Shothari Mandoor

Shothari Mandoor takes its name from Shotha, the Ayurvedic term for swelling, and Ari, "enemy of". It is a Mandura preparation: its main ingredient is Mandura Bhasma, purified and calcined iron oxide (traditionally prepared from old iron rust), which Ayurveda considers gentler on digestion than other iron preparations. The recipe is recorded in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali under Shotha and Pandu Chikitsa. What it contains: 14 parts of Mandura Bhasma are combined with Trikatu (Shunthi, Maricha and Pippali), Triphala (Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki) and Chavya, then processed with the juices of Nirgundi, Manakanda and fresh ginger, honey and Gomutra (cow urine), as the classical method requires. The full list with botanical names and parts is in the table below. How Ayurveda understands it: Shotha is described as a disorder in which aggravated Kapha, with Vata and Pitta, obstructs the channels and causes swelling, often alongside weak digestion and Pandu (pallor). Shothari Mandoor combines iron, which Ayurveda uses to nourish Rakta Dhatu (the blood tissue), with pungent digestives that kindle Agni and help clear Ama, and herbs traditionally described as Shothahara (reducing swelling). Traditional use and medical care: swelling can be a sign of heart, kidney, liver or thyroid disease that needs a doctor, and pallor can come from anaemia with many causes. These need a doctor's diagnosis first. Shothari Mandoor is traditional support that a physician may add alongside medical care; it has not been tested in large clinical trials. The label carries the statutory caution "to be taken under medical supervision". Take it only at the dose and for the period your physician advises.

Classical reference: Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Shotha / Pandu Chikitsa Prakarana).

1–2 tablets twice a day after meals with water or buttermilk, or as directed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician. Do not exceed 4 tablets a day.

Label caution: to be taken under medical supervision. Not for use in pregnancy, while breastfeeding or for children unless a physician advises it. It contains iron: avoid in haemochromatosis or other iron-overload conditions, and do not combine with other iron supplements without advice. Swelling of the legs, face or abdomen can signal heart, kidney or liver disease and needs a doctor's diagnosis first. May cause dark stools, constipation or acidity. Contains Gomutra (cow urine) and honey. Keep out of reach of children.

What is Shothari Mandoor used for?

Shothari Mandoor is traditionally used in Ayurveda for Shotha (swelling and fluid retention) and Pandu (pallor and low blood strength). It combines Mandura Bhasma, a purified iron preparation, with digestive herbs. It is classical supportive care: swelling and pallor have many causes, so a doctor should find the cause before it is used.

How do I take Shothari Mandoor?

The usual adult dose is 1–2 tablets twice a day after meals, with water or buttermilk, or as your Ayurvedic physician directs. Iron preparations are better tolerated after food. Do not take more than 4 tablets a day. If you take other medicines, especially calcium, antacids or thyroid tablets, keep a gap of at least an hour.

Is Shothari Mandoor an iron supplement?

It contains iron in the form of Mandura Bhasma, which Ayurveda uses to nourish Rakta Dhatu, the blood tissue. It is a classical medicine, not a standardised iron supplement, and the label does not state an elemental iron dose. If you have anaemia, a doctor should confirm the cause with blood tests; do not combine it with other iron tablets without advice.

What are the side effects of Shothari Mandoor?

Most people tolerate it at the stated dose. Iron can darken the stools, which is harmless, and may cause constipation, acidity or nausea, especially on an empty stomach. Stop and seek advice if you notice abdominal pain, vomiting or black, tarry stools with weakness. The label carries the caution "to be taken under medical supervision".

Can Shothari Mandoor reduce swelling in the legs?

Classical texts describe it as Shothahara, traditionally used for swelling. But leg swelling can come from heart failure, kidney or liver disease, thyroid problems, vein problems or medicines, so see a doctor, as some causes are serious. See a doctor first, especially for swelling with breathlessness, chest pain or reduced urine. Your physician can then decide whether Shothari Mandoor is suitable alongside your treatment.

Who should not take Shothari Mandoor?

Avoid it in pregnancy, while breastfeeding and in children unless a physician advises it. People with haemochromatosis or other iron-overload conditions, peptic ulcers or active bleeding should not take it. Anyone with heart, kidney or liver disease should take it only under medical supervision. It contains Gomutra (cow urine) and honey, which some people may wish to avoid.

Is Shothari Mandoor a classical formulation?

Yes. Shothari Mandoor is recorded in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali in the chapter on Shotha (swelling), alongside the treatment of Pandu. It belongs to the Mandura group of classical iron preparations. Prachyam's version uses 14 parts Mandura Bhasma with Trikatu, Triphala and Chavya, processed with herbal juices, honey and Gomutra.