# Elakanadi Kashayam

> Elakanadi Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Also referenced in commentaries of Charaka Samhita's Nighantu section. Widely used in Kerala Ayurvedic tradition for chronic respiratory conditions.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Sahasrayogam. Manufactured under Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940 by licensed Ayurvedic pharmacies.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Elakanadi Kashayam](/formulation/elakanadi-kashayam/) |

## Key Ingredients

- Ela (Elettaria cardamomum / Cardamom)
- Kana/[Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (Piper longum)
- [Madhuka](/herb/madhuka/)/[Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Nagara/Shunthi ([Zingiber](/herb/zingiber/) officinale)
- Abda/Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
- [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) (Adhatoda vasica)
- [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) (Azadirachta indica)
- Amruta/[Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (Tinospora cordifolia)
- [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) (group of ten roots)
- Ambu/[Sariva](/herb/sariva/) (Hemidesmus indicus)

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sahasrayogam. Also referenced in commentaries of Charaka Samhita's Nighantu section. Widely used in Kerala Ayurvedic tradition for chronic respiratory conditions.

## How does it work?

- Bronchodilatory action from 1,8-[cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole) and [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) (Adhatoda vasica) relieves bronchospasm in asthma and bronchitis
- Bioavailability enhancement by [piperine](/reference/piperine/) (from [Pippali](/herb/pippali/)) increases absorption of other active constituents
- [Antiemetic](/glossary/pharmacology/#antiemetic) properties of Ela (cardamom) relieve nausea, vomiting, and hiccups
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and anti-inflammatory effects of [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) and [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) support respiratory immunity

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, bronchitis) - validated by clinical trials showing bronchodilatory effects
- Adjuvant in tuberculosis treatment - supported by immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties
- Vomiting and hiccup (Chardi and Hikka) - corroborated by antiemetic properties of cardamom
- Chronic cough with sputum - supported by study showing sputum viscosity reduction

## 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

- No known side effects at standard dosage. Overdosage may cause gastritis. Generally considered safe for long-term use under physician supervision.
- May potentiate [antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) drugs and anticoagulants; blood sugar and clotting factors should be monitored closely. Large-scale RCTs and pharmacokinetic profiling still needed.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## 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, as per Sahasrayogam

**Bioavailability:** Hot decoction provides rapid absorption of volatile and non-volatile constituents. Aromatic components from Ela enhance gastric motility and absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals, morning and evening, for respiratory and digestive indications

**Shelf Life:** Same day (fresh), 6 months (preserved), 3 years (tablet)

**Storage:** Fresh: use same day. Concentrates: amber glass at room temperature. Tablets: airtight containers at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** 1,8-Cineole, Alpha-terpinyl acetate, [Linalool](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#linalool), Alpha-terpineol

**Quality Parameters:** pH, specific gravity, total solids, volatile oil content, 1,8-cineole content, extractive values, HPTLC fingerprint, microbial limits, heavy metals

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

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Eladi Vati](/formulation/eladi-vati/)
- [Sitopaladi Churna](/formulation/sitopaladi-churna/)
- [Talisadi Churna](/formulation/talisadi-churna/)
- Dasamula Kashayam

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