Siddha Jala (medicated water): A unique concept of Ayurveda for better disease management—What the world needs to know?

Abstract Siddha Jala (medicated water) is a fundamental Ayurvedic principle that incorporates specific herbal formulations into water, which is then consumed either lukewarm or at room temperature for the effective treatment of a wide range of health issues. The aim of the study was to review and systematically analyze various Siddha Jala and their action assessed via Rasa (taste), Guna (quality), Veerya (potency), and Vipaka (biotransformation) for the better management of diseases and its associated symptoms. A comprehensive review was conducted using Ayurveda classics, such as Charaka Samhita , Sushruta Samhita , Chikitsa Grantha , and Nighantu , along with their commentaries. Information regarding Siddha Jala and its utility was gathered and analyzed based on the pharmacodynamic attributes of the herbs to establish the rationale. In addition, contemporary publications were reviewed to gain a better understanding of the pharmacodynamics. The study revealed that 22 distinct varieties of Siddha Jala are detailed in Ayurveda classics as remedies for a range of health issues, primarily for fever and gastrointestinal problems. These remedies are given names based on the primary herbs they include and, at times, the number of herbs utilized in the medicated water, such as Shadanga Paniya , Nagaradi Paniya , and Panchmooli Toya . The most frequently employed herb in these Siddha Jala is Zingiber officinale Roscoe. The review on these formulations reveals that they are designed to restore balance to the Doshas , maintain digestion, and alleviate symptoms associated with diseases, such as excessive thirst and fever. Siddha Jala is a unique Ayurvedic approach that aims to improve disease management and enhance the quality of life for patients. This method utilizes medicated water to restore digestion, as imbalances in Agni (digestive factor) are believed to be the root cause of diseases. While there is potential for this technique to be used in patient care, it is currently a lesser-known area and requires further research for better understanding and acceptance.