Kaskandana Avaleha – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More
Reference : Ayurveda Sar Sangrah, Page number – 614
Abstract
Kaskandana Avaleha is a potent classical Ayurvedic formulation specifically indicated for chronic respiratory ailments. Prepared using goat’s urine as the primary liquid medium, this Avaleha effectively targets deep-seated Kapha disorders, particularly Jeerna Kasa (chronic cough), Mand-jwara (low-grade fever), Mandagni (weak digestion), and Raktakshaya (anemia). Its ingredients act synergistically to melt, mobilize, and expel obstructive phlegm from the respiratory channels, providing lasting relief from chronic cough and associated complications. The formulation is especially valuable when standard treatments fail or the disease becomes stubborn and recurrent in nature.
Introduction
In chronic respiratory conditions, especially where Kapha is seated deep within the lungs and airways, usual treatments may offer temporary relief but do not always clear the root cause. In such difficult cases, Kāskandan Avaleha, a unique herbal preparation, is a time-tested remedy. The base of Aja-Mutra (goat’s urine) serves as a powerful channel-opener (Srotoshodhana) and Kapha-dissolving agent. It also supports secondary issues like Mandagni (weak digestion) and Raktakshaya (anemia).
Ingredients
- Goat’s urine (Aja-Mutra)
- Bibhitaki Churna (Terminalia bellirica)
- Pippali Churna (Piper longum)
- Lauha Bhasma (Calcined Iron)
- Kantakari Phala Churna (Solanum xanthocarpum)
Description of the Ingredients
1. Goat’s Urine (Aja-Mutra)
It is sharp (Tikshna), hot (Ushna), pungent (Katu), astringent (Kashaya) in taste, and light (Laghu) in nature, making it a potent Kapha pacifier with Lekhana (scraping) and Deepana (digestive stimulant) actions. In Jeerna Kasa (chronic cough), its mucolytic and penetrating properties help liquefy and expel deep-seated, sticky Kapha from the Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channels), easing chronic mucus-related cough. It enhances Agni (digestive fire) and aids Ama Pachana (toxin digestion), which supports management of Mandagni (weak digestion) and Mand-jwara (low-grade fever), especially when associated with Kapha and Ama.
2. Bibhitaki Churna (Terminalia Bellirica)
It is a classical Kapha-pittashamak (Kapha-pitta pacifying) herb containing bioactive compounds like ethyl gallate, ellagic acid, and chebulagic acid, which exhibit expectorant and antimicrobial effects. In Jeerna Kasa (chronic cough), it helps in making the thick and sticky mucus softer and easier to remove from the chest or throat, while also reducing throat irritation and cough frequency. Its anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties aid in detoxifying the system, helpful in Mand-jwara (low-grade fever) of toxic origin. It also mildly stimulates digestion, helping improve Agni (digestive fire) in Mandagni (weak digestion) conditions.
3. Pippali Churna (Piper Longum)
It is known for its Katu Rasa (pungent taste), Laghu and Tikshna Guna (light and sharp qualities), and Ushna Veerya (hot potency) in its dry form. It is a powerful herb for managing Jeerna Kasa (chronic cough) by breaking down thick, sticky Kapha in the respiratory channels and helping to easily cough out mucus from the chest or throat. Its active compound, piperine, acts as a natural mucolytic and bronchodilator, reducing inflammation and enhancing lung function. In Mand-jwara (low-grade fever), it helps digest Ama (toxic) and stimulates metabolism through its heating nature. As a classical Agni-deepaka (digestive stimulant), it strengthens Jatharagni (digestive fire) and improves the assimilation of nutrients, making it highly effective in Mandagni (weak digestion).
4. Lauha Bhasma (Calcined Iron)
It is a classical Ayurvedic metallic preparation known for its Pitta-balancing, Rasayana (rejuvenating), and Raktavardhak (blood-enriching) properties. It possesses sweet, sour, and bitter tastes, and due to its fine particle size, it is easily absorbed through the digestive tract, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the Srotas (microchannels) and act directly on the Dhatus (body tissues). In Jeerna Kasa (chronic cough), its Ruksha (drying) qualities help reduce mucus accumulation and ease breathing. It is highly effective in Mand-jwara (low-grade fever) and Kshaya (tissue wasting) by boosting immunity and strengthening systemic vitality. In Mandagni (weak digestion), Lauha Bhasma acts as an Agni-deepaka (digestive stimulant), improving nutrient assimilation. Most importantly, as a rich bioavailable source of iron, it directly aids in Raktakshaya (anemia) by enhancing hemoglobin levels and promoting healthy Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) formation.
5. Kantakari Phala Churna (Solanum Xanthocarpum)
It is a potent Shwasahara (respiratory-supportive) herb, possessing Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) taste, Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), and Tikshna (piercing) qualities, with Ushna Veerya (hot potency). It undergoes Katu Vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect) and primarily balances Kapha and Vata Doshas, while slightly increasing Pitta. In Jeerna Kasa (chronic cough), Kantakari helps break down and expel sticky Kapha due to its penetrating and drying properties, thus reducing chest congestion and easing breathing. It also has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects that soothe irritated airways. Its Agni-deepaka (digestive fire-stimulating) property helps correct Mandagni (weak digestion) by clearing Ama (toxins) and promoting better metabolism. In Mand-jwara (low-grade fever), especially those caused by Kapha or Ama, its heating nature helps restore body temperature and reduce sluggishness.
Method of Preparation
- Take 5 seer (approximately 4.75 kg) of fresh goat’s urine (Aja-Mutra) and boil it gently over mild heat until it thickens to the consistency of Gudapaka (jaggery syrup). Once the base is ready, add:
- Bibhitaki churna – 8 tola (approx. 93.6 grams)
- Pippali churna – 4 tola (approx. 46.8 grams)
- Lauha bhasma – 4 tola (approx. 46.8 grams)
- Kantakari phala churna – 8 tola (approx. 93.6 g)
- Mix well and store the Avaleha in a dry, airtight container.
Medicinal Properties
- Helps break down old, sticky Kapha (mucus) lodged in the lungs and bronchi, making it easier to cough out and clear the airways.
- Corrects the underlying metabolic imbalance and stops further accumulation of mucus by enhancing digestion and clearing toxins (Ama).
- Stimulates digestion with Deepana-Pachana herbs, thereby strengthening overall metabolism and preventing the root causes of recurrent respiratory issues.
- Rejuvenates the Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channels), restoring normal lung function and promoting long-term respiratory health.
Indications
- Jeerna Kasa (Chronic cough)
- Mand-jwara (Low-grade fever)
- Mandagni (Weak digestion)
- Raktakshaya (Anemia)
Dosage and Anupan
2 to 4 masha (approximately 2–4 grams), to be taken with honey or warm water, twice daily – morning and evening.
Contraindication
- This herbal formulation does not have any side effects.
- Caution advised in:
- Pregnant and lactating women
- Children below 5 years
Conclusion
Kashkanda Avaleha is a unique classical formulation specially designed for stubborn respiratory conditions where Kapha is lodged deep in the lungs. With its powerful combination of expectorant, rejuvenating, and digestive herbs, it not only expels chronic phlegm but also corrects associated conditions like weak digestion and anemia. Its intelligent use, under Ayurvedic guidance, can prevent relapse and promote long-term respiratory health, especially in chronic and relapsing cough conditions.
Note
- This Avaleha is especially beneficial in chronic cough, where mucus is continuously formed and discharged. It helps expel the accumulated mucus quickly and easily.
- In cases when thick and old mucus gets stuck deep in the chest and causes pain while coughing, this Avaleha helps by making the mucus soft and easy to cough out, giving relief from the discomfort.
- When cough becomes excessive, foul-smelling mucus chunks may be expelled, followed by shortness of breath even after coughing subsides – this formulation provides relief in such cases.
- In such relapsing and stubborn cases, Kaskandana Avaleha proves to be highly effective as it not only melts and eliminates old phlegm from the chest but also prevents the formation of new, abnormal Kapha.