Definition of Ghutika (Gutikā)
Ghutika refers to pills or tablets prepared from one or multiple powdered herbs bound together with a suitable adhesive (e.g., honey, jaggery, gum).
Preparation Steps
Powdering the Herbs
Each herb is dried and finely powdered (Churna form).
Mixing
The powders are combined per the formula; sometimes other ingredients like bhasma (calcined metal/mineral) or guggulu (resin) are included.
Binding
A binding agent (like honey, jaggery, or gum acacia) is added to make a pliable mass.
Shaping
The dough-like mass is rolled into pills or small spheres.
Drying
The pills are dried in shade or low-temperature dryers to retain medicinal properties.
Standardization
Weight Variation: Each pill should meet uniform weight specifications.
Disintegration Time: Ensures it breaks down properly in the body.
Assay of Active Ingredients: If a known marker compound is used (like with ashwagandha-based pills), test to confirm potency.
