by Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc
Cleansing the Small Intestine
Virechana is the administration of purgative substances for the cleansing of pitta through the lower pathways. Give virechana 3 days after vamana. If vamana is not indicated for a particular individual, then give virechana. In either case, it is necessary to first do 3 days of internal oleation, and preferably both snehana (oleation) and svedana (sweating), which are purva karma. Virechana cleanses blood toxins, the sweat glands, kidneys, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, spleen, and rakta vaha srotas. 
Cleansing the Small IntestineSUBSTANCES FOR VIRECHANA
Triphala
Aloe Vera
Castor oil
Bhumi Amalaki
Senna (Sona mukhi)
Black Sesame Seeds
Sat Isabgol (Psyllium Seeds)
Salt
Flaxseeds
Dandelion root
Prunes
Nishottara (Jaipal or Croton seed)
Raisins
Yellow Thistle (Suvarnaskshiri)
Bran
Kutki (Hellbore)
Cow’s milk
Cow’s urine
Cow’s milk and 2 tsp. ghee
Mango juice
Most pittagenic disorders
Skin diseases
Chronic fever
Hemorrhoids (piles)
Abdominal tumors (gulma)
Splenomegaly
Hepatomegaly
Jaundice
Worms
Erysipelas
Gout
Glaucoma
Attention Deficit Disorder(ADD)
Childhood
Old age
Acute fever
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Debility and Weakness
Emaciation
Bleeding from rectum or lung cavities
Excess snehana or svedana
Foreign body in the stomach
Immediately after vamana or basti
Low agni or indigestion
Prolapsed rectum
Severe, chronic constipation with hard stool
Ulcerative colitis
