WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Shakya et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
SJIF Impact Factor 7.632
Volume 11, Issue 3, 673-679 Review Article ISSN 2278 – 4357
HIKKA NIGRAHANA MAHAKASHAYA- A CRITICAL REVIEW
Dr. Suman Shakya1*, Dr. Manohar Ram2 and Dr. Ramnihor Tapsi Jaiswal3
1
J.R.3, Samhita and Siddhanta Department, RAC Varanasi.
2
Associate Professor Samhita and Siddhanta Department, RAC Varanasi.
3
Assistant Professor Samhita and Siddhanta Department, RAC Varanasi.
ABSTRACT
Article Received on
31 Dec. 2021, Hikka Nigrahan Mahakashay denotes group of ten drugs which act on
Revised on 21 January 2022, Hikka Roga. Hikka Nigrahan is the Sanskrit name for a group of
Accepted on 11 Feb. 2022
DOI: 10.20959/wjpps20223-21386
medicinal plant, classified as relieving hiccup. It can also called as
Hikka Nigrahana. The name is derived from tha words Hikka,
translating to hiccup and Nigrahan, referring to suppressing, holding
*Corresponding Author
down. Acharya Charak has described Hikka Nigrahan Mahakashay in
Dr. Suman Shakya
J.R.3, Samhita and Siddhanta Sutra Sthana as 30th Gana of the 50 Mahakashay Gana. Shati,
Department, RAC Varanasi. Pushkarmula, Badar, Kantkari, Brihati, Vrakshruha, Abhaya, Pippali,
Duralabha, Kulirashrangi are included as ten ingredients under this
category. These ten plants which are effective individually, work together and results in to
enhanced output. These plants having Ushna Virya, Katu Vipak and Kaph-Vatshamak
properties. This article is an attempt to describe symptoms, pathogenesis and treatments of
Hikka Roga through Hikka Nigrahana Mahakashay.
KEYWORDS- Hikka Nigrahana Mahakashay, Nidana, Samprapti, Chikitsa.
INTRODUCTION
Ayurveda is a science of life elaborately explains many important diseases one such disease
among them is Hikka Vyadhi. In Brihatrayee Hikka Vyadhi is mentioned under Pranavaha
Srotasa (respiratory system). As compared to the other Vyadhi’s Hikka and Swasa Vyadhi are
Shighrapranaharaka Vyadhi’s.[1]
In Hikka Vyadhi “hik hik”sound is produced; hence it is named as Disease Hikka.[2]
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Shakya et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Vitiated Vata dosha along with Kapha Dosha obstructs the Pranavaha, Udakavaha and
Annavaha Srotasa (respiratory system, watery elements & digestive system) and produces
different types of Hikka Vyadhi.[3] Hikka can be correlated in modern science with hiccup. A
hiccup is an involuntary contraction (myoclonic jerk) of the diaphragm that may repeat
several times per minute.[4] It is clear that to treat Hikka and Swasa Vyadhi as early as
possible is needful to avoid further complications as well as possibility of death of the
patients. Ayurvedic classical texts had described different Kalpa as well as Ekala Dravya for
the management of Hikka Vyadhi. According to modern medicine management of hiccups
many drugs are being used but not particular treatment is known to be especially effective. [5]
But it is observed many times that the disease like hikka is relieved immediately by certain
Ayurvedic drugs.
Hikka Nirukti – Etymology
Vayu frequently moving upward, by shaking the liver, spleen and intestines with sound, and
coming out of the mouth with a loud sound and causing trouble to life is called Hikka.[6]
According to According to According to
S. no.
charak[7] susruta[8] vagbhatta[9]
1. Mahahikka Mahati Hikka Mahati Hikka
2. Gambhira Hikka Gambhira Hikka Gambhira Hikka
3. Vyapetta Hikka Yamala Hikka Yamala Hikka
4. Kshudra Hikka Kshudra Hikka Kshudra Hikka
5. Annaja Hikka Annaja Hikka Bhaktodbhava Hikka
Hikka nidana (Etiological factors)
According to Sushruta Samhita [10]
Vidahi Bhojana- Foods which cause burning sensation
Guru Bhojana- Foods that are heavy for digestion
Vishtambhi Bhojana- Foods that cause obstruction in body channels.
Ruksha Bhojana- Foods that are dry in nture
Abhishyandi Bhojana- Foods that cause excessive secretion
Sheeta Pana, Sheeta Asana, Sheeta Sthana, Raja Dhoom Atapa Anil, Vyayama, Karmabhaara
According to charaka[11]
Rajas dhoom vatabhyama – Export dust Smoke and Wind
Sheet shtaanambu sevanata- Use of cold water
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Shakya et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Vyayamad Gramyadharma adhva- Exercise, sexual intercourse and long walk beyond one’s
capacity
Ruksha Anna, Vishama Ashana, Ama Pradosha, Annaha, rooksjhata, Ati Aptarpanata,
Dourbalya, Marmanoghata, Shudhi Atiyoga
Hikka can occur as secondary complaints in Jwara Fever), Atisaar (Diarrhoea), Chardi
(Vomiting), Pratishyaya (Coryza), Kshata Kshaya, Raktpitta, Udavarta, Visuchika, Alsaka,
Pandu.
Hikka Poorvaroop
According to acharya charaka[11]
Kanta uru gurutvam – Heaviness of the chest and throat
Vadanasya kashaya – Appearance of astringent taste in the mouth and
Kukshi atopa – Gurgling sounds in the abdomen / flatulence
According to acharya sushruta[12]
Mukham kashayam – Astringent taste in mouth
Arati gauravam kantavakshaso – Restlessness, heaviness of throat and chest region
Atopo jatarasya – Gurgling sounds in the abdomen / flatulence
Hikka Samprapti – Pathogenesis[13]
Vata along with Kapha, having obstructed the
1. Pranavaha Srotas – Channels carrying vital breath
2. Udakavaha Srotas – Channels carrying watery elements and
3. Annavaha Srotas – Anna-Vaha- Srotas causes hiccup.
Hikka prognosis
According to charaka samhita chikitsa sthana 17/42-44,[14]
Hikka is curable if
The patient is not emaciated (No depletion of muscle tissues),
If he has not lost his will power (Mental stamina) and
If Dhatus (Tissue elements) and Indriyas (senses) are not impaired, Otherwise, it is fatal.
According to sushruta samhita uttara sthana 50/15,[15]
Gambhira Hikka and Mahati Hikka are incurable (Asadhya).
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Shakya et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
According to ashtanga hridaya nidana sthana,[16]
Kshudra and Annaja Hikka are curable (Sadhya)
Mahati and Gambhira Hikka are incurable Hikka (Asadhya).
Yamala Hikka with all its signs and symptoms is incurable (Asadhya)
Hikka nigrahan mahakashaye
S. No. Dravya Latin name Gunas Rasa Virya Vipaka Properties
Katu,
Hedychium Laghu, KaphaVata
1. Shati[17] Tikta, Ushna Katu
spicatum Tikshna Shamaka
Kashaya
Inula KaphaVata
2. Pooshkarmoola[18] Laghu Tikta Ushna Katu
racemosa Shamaka
Ziziphus Guru, Madhura, Kapha
3. Badara[19] Ushna Madhura
jujuba Snigdha Kashaya Vatashamaka
Solanum Laghu KaphaVata
4. Kantakaari[20] Tikta Ushna Katu
xanthocarpus Ruksha Shamaka
Laghu,
Solanum KaphaVata
5. Brihati[21] Ruksha, Tikta Ushna Katu
indicum Shamaka
tikshna
Dendrophtho Laghu Kashaya Kaphapittasha
6. Vriksharooha[22] Sheeta Katu
e falcata Ruksha Tikta maka
Except
Lavana
Terminalia Laghu Tridosha
7. Abhaya[23] all Rasa Ushna Madhura
chebula Ruksha Shamaka
are
present
Madhura,
Laghu Tridosha
8. Pippali[24] Piper longum Katu, Anushna Madhura
Snigdha shamaka
Tikta
Kashaya,
Fagonia Laghu Tikta, Vata Pitta
9. Duralabha[25] Ushna Madhura
cretica snigdha Madhura Shamak
katu
Rhus Laghu Kashaya KaphaVata
10. Kulirashrungi[26] Ushna Katu
succedanea Ruksha Tikta Shamaka
Lifestyle advice, prevention tips
Avoid excess spicy foods.
Avoid extremely cold foods, excess ice creams
Avoid aerated soda drinks, carbonated beverages.
Avoid exposure to dust and smoke. Wear a mask during travel
Avoid or lessen alcohol consumption
If you are residing in a cold place, use warm cloths.
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Shakya et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Try to control emotional stress with Pranayama and meditation.
Avoid fasting for more than a day.
Do not overeat.
Exercise at least for 20 minutes a day and keep the body fit.
CONCLUSION
Hikka Vyadhi is a common condition in our life. It has many causes as described in
Ayurvedic textbooks. In Hikka Vyadhi mainly Vata and Kapha dosha are predominant, so ten
Dravya of Hikka Nigrahan Mahakashay are best effective to treat Hikka Vyadhi because all
drugs having Kapha Vatashamak properties.
Other therapies like panchakarma are also useful for treating Hikka Vyadhi because of
predominance Vata Dosha, so Vata Dosha should be treated first by Panchkarma Therapy and
later on internal medicines can be started to condition of the patient.
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