Kalpataru Ras – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Introduction

Fever is a regulated rise in body temperature that occurs as a protective response to infection, inflammation, or tissue injury. It develops when immune mediators such as cytokines stimulate the hypothalamus to reset the body’s thermal set point, enhancing immune efficiency and inhibiting pathogen growth. In Ayurveda, fever (Jwara) is considered a primary disease that originates from impairment of Agni and accumulation of Ama, leading to disturbance of the Doshas. Ayurvedic management focuses on correcting digestion, clearing toxins, restoring metabolic balance, and strengthening host resistance through herbs, mineral formulations, diet regulation, and supportive therapies. Mineral formulations such as Kalpataru ras is one of such formulations which helps in managing fever induced due to Kapha and Vata imbalance primarily. So Let’s Start!

Ingredients

1. Shuddha Parad (Purified Mercury) – 1 Tola
2. Shuddha Gandhak – 1 Tola
3. Shuddha Vatsanabh – 1 Tola
4. Shuddha manshila – 1 Tola
5. Swarn makshik – 1 Tola
6. Suhaga (Borex) – 1 Tola
7. Marica (Black pepper) – 2 tola
8. Pippali (Long pepper) – 2 tola
9. Sonth (Zingiber officinale) – 10 Tola

Description Of Ingredients

1. Shuddha Parad (Purified Mercury)

In Ayurveda, it acts as a Yogavahi, improving drug delivery and cellular penetration. Scientifically, properly processed mercury sulfide forms (used in Rasashastra) show enhanced bioavailability and catalytic action, helping regulate metabolic and immune responses when used in classical formulations.

2. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified Sulfur)

Known for Jwaraghna and Krimighna actions. Sulfur exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, supporting detoxification and immune modulation during infectious and inflammatory fevers.

3. Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox)

After classical detoxification, its alkaloids (e.g., aconitine derivatives in reduced toxicity form) stimulate digestion, circulation, and thermoregulation, helping resolve severe, Vata-Kapha dominant fevers.

4. Shuddha Manshila (Purified Arsenic Disulfide)

Traditionally used in chronic and relapsing fevers. Scientifically, arsenic compounds in controlled, processed forms exhibit immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activity, aiding fever reduction under strict Ayurvedic purification principles.

5. Swarn Makshik (Calcined Copper-Iron Sulfide)

Acts on Rasavaha and Raktavaha srotas. Copper and iron compounds support enzymatic activity, hematinic function, and immune defense, helping correct metabolic toxins (Ama) linked to fever.

6. Suhaga (Borax)

It facilitates drug penetration and digestion. Boron compounds exhibit mild antimicrobial and metabolic regulatory effects, supporting antipyretic action indirectly by improving digestion and Ama clearance.

7. Marica (Black Pepper – Piper nigrum)

It contains piperine, proven to enhance bioavailability, stimulate digestive enzymes, and show anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects, making it valuable in fever management.

8. Pippali (Long Pepper – Piper longum)

It is rich in piperlongumine and piperine, which demonstrate immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory-supportive effects, beneficial in fevers with Kapha involvement.

9. Sonth (Dry Ginger – Zingiber officinale)

It contains gingerols and shogaols, known for antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant actions; promotes sweating, relieves myalgia, and supports digestion during fever.

Indications

Kalpataru Ras is traditionally indicated for:

• Fever due to Vata and Kapha imbalance
• Cough and cold
• Asthma and respiratory difficulty (Shwasa)
• Rhinitis (Pratishyaya)
• Body ache associated with fever
• Low digestive strength (Agnimandhya)
• Loss of appetite (Aruchi)
• Kapha/Vata headaches and dizziness
• Delirium and fainting (Murcha / Pralapa)

Clinical Use

• In Kapha-dominant headache, nasal administration provides immediate relief. It is also useful in mental confusion, incoherent speech, and obstruction in hiccups.
• If the patient becomes unconscious and the jaws are clenched tightly, administering this Ras as nasal drops helps restore consciousness.

Dosage

1 to 2 ratti, with ginger juice and honey, twice daily.

Contraindications

• It contains heavy metals and processed minerals, so it should only be used under strict medical supervision.
• Overdose or unsupervised use may cause gastric discomfort or metallic taste.
• Not recommended during pregnancy, lactation, or in children without direct physician guidance.
• Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

Conclusion

Fever reminds us that the body is not weak, but wisely striving to regain balance. Ayurveda understands Jwara as a deep disturbance of Agni and Doshas, calling for gentle yet powerful correction from within. Along with diet, rest, and herbal support, classical formulations like Kalpataru Ras play a vital role by strengthening digestion, enhancing immunity, and supporting systemic resilience. When healing is guided by tradition, precision, and compassion, recovery becomes more than the absence of symptoms; it becomes a return to harmony, vitality, and the quiet reassurance that the body knows how to heal when truly supported.