# Amritottaram Kashayam

> Amritottaram Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Sahasrayogam, Jwara Chikitsa (fever treatment section). Also referenced in Rasa Tarangini and Bhaishajya Ratnavali under divya kashaya for strengthening innate defense mechanisms.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Sahasrayogam and Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Simple three-ingredient formulation widely used in Ayurvedic clinical practice.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Amritottaram Kashayam](/formulation/amritottaram-kashayam/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sahasrayogam, Jwara Chikitsa (fever treatment section). Also referenced in Rasa Tarangini and Bhaishajya Ratnavali under divya kashaya for strengthening innate defense mechanisms.

## How does it work?

- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action through enhanced NK cell activity and macrophage phagocytosis ([Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/))
- Mild [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) action targeting root cause of fever by addressing AMA (metabolic toxins) or microbial infections
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) activity through reduction of ALT/AST [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) and hepatocyte regeneration ([Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/), [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/))
- Bioavailability enhancement by Shunthi ([ginger](/herb/ginger/)) improves absorption of active compounds from [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) and [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/)

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Fever management (Jwara Chikitsa) - validated by immunomodulatory and antipyretic studies
- Liver protection in mild hepatitis - supported by ALT/AST reduction in clinical study
- General immunity enhancement - validated by NK cell and macrophage activation research
- Digestive support during febrile illness - supported by Shunthi's established digestive properties

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.*

## Recent safety updates

- Well-tolerated with minimal side effects at recommended doses. All three ingredients have established safety profiles with immunomodulatory properties.
- May potentiate immunosuppressant drugs; use cautiously in autoimmune conditions. [Ginger](/herb/ginger/) component may interact with anticoagulant medications.

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Kashayam (decoction), Kashayam tablets (modern), Concentrated liquid (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 15-30 mL (liquid) or 2 tablets twice daily before meals, as per AFI

**Bioavailability:** Hot decoction form provides rapid absorption. Gingerols from Shunthi act as bioenhancers and improve gastric motility for faster absorption. Tablet form may have slightly delayed onset compared to fresh kashayam.

**Optimal Timing:** On empty stomach or before meals (Abhukta/Bhojana-purva), morning and evening

**Shelf Life:** 1 day (fresh kashayam), 6 months (concentrated liquid with preservative), 3 years (tablet form) as per ASU guidelines

**Storage:** Fresh kashayam: prepare and consume same day. Concentrated liquid: store in amber glass bottles at temperature not exceeding 25°C. Tablets: store in airtight containers at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** [Berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine), [Tinosporaside](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tinosporaside), 6-[Gingerol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#gingerol), 6-Shogaol

**Quality Parameters:** pH, specific gravity, total solids, extractive values (water-soluble, alcohol-soluble), HPTLC fingerprint for [berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine) and gingerols, microbial limits, heavy metals, disintegration time (for tablets), dissolution profile

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm water (for tablets); taken as is (for liquid kashayam)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Amritarishta](/formulation/amritarishta/)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) Satva
- Sudarshana Churna
- Vilvadi Gulika

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/amritottaram-kashayam/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.