Kantakaryavaleha – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Reference : Ayurveda Sar Sangrah, Page number – 612, 613

Abstract

Kantakaryavaleha is a renowned polyherbal formulation, prescribed for chronic respiratory conditions. The term Avaleha denotes a semi-solid herbal jam made by boiling decoctions with sugar and ghee. Kantakari, the chief ingredient, is known for its Shwasa-Kasa-Hara (anti-asthmatic and anti-tussive) actions. This preparation is ideal for managing respiratory congestion, spasmodic cough, and persistent hiccups. Its sweet and warming base ensures improved palatability and bioavailability of active herbal constituents.

Introduction

Kantakaryavaleha is a classical Ayurvedic formulation extensively used for respiratory ailments such as Shwasa (asthma), Kasa (cough), and Hikka (hiccups). This Avaleha (herbal jam) is prepared using Kantakari as the main ingredient, along with a synergistic blend of herbs that possess expectorant, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and mucolytic properties. It is particularly effective in breaking down accumulated Kapha in the lungs, soothing inflamed respiratory passages, and supporting normal breathing patterns. The combination of Ghrita, Madhu, and herbal decoctions also nourishes the respiratory system while balancing aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas.

Ingredients

• Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum)
• Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)
• Chavya (Piper chaba)
• Chitrak root (Plumbago zeylanica)
• Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus)
• Kakdasingi (Pistacia integerrima)
• Pippali (Piper longum)
• Maricha (Piper nigrum)
• Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
• Jawasa (Alhagi pseudalhagi)
• Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum)
• Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)
• Kachur (Curcuma zedoaria)
• Vanshlochan (Bambusa arundinacea)
• Mishri (Crystallized sugar)
• Til Tail (Sesame oil)
• Go-Ghrita (Cow’s ghee)
• Madhu (Honey)

Description of the Ingredients

1. Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum)

It is a powerful Shwasahara (respiratory system tonic) and Kaphanashak herb used traditionally in treating chronic respiratory conditions. Its bioactive alkaloids, such as solanine and solasonine, exhibit bronchodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties. These compounds help loosen the mucus from the bronchi, ease breathing, and relieve bronchial spasms. It pacifies aggravated Kapha and Vata, making it especially useful in chronic Kasa, breathlessness (Shwasa), and stubborn Hikka.

2. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)

This herb is a renowned Rasayana herb known for its immunomodulatory, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory actions. Its major constituents include tinosporin, cordifolioside, and berberine. Giloy strengthens the respiratory tract by reducing allergic responses, soothing inflamed bronchial linings, and promoting tissue regeneration. It is particularly useful in Kasa caused by infection or inflammation, and it prevents recurrence of Shwasa attacks due to its deep detoxifying action on Ama (toxins).

3. Chavya (Piper chaba)

It is a pungent, heating herb that enhances Agni (digestive fire) and clears Kapha obstruction from the respiratory tract. It contains essential oils with chavicine and piperine, which exert mucolytic and anti-tussive effects. This helps in the liquefaction and expulsion of phlegm, making it easier to breathe and alleviating Kasa. Due to its stimulant nature, it also reduces Hikka by calming erratic Vata and relaxing diaphragmatic spasms.

4. Chitrak root (Plumbago zeylanica)

This herb is a potent Deepana and Shothahara herb used to break chronic mucus congestion. It contains plumbagin, a powerful bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action. By improving digestion and clearing out Ama, it reduces systemic inflammation and improves respiratory efficiency. Chitrak is especially useful in managing Shwasa due to its ability to reduce bronchial inflammation, and in Kasa, where thick sputum is difficult to expel. It also calms Hikka by regulating Vata movement in the chest region.

5. Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus)

It is a tridosha-shamak herb with Kapha-Vata hara dominance. Its active constituents, like cyperene, cyperol, and essential oils, exhibit antipyretic, bronchodilatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. Nagarmotha works effectively in Kasa by reducing excessive phlegm and irritation in the throat and bronchi. In Shwasa, it eases congestion, relieves breathlessness, and clears chest tightness. It also helps in Hikka by calming Vata movement in the thoracic region.

6. Kakdasingi (Pistacia integerrima)

Also known as Karkatashringi- is a traditional expectorant and anti-spasmodic herb. Its galls contain tannins, gallic acid, and pistacin, which help in relieving spasmodic cough and relaxing the respiratory muscles. It acts as a Kasa hara by thinning mucus and clearing the airways. In cases of Shwasa, it helps reduce wheezing and breathlessness. For Hikka, its Vata-calming and muscle-relaxing effects reduce hiccup spasms effectively.

7. Pippali (Piper longum)

It is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda for respiratory and digestive disorders. Rich in piperine and volatile oils, it acts as a Maha-Kasa hara and Shwasa hara drug. Pippali improves lung function by stimulating mucus flow, clearing blockages, and enhancing oxygen uptake. It is highly effective in chronic and dry cough (Vataja Kasa) as well as in Tamaka Shwasa (bronchial asthma). Its warming and penetrating action also calms Hikka by normalizing erratic Vata.

8. Maricha (Piper nigrum)

This herb is a potent Kaphaghna and Vatanulomak herb. Containing the alkaloid piperine, it has expectorant, carminative, and bronchodilatory actions. Maricha enhances the bioavailability of other herbs while directly aiding in the disintegration and expulsion of sticky phlegm. It is especially useful in Kasa with congestion and heaviness, and in Shwasa, it helps restore normal breathing. It pacifies Hikka by relaxing the diaphragm and improving nervous control of respiration.

9. Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)

This herb is a renowned Vata-Kapha hara herb with deep Agnideepana (digestive fire stimulating) and Shwasahara (respiratory relieving) properties. Its major bioactive compound, gingerol, along with shogaols and zingerone, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and mucolytic effects. Shunthi helps in liquefying thick mucus, soothing throat irritation, and relieving chest congestion in both Kasa and Shwasa. It also regulates diaphragmatic function, making it effective in persistent hikka (hiccups).

10. Jawasa (Alhagi pseudalhagi)

It is traditionally used in respiratory ailments as a mild expectorant and anti-inflammatory herb. It contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins that help expel accumulated Kapha and reduce bronchial inflammation. Jawasa is especially beneficial in Shwasa by easing breathing difficulty and acting as a mild bronchodilator. It also clears Kasa by thinning and evacuating mucus. Its warming and Vata-pacifying qualities help calm the spasmodic action seen in Hikka.

11. Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum)

This herb is widely used in Shwasa-Kasa chikitsa. Rich in clerodin, sterols, and flavonoids, it acts as an excellent expectorant, mucolytic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Bharangi helps in managing both dry and wet coughs by clearing phlegm from the lungs and soothing bronchial irritation. In Shwasa, it aids in reducing breathlessness and wheezing. Its action on calming Vata and regulating respiratory movement makes it helpful in stubborn Hikka episodes as well.

12. Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)

This herb is used in respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders. It contains essential oils and sesquiterpene lactones, which offer strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-spasmodic effects. Rasna works well in Shwasa and Kasa by reducing bronchial irritation, relaxing the chest muscles, and aiding mucus clearance. It also pacifies Vata, making it effective in spasmodic conditions like Hikka.

13. Kachur (Curcuma zedoaria)

Also known as Shati, it is a Kapha-vata shamak herb with strong expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and aromatic carminative properties. The rhizome contains zingiberene, curcumene, and curzerenone, which help loosen and expel mucus from the lungs and relieve bronchial irritation. Kachur is particularly useful in managing Shwasa by easing breathing and in Kasa by reducing throat inflammation and chronic cough. Its antispasmodic effect is beneficial in controlling Hikka, especially when associated with digestive disorders or chest congestion.

14. Vanshlochan (Bambusa arundinacea)

It is a siliceous secretion derived from the nodes of bamboo and is known for its soothing and rejuvenative effect on the respiratory tract. It is rich in silica, iron, calcium, and trace minerals. Vanshlochan acts as a mild expectorant, demulcent, and Rasayana. It supports lung function by reducing inflammation and enhancing the elasticity of bronchial passages. In Kasa, it soothes a dry, irritable cough and promotes the healing of irritated mucosa. Its cooling and Vata-pacifying nature also helps control spasmodic Hikka effectively.

15. Mishri (Crystallized sugar)

It acts as a natural demulcent and Sheetala (cooling) agent, known for its soothing effect on irritated mucous membranes of the throat and lungs. It balances Pitta and Vata, and is especially useful in calming dry, irritable coughs (Kasa) and reducing hoarseness. In formulations, it acts as a binding agent, enhances palatability, and carries the active constituents deeper into the respiratory pathways. Its Snigdha and Madhura nature nourishes tissues weakened by chronic Shwasa and relieves spasmodic Hikka by calming aggravated Vata.

16. Til Tail (Sesame oil)

It is a powerful Vata-shamaka and Srotoshodhaka (channel-cleansing) agent. It is rich in sesamin, sesamol, and linoleic acid, which provide anti-inflammatory, lubricating, and bronchodilatory properties. It is included in respiratory formulations to help unstick accumulated Kapha, moisten dry mucous membranes, and ease chest stiffness associated with Shwasa and Kasa. Its warming and penetrating nature also pacifies the erratic movement of Vata that underlies Hikka.

17. Go-Ghrita (Cow’s ghee)

It is a classical Rasayana with Tridosha-shamaka effects, predominantly pacifying Vata and Pitta. It contains butyric acid, vitamins A, D, E, and K, which help rejuvenate tissues and support respiratory health. Used in respiratory preparations for its samskaranuvartan (carrier) property, it allows better absorption of herbal components into the deep tissues. It also softens the bronchial lining, reduces dryness-induced Kasa, calms down the spasms in Hikka, and strengthens respiratory endurance in Shwasa.

18. Madhu (Honey)

It acts as a natural Yogavahi—a catalyst that enhances the penetration of herbal actives into tissues. It possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mucolytic properties owing to enzymes, phenolics, and organic acids. In respiratory disorders, it helps liquefy thick mucus and facilitates its easy expulsion. Honey also soothes the throat lining, suppresses the coughing reflex in Kasa, and reduces respiratory spasms seen in Hikka. Its Lekhana (scraping) and Ruchikar (appetite-improving) qualities make it ideal in formulations targeting chronic Shwasa conditions.

Method of Preparation

• Take 5 seer (4665.525 gram) of small Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum) and cut into small pieces.
• Boil it in 25 seer (approx. 23327.62 grams) of water.
• Reduce the decoction to one-fourth of its original quantity and then strain it.
• To the strained decoction, add 4 tola (3732.42 grams) each of the following powdered herbs: Giloy, Chavya, Chitrak root, Nagarmotha, Kakdasingi, Pippali, Maricha, Shunthi, Jawasa, Bharangi, Rasna, and Kachur.
• Add 1 seer (933.105 grams) of Mishri (crystallized sugar) and boil to prepare a thick syrup (chasni).
• Add 32 tola (373.24 grams) each of Til Tail (Sesame oil) and Go-Ghrita (Cow’s ghee) in Mishri (crystallized sugar) syrup (chasni). Mix the powdered herbs into the syrup and cook till the Avaleha consistency is achieved. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
• After cooling it down, add 32 tola (373.24 grams) of Madhu (honey), 16 tola of Vanshlochan (14929.68 grams), and 16 tola (14929.68 grams) of Pippali churna (Piper longum). Mix well and store in a clean, airtight container for use.

Note

In this formulation, the quantity of water follows the classical Drava Dvaigunya principle—twice the amount of the herbal base. To increase the shelf life of this Avaleha (herbal jam), a thick, thread-like syrup (lachedar chashni) should be prepared first. After achieving the desired syrup consistency, remove it from the heat, then add the powdered ingredients (Prakshepa Dravyas), followed by oil (Taila) and ghee (Ghrita). Honey should be added only after the syrup has cooled slightly. If good-quality honey is not available, aged jaggery or sugar may be used as a substitute.

Medicinal Properties

• Acts as an effective expectorant and mucolytic, helping in the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory tract.
• Possesses anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and antispasmodic actions that alleviate cough, breathlessness, and hiccups.
• Works as a strengthening and rejuvenating tonic for the lungs, supporting overall respiratory health and Vata-Kapha balance.

Indications

• Shwasa (respiratory disorders)
• Kasa (cough)
• Hikka (hiccups)

Dosage

1 to 2 tola (approximately 12–24 grams), to be taken in the morning and evening.

Contraindication

• This herbal formulation does not have any side effects.
• Caution advised in:
  • Pregnant and lactating women
  • Children below 5 years
  • Diabetics (due to high sugar content)
• Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before use.

Conclusion

Kantakaryavaleha is a classical Ayurvedic formulation, time-tested for its efficacy in respiratory ailments. Its well-balanced combination of herbs and natural media like ghee and honey makes it highly palatable and therapeutically potent. It offers relief in both chronic and acute episodes of cough, asthma, and respiratory distress by addressing the root cause—excess Kapha and disturbed Vata. This formulation is a valuable inclusion in Ayurvedic respiratory care protocols.