Herbarium · Digestion

Sudarshana VatiSudarśana

Pacifies Pitta and Kapha; can mildly aggravate Vata.

Common name: Sudarshana Vati
Sanskrit (IAST): Sudarśana
Latin botanical: Polyherbal · Swertia chirata base
Form: Tablet (Vati / Guggulu)
Category tags: DigestionAntipyretic · Bitter

Overview & dosha effects

Pacifies Pitta and Kapha; can mildly aggravate Vata.

Traditional uses

The following are traditional Ayurvedic uses documented in classical texts and modern materia medica — not therapeutic claims for the treatment of disease.

·Traditionally used for all types of fever (jvara) — viral, malarial, post-flu^[1]
·Traditionally used for excess thirst, jaundice, anaemia^[2]
·Traditionally used for sluggish liver and bile flow^[3]
·Traditionally used for chronic low-grade respiratory and digestive infections^[1]

How it is taken

1–2 tablets (250–500 mg) twice daily after meals. Usage: warm water; with honey for Kapha-dominant fevers.

Classical text references

^[1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu
Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
^[2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu
Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
^[3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.

Safety notes — read before use

Contraindications

As with all traditional herbs, avoid in active flare-ups of the condition you're treating and in anyone with a known allergy to the plant family. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop rash, breathing changes, swelling, digestive upset or any new symptom after starting.

✕Pregnancy and lactation
✕Active peptic ulcer or severe gastritis
✕Severe Vata depletion, dehydration or wasting
✕Children under 12 without supervision

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without direct supervision by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your GP or obstetrician. Many Ayurvedic herbs have not been studied in pregnancy and traditional cautions apply.

Drug interactions

May interact with prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medications, sedatives, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants and drugs metabolised by the liver. Always share a complete list of herbs and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist.

Specific to Sudarshana Vati: Bitter and drying; not for prolonged use without supervision. May cause GI irritation in sensitive patients.

Allergies

Polyherbal — check the full ingredient list for any known sensitivities (typically includes Chirata, Guduchi, Pippali, Haritaki).

This is educational information, not a prescription. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (vaidya) and your GP before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, over 65, take prescription medication, have a chronic condition or are scheduled for surgery.

Classical alternatives

Guduchi (Tinospora) alone for milder antipyretic action; Mahasudarshana Churna for stronger seasonal fevers.

References

[1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu — Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
[2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu — Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
[3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.

Related herbs

Karavellaka (Bitter Gourd)

Kāravellaka