Kabid Naushadri

Indications

Kabid Naushadri is a Unani digestive preparation. Its name comes from "kabid" (liver) and "naushadar", the Unani name for sal ammoniac (Ammonium Chloride), which is combined with digestive herbs and spices. It is traditionally used for indigestion, loss of appetite, wind and bloating, a feeling of fullness after meals and a sluggish liver. Scientific evidence for these uses is limited.

How It Works

In Unani medicine naushadar is regarded as a digestive stimulant, and the herbs and spices in the formula are thought to increase digestive juices and help release trapped wind. Ammonium Chloride is a mild acidifying salt that also loosens phlegm. How the whole preparation works in people has not been properly studied.

Dosage and Administration

Take as directed on the label or by a registered Unani practitioner, usually after meals. Do not take more than the recommended amount and do not use it for long periods without advice. If indigestion continues for more than two weeks, see a doctor.

Interactions

Ammonium Chloride makes the urine more acidic and can change how the body removes some medicines, for example increasing the removal of Amphetamine and slowing the removal of some sulfonamide antibiotics. It should not be combined with other acidifying agents or with medicines that affect blood acid balance without advice. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you use.

Contraindications

• Allergy to any of the ingredients listed on the pack
• Serious liver disease or cirrhosis, because ammonium salts can worsen brain symptoms in liver failure
• Serious kidney disease
• Metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the blood)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless a practitioner advises it
• Children, unless a practitioner advises it

Side Effects

At the label dose side effects are uncommon. Possible effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach irritation and thirst. Larger amounts may cause headache, drowsiness, confusion and rapid breathing due to excess acid in the blood.

Get urgent medical help if you notice confusion, unusual drowsiness, fast deep breathing, severe vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, vomiting blood, black stools, or swelling of the face, lips or throat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

The safety of this preparation in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Do not use it during these times unless a qualified practitioner advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

Despite its name, this product is not a treatment for liver disease; anyone with jaundice or known liver disease should avoid it and see a doctor. Take advice first if you have heart, lung or kidney disease. Ongoing indigestion, weight loss, vomiting or black stools need a doctor's check.

Overdose

Overdose can cause vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, fast breathing and blood acid imbalance. If someone has taken much more than the recommended amount, or a child has swallowed the product, go to the nearest hospital straight away and take the pack with you.

Therapeutic Class

Unani herbal and mineral preparation (digestive).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture.