Dhanwantaram Kashayam
Dhanwantaram Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Ashtanga Hridayam and Yogaratnakara. Described as a premier postpartum tonic and Vata-balancing formulation with 42 herbs.
| Also known as | Dhanwantaram Kashayam, DhanwantaramKashayam |
|---|---|
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Ashtanga Hridayam and Yogaratnakara. Widely manufactured by licensed Ayurvedic pharmacies under GMP standards. |
The evidence at a glance
2papers on this site for this drug, published 2020 to 2020, every one with a DOI.
- 2Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Dhanwantaram Kashayam |
Key Ingredients
- Bala moola (Sida cordifolia root)
- Dashamoola (group of ten roots)
- Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Vacha (Acorus calamus)
- Triphala (Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Amalaki)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
- Devadaru (Cedrus deodara)
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Ashtanga Hridayam (Sharirasthana), named after Lord Dhanwantari. Also referenced in Yogaratnakara. Described as a premier postpartum tonic and Vata-balancing formulation with 42 herbs.
How does it work?
- COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibition by Dashamoola has been reported, which may relate to anti-inflammatory activity
- Bala (Sida cordifolia) is traditionally regarded as a nervine tonic that balances Vata dosha
- Traditionally described as a uterine tonic that supports postpartum recovery
- Neuroprotective effects have been proposed but not established
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Postpartum care and uterine tonic: traditionally used after delivery as a uterine tonic. Observational studies have reported improved uterine involution.
- Vata disorders including joint pain and neuralgia: traditionally used for these conditions. Studies have reported COX-2/5-LOX inhibition.
- General weakness and debility after delivery: traditionally used for weakness after childbirth. Bala and Ashwagandha are traditionally regarded as nervine tonics.
- Gynecological disorders: traditionally used for gynecological disorders.
What do recent studies show?
No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. 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
- Generally considered safe under physician supervision.
- It should be avoided during pregnancy without physician guidance due to potent Vata-balancing action. Overdose may cause gastric discomfort.
What is it made of?
Key Active Markers
- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Kashayam (decoction), Kashayam tablet (modern), Concentrated liquid (modern)
Standard Dosage: 15-30 mL or 2 tablets twice daily before meals.
Optimal Timing: Before meals, morning and evening, especially for Vata-predominant conditions
Storage: Fresh: same day. Concentrates: amber glass at room temperature. Tablets: airtight containers at room temperature.
Marker Compounds: Ephedrine (from Bala), Withanolide A, Lupeol, Marmelosin, Beta-sitosterol
Vehicle (Anupana): Warm water (tablets); as is (liquid kashayam)
Synergistic Combinations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Laboratory and animal studies2
- 2020. Dhanwantaram kashayam, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation, reduces oxidative radicals and reverts lipids profile towards normal in diabetic ratsBiochemistry and biophysics reports. PMID 32368622 · doi:10.1016/j.bbrep.2020.100755
- 2020. Antioxidant activities of Dhanwantaram Kashayam -an Ayurvedic poly herbal formulation alleviates diabetic complications in ratsJournal of diabetes and metabolic disorders. PMID 33553031 · doi:10.1007/s40200-020-00655-5
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.