Ashtapatra Taila – Ingredients, Preparation, Indications, Benefits & More

Introduction

Ashtapatra Taila is a classical Ayurvedic medicated oil formulation described for external application, especially in disorders of the head and scalp. The formulation derives its name from the use of eight medicinal leaves (ashta-patra), which collectively possess Pitta-shamaka, Kapha-hara, Rakta-prasadana, and Medhya properties. The combined processing with sesame oil and cow’s milk enhances its nourishing, cooling, and strengthening effects on the scalp, sense organs, and nervous system.

Classical Reference

बिल्वकारस्करवलं भ्रामरं शक्रवल्लरी।
सामृतं नागवल्यग्रं पटोलामलकं तथा।।
आसूत्य द्विगुणं क्षीरं तैलप्रस्थं विपाचयेत्।
अष्टपत्रमिदं तैलं शिरोरोगविनाशनम् ।।

The leaves of Bilva, Vishatinduka, Bhringaraja, Indravaruni, Guduci, Nagavalli, Patola, and Amalaki are taken and prepared into a decoction. This decoction is processed with sesame oil (tila taila) and double the quantity of cow’s milk (ksira). The medicated oil thus prepared is known as Ashtapatra Taila, which is highly effective in the management of Shiroroga (diseases of the head).

Composition

Kwath Dravyas (Decoction Ingredients)

Ashtapatra Taila contains eight leaf drugs taken in equal quantity, each approximately 40 g:

• Bilva patra (Aegle marmelos) – Bael leaf
• Vishatinduka patra (Strychnos nux-vomica, purified leaf as per classical usage) – Poison nut leaf
• Bhringaraja patra (Eclipta alba) – False daisy leaf
• Indravaruni patra (Citrullus colocynthis) – Bitter apple leaf
• Guduci patra (Tinospora cordifolia) – Giloy leaf
• Nagavalli patra (Piper betle) – Betel leaf
• Patola patra (Trichosanthes dioica) – Pointed gourd leaf
• Amalaki patra (Emblica officinalis) – Indian gooseberry leaf

These drugs are boiled in 5.12 litres of water to prepare the decoction.

Taila Dravya

• Tila Taila (Sesamum indicum) – Sesame oil, 640 ml

Ksira Dravya

• Go-ksira – Cow’s milk, 1280 ml

Method Of Preparation

All eight leaf drugs are taken and boiled with the prescribed quantity of water to prepare a kwath, which is reduced to one-fourth. To this decoction, tila taila and cow’s milk are added and the mixture is heated on mild fire following classical sneha paka vidhi. The heating process is continued until the oil attains proper siddha lakshanas and the final quantity corresponds to that of the oil. After completion, the oil is filtered and stored in clean, dry glass bottles. This medicated oil is known as Ashtapatra Taila.

Method Of Use

Ashtapatra Taila is used externally in the form of Abhyanga (therapeutic oil massage), particularly over the scalp and head region.

Indications

• Shiroroga – Disorders of the head
• Headache associated with Pitta and Kapha imbalance
• Burning sensation and heaviness of the scalp
• Hair and scalp disorders with inflammatory background
• Stress-related head discomfort and dryness of scalp

Clinical Use

• Used in Shiroroga, especially headaches associated with Pitta–Kapha predominance
• Helpful in burning sensation and heat in the scalp, particularly during summer or Pitta aggravation
• Beneficial in heaviness of head and dull, congestive type headaches
• Supports relief in stress-induced head tension and mental fatigue
• Useful in scalp inflammation, itching, and sensitivity
• Helps maintain scalp moisture and reduces dryness caused by excessive heat
• Supports local circulation of the scalp during regular abhyanga
• Acts as a cooling and soothing external therapy for head discomfort
• Useful as preventive abhyanga in individuals prone to recurrent headaches
• Can be employed in post-febrile head discomfort where residual heat persists

Conclusion

Ashtapatra Taila is a well-balanced classical formulation designed for external use in Shiroroga. Its unique combination of eight medicinal leaves, processed with milk and sesame oil, makes it particularly effective in managing head-related disorders, scalp inflammation, and Pitta-dominant conditions. Regular application through abhyanga helps restore dosha balance, promotes scalp health, and provides soothing relief to the head and nervous system.