Elakanadi Kashayam
Elakanadi Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). 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 Drugs 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. Widely used in Kerala Ayurvedic tradition for chronic respiratory conditions.
How does it work?
- Bronchodilatory action has been attributed to 1,8-cineole and Vasa (Adhatoda vasica); traditionally used in asthma and bronchitis
- Bioavailability enhancement by piperine (from Pippali) increases absorption of other active constituents
- Ela (cardamom), credited with antiemetic properties, is traditionally used for nausea, vomiting, and hiccups
- Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Guduchi and Nimba support respiratory immunity
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, bronchitis): traditionally used for these conditions. Clinical studies have reported bronchodilatory effects.
- Tuberculosis: traditionally used as an adjuvant alongside other care.
- Vomiting and hiccup (Chardi and Hikka): traditionally used for vomiting and hiccup.
- Chronic cough with sputum: traditionally used for chronic cough with sputum. A study reported reduced sputum viscosity.
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
- Safety has not been established. Overdosage may cause gastritis.
- 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
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, for respiratory and digestive indications
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
Vehicle (Anupana): Warm water (tablets); as is (liquid)
Synergistic Combinations
- Eladi Vati
- Sitopaladi Churna
- Talisadi Churna
- Dasamula Kashayam
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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