Putiha (Pudina) – Mentha arvensis in Ayurveda

🔹 Introduction

Putiha, commonly known as Pudina (Mentha arvensis), is an important aromatic herb in Ayurveda, widely used for its digestive, cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly effective in managing Ajirna (Indigestion) and Amlapitta (Acid Reflux) due to its Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent) Rasa, Laghu (light) Guna, and Sheeta (cooling) Virya.

This herb acts as a Deepana-Pachana (digestive stimulant and carminative), Srotoshodhana (channel cleanser), and Vata-Kapha pacifier, making it an ideal remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory conditions, and skin ailments.

🔹 Disease in Which Putiha is Most Accountable – Ajirna (Indigestion)

1️⃣ Pathology of Ajirna (Indigestion) in Ayurveda

Ajirna is a condition caused by Mandagni (weak digestive fire) leading to incomplete digestion of food, toxin accumulation, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

2️⃣ Nidana (Causes) of Ajirna

• Excessive intake of heavy, oily, or processed foods
• Irregular eating habits
• Consumption of incompatible food combinations (Viruddhahara)
• Stress, emotional disturbances
• Excessive cold foods that suppress Agni (digestive fire)

3️⃣ Samprapti (Pathogenesis) of Ajirna

1. Weak Agni (digestive fire) fails to process food efficiently, leading to Ama (undigested toxins) formation.
2. Ama accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract, impairing nutrient absorption.
3. Kapha dominance results in heaviness and bloating, while Vata imbalance causes irregular digestion and gas formation.
4. If untreated, Ajirna can lead to chronic acidity, gastritis, bloating, and metabolic disorders.

🔹 Pharmacognosy of Putiha (Mentha arvensis)

Putiha belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is widely known for its strong aroma and cooling properties.

1️⃣ Rasa (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent)

• Bitter taste stimulates digestion and detoxifies Ama.
• Pungent taste enhances peristalsis and expels excess gas.

2️⃣ Guna (Qualities) – Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)

• Light nature enhances digestion and prevents heaviness.
• Dryness absorbs excess mucus, reducing Kapha dominance.

3️⃣ Virya (Potency) – Sheeta (Cooling)

• Reduces excess Pitta, preventing acidity and burning sensations.

4️⃣ Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect) – Katu (Pungent)

• Long-term effect prevents toxin accumulation and bloating.

🔹 Mode of Action of Putiha in Ajirna (Indigestion)

1️⃣ Deepana-Pachana (Digestive Stimulant & Toxin Remover)

• Putiha stimulates Agni, ensuring proper digestion and preventing Ama formation.
  🔹 Action:
  ✔ Enhances gastric secretions, improving digestion.
  ✔ Eliminates bloating and heaviness, restoring gut balance.

2️⃣ Vata-Kapha Shamana (Balances Doshas in Digestion)

• Putiha’s pungent and bitter taste helps regulate Vata and Kapha imbalances in digestion.
  🔹 Action:
  ✔ Reduces intestinal gas and cramps, improving peristalsis.
  ✔ Prevents Kapha-induced mucus formation, reducing indigestion.

3️⃣ Srotoshodhana (Cleanses Digestive Channels & Prevents Acid Accumulation)

• Prevents Ama formation, which otherwise leads to sluggish digestion.
  🔹 Action:
  ✔ Removes blockages in gastrointestinal tract, ensuring smooth digestion.
  ✔ Prevents acid reflux and burning sensations.

4️⃣ Krimighna (Anti-Microbial & Anti-Parasitic Action)

• Ajirna is often associated with microbial overgrowth in the gut.
• Putiha has natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties, eliminating harmful gut bacteria.
  🔹 Action:
  ✔ Reduces gut infections, preventing loose stools.
  ✔ Prevents fermentation of undigested food, reducing gas and bloating.

🔹 Different Names of Putiha (Mentha arvensis) in Various Languages

• Sanskrit: Putiha, Pudina, Rasa Patra
• Hindi: Pudina
• Tamil: Pudina Keerai
• Telugu: Pudina Aku
• Kannada: Pudina Soppu
• Bengali: Pudina Pata
• Marathi: Pudina
• Gujarati: Phudino
• Malayalam: Pudina Ila

🔹 Cultivation & Availability

• Widely grown in India, China, and Southeast Asia.
• Thrives in cool, humid climates with well-drained soil.
• Grown as a commercial crop for its essential oil content.

🔹 Description of Putiha

• Aromatic herb with serrated green leaves.
• Reaches a height of 30–60 cm.
• Leaves contain menthol, which gives a cooling sensation.

🔹 Chemical Constituents

• Menthol – Cooling and soothing effect on digestion.
• Menthone – Carminative, digestive stimulant.
• Rosmarinic Acid – Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
• Flavonoids – Improve gut health and prevent bloating.
• Tannins – Astringent properties that heal digestive lining.

🔹 Diseases & Conditions Where Putiha is Used in Ayurveda

1. Ajirna (Indigestion)
2. Amlapitta (Acid Reflux & Gastritis)
3. Shwas Roga (Respiratory Disorders like Asthma & Cough)
4. Krimi Roga (Intestinal Worm Infestation)
5. Jwara (Fever Management & Detoxification)
6. Urticaria & Skin Diseases (Due to its cooling properties)

🔹 Ayurvedic Formulations Using Putiha

1. Avipattikar Churna – Used for hyperacidity and indigestion.
2. Pudina Ark – Used for bloating and stomach discomfort.
3. Sitopaladi Churna – Used for respiratory disorders and digestive issues.
4. Shadbindu Taila – Used for nasal congestion and sinus relief.

🔹 Relevance in Dosha Physiology

• Pacifies Vata & Kapha – Reduces bloating, indigestion, and mucus accumulation.
• Moderates Pitta – Balances excess heat, preventing acid reflux.

🔹 Relevance in Dhatu Physiology

• Rasa Dhatu – Improves digestion and taste perception.
• Mamsa Dhatu – Helps in toxin clearance, preventing muscle fatigue.
• Rakta Dhatu – Purifies blood by eliminating Ama toxins.

🔹 Home Remedies Using Putiha (Pudina)

1️⃣ Pudina Tea for Indigestion

✅ 1 tsp fresh pudina leaves
✅ 1 cup hot water
✅ Boil for 5 minutes and drink after meals

🔹 Benefits:
✔ Reduces bloating and enhances digestion.

2️⃣ Pudina Ark for Acid Reflux

✅ 2 tsp Pudina extract + 1 tsp honey
✅ Take on an empty stomach in the morning

🔹 Benefits:
✔ Soothes acidity and prevents burning sensation.

🔹 Harmful Effects & Contraindications

❌ Avoid in severe Pitta conditions, as excessive use may suppress Agni.
❌ Not suitable for pregnant women in large amounts.
❌ May cause reflux if taken excessively on an empty stomach.
❌ Use cautiously in severe constipation, as it can further dry the intestines.

🌿 Conclusion

Putiha (Mentha arvensis) is a powerful Ayurvedic herb for digestion, respiratory health, and detoxification. It is highly effective in Ajirna (Indigestion) due to its digestive-stimulating, acid-balancing, and toxin-clearing properties. Its cooling effect balances Pitta, while its Vata-Kapha pacifying action restores gut function, making it a versatile and essential herb in Ayurvedic medicine.