Kumkumadi Thailam: ingredients and quantities (Ayurvedic Formulary of India)

Kumkumadi Thailam is a classical Ayurvedic taila, a medicated oil. Referenced in Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIMH) Volumes 3 and 4. Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Kshudra Roga Chikitsa chapter); also documented in Ashtanga Hridayam. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India (Part I, entry 8:8) lists 29 ingredients, beginning with Kunkuma, Candana, Lodhra and Patanga.

Key facts
Also known as	Kumkumadi Thailam, KumkumadiThailam
Pharmacopoeia status	Referenced in Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIMH) Volumes 3 and 4. Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India. Classical references in Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Ashtanga Hridayam.

#	Ingredient	Part	Quantity
1	Kunkuma *	Stl/Stg.	12 g.
2	Candana (sveta candana) *	heart wood	12 g.
3	Lodhra *	stem bark	12 g.
4	Patanga *	heart wood	12 g.
5	Rakta candana *	heart wood	12 g.
6	Kaliyaka (agaru) *	heart wood	12 g.
7	Usira	root	12 g.
8	Manjistha *	root	12 g.
9	Madhu (yasti) *	root	12 g.
10	Patra (tejapatra)	leaf	12 g.
11	Padmaka *		12 g.
12	Padma (kamala) *		12 g.
13	Kustha *	root	12 g.
14	Gorocana *		12 g.
15	Nisa (haridra)	rhizome	12 g.
16	Laksa *		12 g.
17	Daruharidra	stem	12 g.
18	Gairika		12 g.
19	Nagakesara *	stamens	12 g.
20	Palasa kusuma	flower	12 g.
21	Priyangu *	flower	12 g.
22	Vatankura (nyagrodha) *	Lf. Bd.	12 g.
23	Malati (jati) *	flower	12 g.
24	Madhucchista *		12 g.
25	Sarsapa	seed	12 g.
26	Surabhi (rasna)	Rt./Lf.	12 g.
27	Vaca	rhizome	12 g.
28	Payas (godugdha) *		6.144 l.
29	Taila (tila)	oil	1.536 kg.

This entry and kumkumadi tailam describe the same drug, , under different names. Both pages are kept because both names are in use, and each is cited as itself.

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Kumkumadi Thailam

Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Kshudra Roga Chikitsa chapter); also documented in Ashtanga Hridayam. Formulation contains 21+ herbs for Varnya (complexion-enhancing) therapy. Referenced in Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIMH) Volumes 3 and 4.

How does it work?

Crocin and crocetin from Saffron inhibit tyrosinase enzyme activity, reducing melanin synthesis and providing skin-brightening effect
Anthraquinones from Manjistha (purpurin, munjistin) are traditionally associated with blood-purifying and anti-inflammatory action
Sandalwood’s santalol compounds reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and provide anti-inflammatory barrier repair through modulation of inflammatory cytokines
Glycyrrhizin from Licorice inhibits melanogenesis via downregulation of MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor) and acts as a skin-soothing agent

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

Skin brightening and complexion enhancement (Varnya): traditionally used to brighten the skin and enhance complexion. Clinical trials have reported reduced melanin with regular use.
Post-acne marks and scars: traditionally used to fade post-acne marks and scars. Case series from Ayurvedic clinics have reported visible fading of marks in some participants.
Skin hydration and anti-aging: traditionally used for skin hydration and anti-aging. Clinical measurements have reported increased skin hydration, improved elasticity and reduced transepidermal water loss.

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

Minor side effects include redness, mild itching, or oiliness if over-applied. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to saffron or sandalwood may experience mild irritation or rash. Patch test strongly recommended before regular use.
Contraindicated in active skin tuberculosis, eczema with oozing, or fungal infections. Should not be combined with topical steroids or retinoids without dermatologist consultation. Direct eye contact causes burning sensation. Overuse on oily skin can increase oiliness and acne.

What is it made of?

The Ayurvedic Formulary of India recipe, every ingredient with its part and quantity, is in the composition table near the top of this page.

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Thailam (medicated oil for facial/skin use), Serum (modern), Cream (modern)

Standard Dosage: External: 2-5 drops on face/skin, once daily at bedtime. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, unlike the Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Ashtanga Hridayam references given above, attributes this formula to Yogaratnakara, Ksudrarogadhikara; Page 740.

Optimal Timing: At bedtime for overnight skin rejuvenation

Storage: Same as Kumkumadi Tailam. Dark amber glass bottles, temperature not exceeding 25°C.

Marker Compounds: Crocin, Crocetin, Safranal, Alpha-santalol, Purpurin, Alizarin

Vehicle (Anupana): Not applicable, topical facial use

Synergistic Combinations

Eladi Thailam
Nalpamaradi Thailam
Mukhalepa (facial pack preparations)

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.