# Ksheera

> Ksheera is an animal-derived substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica, from the Not applicable (Bovidae - cow family for Go-Ksheera) family. Milk recognized by WHO/FAO as essential food for nutrition; included in WHO Model Formulary as pharmaceutical vehicle; WHO guidelines on safe milk production and processing published.

## Key facts

- **Family:** Not applicable (Bovidae - cow family for Go-Ksheera)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Milk recognized by WHO/FAO as essential food for nutrition; included in WHO Model Formulary as pharmaceutical vehicle; WHO guidelines on safe milk production and processing published

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Ksheera |
| Latin/Botanical | *Not applicable (animal product - Bos taurus milk primarily)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Casein [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) (alpha-s1, alpha-s2, beta, kappa)
- Whey proteins (lactalbumin, lactoglobulin)
- [Lactoferrin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lactoferrin)
- [Immunoglobulins](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#immunoglobulins) (IgA, IgG, IgM)
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
- Calcium and [phosphorus](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phosphorus)
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Sphingomyelin
- Opioid [peptides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#peptides) (casomorphins)

## How does it work?

- Lactoferrin exhibits [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity through iron sequestration (depriving pathogens of essential iron) and direct membrane disruption; also modulates innate immune response through TLR4 signaling
- Casein-derived bioactive peptides (casomorphins) bind to opioid mu-receptors in the gut, providing antidiarrheal effects and modulating gastrointestinal motility and secretion
- Milk serves as a pharmaceutical vehicle (Anupana) enhancing bioavailability of lipophilic herbal compounds through emulsification with milk fat, and provides buffering action that moderates pungent/irritant properties of co-administered herbs

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenating) and Ojas-enhancing properties validated through clinical nutrition studies confirming milk's role in improving immune function and tissue nourishment
- Use as a pharmaceutical vehicle (Anupana/Ksheera Paka) validated - milk-based processing of herbs enhances bioavailability of lipophilic compounds while reducing irritant properties
- Ksheera Basti (milk enema) efficacy for Vataroga (neurological/musculoskeletal conditions) supported by clinical evidence for sciatica management

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Dube N, Nimgulkar C, Bharatraj DK 2017. [Validation of therapeutic anti-inflammatory potential of Arjuna Ksheera Paka - A traditional Ayurvedic formulation of Terminalia arjuna](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29034188/). *Journal of traditional and complementary medicine*. PMID [29034188](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29034188/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.11.006](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.11.006)  
  Milk-based processing (Ksheera Paka) of Terminalia [arjuna](/herb/arjuna/) enhanced anti-inflammatory activity, validating the traditional Ayurvedic practice of using milk as a pharmaceutical vehicle/adjuvant.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Lactose intolerance affects 65-70% of the global adult population; milk should be avoided or consumed with lactase enzyme supplementation in affected individuals
- Cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in infants (2-3%); IgE-mediated reactions can cause anaphylaxis
- Quality and safety of milk depends on source animal health, feed, and processing; raw/unpasteurized milk carries risk of pathogenic bacteria (Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli)

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Liquid (plain milk), Ksheera Paka (medicated milk decoction), Ksheera Basti (milk enema), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (clarified butter/Ghee derived from milk), [Takra](/herb/takra/) (buttermilk), [Dadhi](/herb/dadhi/) (curd/yogurt)

**Standard Dosage:** 100-250 mL warm milk as Anupana (vehicle) for herbs; Ksheera Paka: 100-200 mL once daily; Ksheera Basti: 200-500 mL as per Panchakarma protocol

**Bioavailability:** Milk serves as a superior bioavailability enhancer (Anupana) for lipophilic drugs due to fat content (3.5-6% for cow's milk). Casein micelles act as natural nanocarriers for hydrophobic compounds. Calcium and [phospholipids](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phospholipids) enhance absorption of fat-soluble [vitamins](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitamins) and phytochemicals. Lactoferrin improves iron bioavailability. Ksheera Paka extraction concentrates herb actives in milk lipid fraction. A2 milk (A2 beta-casein) is traditionally preferred in Ayurveda.

**Optimal Timing:** Warm milk at bedtime for sleep and Vata pacification; Ksheera Paka morning or evening depending on herb used; Ksheera Basti as per Panchakarma schedule

**Standardized Extract:** Not applicable as a standardized extract — quality parameters: fat content 3.5-6%, SNF >8.5%, total protein >3.2%, somatic cell count <200,000/mL; for Ghee: moisture <0.5%, free fatty acid <0.3%

**Shelf Life:** Fresh milk: 2-5 days (refrigerated); UHT milk: 6-9 months; Ghee: 12-24 months; Ksheera Paka: consume same day; Takra: 24 hours

**Storage:** Fresh milk at 2-8°C. Ghee in airtight containers at room temperature (15-30°C) — does not require refrigeration. Ksheera Paka cannot be stored; prepare fresh for each use.

**Marker Compounds:** Casein (alpha-s1, alpha-s2, beta, kappa), Beta-lactoglobulin, Alpha-lactalbumin, Lactoferrin, Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), Butyric acid (in ghee), Calcium, Phosphorus

### Extraction Methods

- Ksheera Paka: herbs simmered in milk + water (1:8:32 ratio of herb:milk:water, reduced to milk volume)
- Ghee preparation by slow clarification of butter
- Fermentation for Takra/Dadhi preparation
- Pasteurization/UHT for shelf-stable milk products

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) Ksheera Paka for rejuvenation and sleep
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) with milk for [galactagogue](/glossary/pharmacology/#galactagogue) effect
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) Dugdha ([Turmeric](/herb/turmeric/) milk) for anti-inflammatory and immune support
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) with milk for strength building
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) with milk for fever management

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/ksheera/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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.