A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Kālašākādi Kashaya
Cikitsamanjari - Vishūcika Cikitsa Prakarana
(The formulation is referenced in the chapter dealing with the treatment of Vishūcika in the classical text, Cikitsamanjari.)
The formulation is prepared as a decoction (Kashaya) from the following ingredients in the specified ratio.
कालशाक (Kālašāka) - Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.
विडय (Viḍaya) / अबाहया (Abāhayā) - Terminalia chebula Retz.
महौषध (Mahauṣadha) / नागर (Nāgara) - Zingiber officinale Roscoe
Ratio: 6 parts Kālašāka : 4 parts Viḍaya : 2 parts Nāgara.
(As per the classical reference: rasayugākṣi bhāga - 6 Rasa, 4 Yugā, 2 Akṣi).
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit)
विषूचिका (Vishūcikā): A severe gastrointestinal condition characterized by acute, spasmodic pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, often equated with cholera or acute gastroenteritis.
शूल (Šūla): Colicky or spasmodic pain, especially in the abdomen.
तृट् (Tṛṭ): Excessive thirst.
भ्रम (Bhrama): Dizziness, giddiness, or delusion.
अजीर्ण (Ajīrṇa): Indigestion.
ग्रहणी (Grahani): A complex disorder of the small intestine primarily involving impaired digestion and absorption, similar to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Sprue.
आमज ग्रहणी (Āmaja Grahani): A type of Grahani caused by the presence of Āma (toxins due to improper digestion).
ज्वर (Jwara): Fever.
अरुचि (Aruci): Anorexia, loss of taste/appetite.
अर्शस् (Arśas): Hemorrhoids/Piles.
तमक श्वास (Tamaka Śvāsa): A type of dyspnea or asthma, often allergic or bronchial in nature.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation)
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Lactose intolerance, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D predominant), Amoebic colitis, Acute and Sub-acute Diarrhea, Pancreatitis (supportive therapy), Colicky abdominal pain, Indigestion, Hemorrhoids.
Infectious Diseases: Exhibits antibacterial and anti-amoebic properties, making it useful in infectious diarrhea caused by organisms like E. coli and Entamoeba histolytica.
Respiratory Conditions: Allergic bronchitis and asthma (Tamaka Śvāsa), especially when aggravated by kapha.
Dosha Karma (Action on Bio-humors): Primarily pacifies Kapha and Vāta Dosha (Kapha-Vāta Šamana). It also facilitates the downward movement of Vāta (Vātānulōmana), relieving bloating and pain.
Dhātu Karma (Action on Tissues): Primarily acts on the Rasa and Rakta Dhātus (plasma and blood tissues), purifying them from toxins (Āma).
Agni Karma (Action on Digestive Fire): Enhances the digestive and metabolic fire (Dipana) and promotes the digestion of toxins (Āma Pachana).
Srotas Karma (Action on Body Channels): Its primary action is on the Annavaha Srotas (digestive tract) and Purīṣavaha Srotas (colon), strengthening the intestines (Āntra/Grahani Balya).
Roga Karma (Disease-Specific Action): Alleviates specific diseases, including Vishūcikā (Vishūcikā hara), Grahani (Grahani hara). It also has detoxifying (Vishaghna) and anthelmintic (Krmighna) properties.
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Relieves colicky pain (Šūla hara) and abdominal distension/bloating (Ādmāna hara). It acts as a carminative.
| Attribute (Guṇa) | Property |
| :--- | :--- |
| Rasa (Taste) | Predominantly Tikta (Bitter), Kaṭu (Pungent), Kaṣhāya (Astringent) |
| Guṇa (Quality) | Lagu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry) |
| Vīrya (Potency) | Uṣhṇa (Heating) |
| Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) | Katu (Pungent) |
Note on Modern Correlate Actions: The formulation exhibits carminative, digestive stimulant, antimicrobial, anti-amoebic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its drying and light qualities correlate with its ability to reduce mucous and inflammation in the gut.
Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal
Everest Ayurvedic Medicines
Kerala Ayurveda Ltd.
SNA Oushadhasala Pvt. Ltd.
Vaidyaraj Oushadhasala
Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala
Disclaimer: This information is intended for healthcare professionals. The formulation should be used under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate diagnosis, dosage, and duration.