Kesharadi Vati – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Classical Reference : Ras Tantra Saar and siddha prayogasangreha

Classical Indication : Jwara

Introduction

ĀgantukaJvara (exogenous fever) is described in Ayurveda as a type of fever arising from external factors rather than internal doṣic imbalance. Classical texts explain that trauma (abhighāta), poison (viṣa), infection by organisms (bhūta–krimi), seasonal influences, or sudden environmental changes can initiate Agantuj fever. These external insults first disturb the body’s normal equilibrium and subsequently vitiate Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha, leading to the manifestation of fever. Ayurveda emphasizes that although the origin is external, timely management should address both the causative factor and the secondary doṣic involvement to prevent complications and progression into sannipātika conditions. So In this article we will discuss one such formulation which works wonderfully in managing Sannipataj fevers i.eKesharadivati. Let’s discuss it in detail!

Ingredients

1. Saffron (Keshar)-1 Tola
2. Nutmeg (Jayaphala)- 1 Tola
3. Mace (Javitri) – 1 Tola
4. Clove (Lavanga)- 1 Tola
5. PīppalaMūla (Piper longum)- 1 Tola
6. Musk (Kastūrī)- 3 masha
7. Rasamanikya- 3 Masha
8. AbhrakBhasma – 3 Masha

Description Of Ingredients

1. Saffron (Kesar – Crocus sativus)

Kesar possesses UṣṇaVīrya (hot potency) and Tikta–Madhura Rasa, helping to pacify Kapha and Vāta involved in chronic or irregular fevers. It supports Āma-pācana (metabolic toxin digestion) and improves circulation, which assists in restoring normal body temperature. Kesar is also described as Hṛdya and Medhya, helping in post-febrile weakness.

2. Nutmeg (Jāyaphala – Myristicafragrans)

Jāyaphala is Uṣṇa, Laghu and Grahī, making it useful in fevers associated with digestive impairment and diarrhea. It aids in Agni dīpana and Āmaśoṣaṇa, helping reduce fever caused by indigestion. Its Vāta-Kaphaśāmaka action supports relief from body ache and chills during fever.

3. Mace (Jāvitri – Myristicafragrans Aril)

Jāvitri enhances Jatharagni and assists in the digestion of Āma, a key pathological factor in Jvara. Its UṣṇaVīrya helps counter cold-type fevers and supports sweating. Classical texts describe it as Vāta-Kapha hara, useful in recurrent or lingering fevers.

4. Clove (Lavaṅga – Syzygiumaromaticum)

Lavaṅga acts as a Dīpana–Pācana dravya, helping clear Āma from the system. Its Uṣṇa and Tikṣṇa properties assist in relieving chills, headache, and heaviness seen in febrile states. It also supports respiratory comfort in fevers associated with cough and congestion.

5. Pippalīmūla (Piper Longum Root)

Pippalīmūla is a classical Jvaraghna herb known for regulating Vāta-Kapha-dominant fevers. It strengthens Agni, reduces abdominal distension, and helps break the fever cycle caused by metabolic imbalance. Its action on Prāṇavahasrotas supports breathing comfort during fever.

6. Musk (Kastūrī)

Kastūrī is described as Uṣṇa, Tikṣṇa and Sūkṣma, enabling it to act quickly in severe or sudden fevers. Classical usage highlights its role in restoring consciousness and circulation during high-grade fevers. It helps remove Srotorodha (channel obstruction) and supports rapid systemic response.

7. Rasamanikya (Purified Arsenic Sulfide)

Rasamanikya is traditionally used in Viṣama and SannipātajaJvara after proper purification. It exhibits Kapha-Vātaśāmaka action and supports elimination of deeply lodged Āma and Doṣic toxins. Classical Rasashastra texts emphasize its potency in stubborn and recurrent fevers when administered judiciously.

8. Abhraka Bhasma (Purified & Incinerated Mica)

AbhrakaBhasma acts as a Rasāyana and supports Dhātu-poshana during prolonged or chronic fevers. It enhances Agni at both digestive and tissue levels, helping recovery from fever-induced weakness. Classical texts describe its utility in JīrṇaJvara and fever with respiratory involvement.

Method Of Preparation

All the ingredients should be finely powdered and triturated with the juice of betel leaves (Nāgar Bela ke Pān) and ginger juice (Ādraka Svarasa) for 1–1 day each and Prepare pills of medium size.

Indications And Clinical Use

KesharādiVati is highly effective in delirious fevers, sannipātika fever, Postpartum fevers and acute febrile conditions. When the patient becomes restless, delirious, experiences confusion, tearing of clothes, intense shivering, or tremors, this formulation acts swiftly like an antidote. Just as HingukarpūraVaṭī is beneficial in delirium, this formulation also produces rapid and effective results in such conditions.

Dosage

1 to 2 pills, administered every 1–2 hours 2 or 3 times a day.

Conclusion

ĀgantukaJvara demands prompt and decisive management, as externally induced fevers can rapidly disturb all three doṣas and progress toward severe or delirious states. Ayurveda emphasizes addressing both the external causative factor and the resulting doṣic imbalance to prevent complications. Classical formulations such as KesharādiVaṭī are described for acute, agitated, and sannipātika presentations of fever, where restlessness, confusion, or delirium are prominent. By acting swiftly on the disturbed doṣas and supporting the body during critical stages, KesharādiVaṭī reflects the precision of Ayurvedic therapeutics in managing complex febrile conditions while preserving the integrity of vital systems.