Ashta Choornam is an ayurvedic classical medicine beneficial for the abdomen. It pacifies Vata, decreases Kapha, and increases Pitta. It also increases gastric juices and stimulates bile secretion. Thus, it is helpful in the treatment of loss of appetite. It has carminative action and prevents gas formation in the abdomen.
Ashta Choornam Ingredients:
Trikatu Churna (Black Pepper, Ginger, Long Pepper)   - 3 Parts
Ajmoda (Celery Seeds) – Apium Graveolens                - 1 Part
Sendha Namak (Saindhava Lavana)                             -   1 Part
Safed Jeera – White Cumin Seeds                                -    1 Part  
Kala Jeera – Black Cumin Seeds                                  -     1 Part
Hingu – Asafoetida                                                        -     1 Part
Uses:
Ashta Choornam mainly used to increase the Pitta in the digestive system. 
It is mostly used in cases of loss of appetite occurring due to a decrease in the secretion of gastric juices. 
However, aggravated or increased Pitta may result in loss of appetite, so it should not be used in such case. 
Otherwise, it may cause burning sensation, sour belching, restlessness, vertigo and worsen the existing symptoms of excess Pitta.
Therapeutic Indications:
Ashta Choornam is helpful in following health conditions.
Primary Indications:
Loss of Appetite
Anorexia
Intestinal Gas or Flatulence
Abdominal heaviness after eating
Feeling of abdominal lump mainly due to excess gas
Abdominal pain mainly due to accumulation of gas in the abdomen
Incomplete evacuation – when patient complaints he has sticky stool and defecate with mucus content in the stool
Constipation (mainly as described in incomplete evacuation) – due to liver disorders or decrease supply of bile into to the intestine from liver and gallbladder
Irritable bowel syndrome – when patient has loose stools and defecate stool with mucus content
Bloating
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)
Diarrhoea
Loose stools
Secondary Indications:
Vata disorders
Kapha Disorders
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Worm infestation
Ashta Choornam Dosage
Children (Below 5) 250 to 500 mg
Children (Above 5) 500 to 1000 mg
Adults                     1 to 3 grams
Maximum Possible Dosage 6 grams per day (in divided doses