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.
| Also known as | Elakanadi Kashayam, ElakanadiKashayam |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Key Ingredients
- Ela (Elettaria cardamomum / Cardamom)
- Kana/Pippali (Piper longum)
- Madhuka/Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Nagara/Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
- Abda/Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
- Vasa (Adhatoda vasica)
- Nimba (Azadirachta indica)
- Amruta/Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
- Dashamoola (group of ten roots)
- Ambu/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 and Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) relieves bronchospasm in asthma and bronchitis
- Bioavailability enhancement by piperine (from Pippali) increases absorption of other active constituents
- Antiemetic properties of Ela (cardamom) relieve nausea, vomiting, and hiccups
- Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Guduchi and 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 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, 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
- Sitopaladi Churna
- Talisadi Churna
- Dasamula Kashayam
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.
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