Ayurveda is considered by many scholars to be the oldest healing science. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “The science of life”. Ayurvedic knowledge originated in India more than 5000 years ago and is often called the “Mother of All Healing”.[1-2] Churna is defined as a fine powder of drug or drugs in Ayurvedic system of medicine. Drugs mentioned in patha, are cleaned properly, dried thoroughly, pulverised and then sieved. The churna is free flowing and retains its potency for one year, if preserved in airtight containers. Triphala churna, Trikatu churna, Drakeshadi churna and Sudharsana churna are some of examples. Churna formulations are similar to powder formulations in Allopathic system of medicine. Indigestion is a common ailment affecting the general population and in allopathy system antacids are commonly prescribed. Since the usage of such aluminium containing antacids cause deleterious effects like Alzheimer’s disease upon long term usage, we explored an alternative and safe remedy for indigestion. Hence we prepared a churna with natural ingredients commonly used by mankind for culinary purposes. Thus the present study examined the favourable influence of four spices formulated into churna said to have digestive property. The common ingredients of these churna were Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). The formulated churna derived from above said drugs is reported to have a wide range of biological activity. Ginger contains aromatic principle like Zingiberine and bisaboline while pungent principles are gingerols and shogaols. Other components are nerol, geraniol, d-camphor, β-Phellandrene, linalool, α-farnesene, [3] Shagoal, [4] and also diarylheptanoids such as gingerone A&B. This is used in the treatment of flatulence, colic, indigestion, vomiting, constipation. It also maintains the tonicity of intestine muscle [5-6]. Ajowan was found to contain essential oil that contains 50% thymol. This is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of indigestion and also as antispasmodic [7]. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which is a phenylpropene derivative [8]. It was found to possess antibacterial property and is mostly used as carminative. Fennel contains anethole and fenchone. This is mainly used as a carminative [9-12].

Many different types of kalpanas, or medicines, are currently utilized in Ayurvedic treatment. Of these, churna (powder) kalpanas are used extensively in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics because they have various benefits over other dosage forms, including ease of production and cost. Good patient compliance, a plethora of possibilities, and the availability of diverse formulation processes have made powder increasingly attractive in the pharmaceutical industry. It is also stressed that in order to develop a promising and adaptable dosage form with unique performance and characteristics, more recent scientific and technological advancements should be made.