Saptala (Euphorbia pilosa) and Shankhini (Euphorbia dracunculoides), primarily for diseases with abnormal fluid accumulation.

Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan by Vagbhata

This chapter describes 39 purgative preparations using the paired drugs Saptala (Euphorbia pilosa, root) and Shankhini (Euphorbia dracunculoides, fruit). Both possess vikasi (spreading), tikshna (sharp), and ruksha (drying) properties, making them effective for conditions featuring abnormal fluid accumulation—gulma, cardiac disorders, skin diseases, edema, and ascites. Formulations span decoctions, oils, ghees, fermented preparations, and linctus. The chapter is unique in presenting paired drug therapy with multiple drug combinations.