‘Basti’ is compared with conventional enema due to its similarity in procedure of administration. But in effect enema is a simple evacuation technique, whereas ‘Basti’ is a therapeutic measure considered as ‘Ardha Chikitsa’ i.e half therapy in the disease management. Constitution of ‘Basti dravya’ formulation specifically ‘Aasthaapana Basti’ has a direct impact on the end result of ‘Basti’ therapy. A systematic stepwise procedure of preparation of ‘Aasthaapana Basti’ is described in Ayurvedic Classics. The present study evaluates the significance of this procedure through standardization of ‘Maadhutailika Basti’, a type and standard of ‘Aasthaapana Basti’. Four samples of ‘Aasthaapana Basti’ including the classical one were prepared for this study by replacement, exclusion and supplementation of honey in the formulation. A comparative study of physico-chemical characteristics of these samples was carried out. The stability of the constitution of ‘Maadhutailika Basti’ was also studied to assess the role of honey as a natural emulsifying agent. The study underlines the significance of the procedure described in the classics emphasizing the role of honey as a natural emulsifying agent in standardization of ‘Maadhutailika Basti’.
Keywords: Enema, Aasthaapana Basti, Basti dravya, Emulsion stability, Emulsifying agent
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