Ashtavargam Kashayam

August 24, 2016Last Updated: March 28, 2019

3 minutes read

Ashtavargam Kashayam (also called Vatahar Kashayam) is an ayurvedic medicine used for rheumatic diseases. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions reduce joint pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. It is beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, ankylosing spondylitis, and paralytic disorders.

Ingredients (Composition)

Sida Cordifolia – Bala	12.5%
Strobilanthes Ciliatus – Sahachara	12.5%
Ricinus Communis – Eranda	12.5%
Zingiber Officinale – Sonth (dried ginger)	12.5%
Pluchea Lanceolata – Rasna	12.5%
Cedrus Deodara – Devdaru (Deodar Cedar or Himalayan Cedar)	12.5%
Vitex Negundo – Nirgundi	12.5%
Allium Sativum – Lasun (Garlic)	12.5%
Reference: SAHASRAYOGAM, KASHAYA PRAKARANA, VATAHAR KASHAYAM

Pharmacological Actions

Ingredients in Ashtavargam Kashayam act as AMAPACHAK, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. These effects are mostly observable on the digestive system and joints. However, due to its hot potency, it may not be beneficial in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but it is highly beneficial in cases of joint inflammation.

Medicinal Properties

Anti-arthritic
Anti-rheumatic
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic
Muscle relaxant
Amapachak (reduces toxins)
Appetizer
Digestive Stimulant
Carminative
Antispasmodic

Ayurvedic Properties

GUNA (Main Quality)	Likely to be LAGHU (Light), RUKSHA (Dry)
VIRYA (Potency)	Likely to be USHNA (Hot)
VIPAKA (Resultant)	Likely to be KATU (Pungent)
PRABHAVA (Action)	Anti-rheumatic
DOSHA KARMA (Effect on Humors)	Pacifies VATA DOSHA & KAPHA DOSHA and increases PITTA DOSHA
Dhatu (Tissue) Effect	RASA, RAKTA, MAMSA, MEDAS, ASTHI
Organs Effect	Muscles, Bones & Joints
Main Indication	Rheumatism

Therapeutic Indications

Vata Disorders
Arthritis, especially Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (along with Ksheerabala 101 Oil)
Frozen Shoulder
Joint Stiffness
Ankylosing spondylitis
Muscle Pains
Backache
General body pains
Gout (along with Giloy preparations)
Facial Palsy
Paralysis
Bloating
Poor appetite associated with arthritic disorders

Benefits & Medicinal Uses

Ashtavargam Kashayam mainly reduces joint stiffness, swelling, inflammation and pain. It reduces morning stiffness occurring in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ashtavargam Kashayam is most suitable for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It reduces AMA (toxins) in the body, relieves pain, stiffness, and inflammation associated with RA. It is also beneficial for improving appetite in patients with RA.

It may not be the suitable remedy when the patient has joint tenderness and pain increases when pressed or massaged. It is indicating signs of Pitta dominance. It can be most beneficial for people that get relief from the pain with pressure. This is indicating symptoms of Vata dominance.

Osteoarthritis

However, Ashtavargam Kashayam is not the main medicine for osteoarthritis, but it is useful in patients with stiffness and beneficial in obese people. It should be used along with Ksheerabala Oil, Maharajaprasarini Thailam, or Narayana Thailam for best results. One of these oils should be taken orally as per their dosage.

Dosage & Administration

Ashtavargam Kashayam is available in three preparations:

Ashtavargam Kashayam Churna
Ashtavargam Kashayam Liquid
Ashtavargam Kashayam Tablets

Ashtavargam Kashayam Churna

If you are using Ashtavargam Kashayam Churna, then take 60 grams churna in 960 ml water. Boil to reduce it 120 ml liquid. The dosage is 30 to 60 ml for adults.

The general dosage of Decoction (Kwath) prepared with Ashtavargam Kashayam Churna is as follows.
Children	15 to 30 ml *
Adults	30 to 60 ml *
Maximum Possible Dosage	120 ml Per Day (in divided doses)
* Twice a day
Best Time to Take: Before Food

Ashtavargam Kashayam Liquid

Ashtavargam Kashayam Liquid is readymade concentrated decoction and can be used in the following dosage.

The general dosage of Ashtavargam Kashayam readymade Liquid is as follows.
Children	2.5 to 10 ml *
Adults	5 to 15 ml *
Maximum Possible Dosage	30 ml Per Day (in divided doses)
* Twice a day with 4 times boiled and cooled water
Best Time to Take: Before Food

Ashtavargam Kashayam Tablets

Ashtavargam Kashayam Tablets are the concentrated extract tablets of Ashtavargam decoction.

The general dosage of Ashtavargam Kashayam Tablets is as follows.
Children	1 tablet *
Adults	2 tablets *
Maximum Possible Dosage	4 tablets Per Day (in divided doses)
* Twice a day with warm water
Best Time to Take: 30 minutes Before Food
Note: The dosage is according to 1000 mg tablet.

Safety Profile

All available forms of Ashtavargam Kashayam are considerably safe and well-tolerated in most individuals when Ashtavarga Kashaya is taken in the recommended dosage under the supervision of an ayurvedic physician. Ashtavargam is well suitable for people having Kapha and Vata dominance in symptoms and recommended for AMA (toxins) as well.

Side Effects

However, there are no side effects observed with Ashtavargam Kashayam when used wisely according to Dosha Analysis. Here are some side effects, which may occur due to its hot potency.

Heartburn
Gastric Irritation or discomfort
Restlessness

Pregnancy & Lactation

Ashtavargam Kashayam may not be suitable in pregnancy due to its hot potency, which may promote bleeding. However, Ashtavargam can be taken by lactating mothers if required and indicated.

Contraindications

Ashtavargam Kashaya may not be suitable for people with bleeding disorders. Ashtavargam can worsen following health conditions, so it should not be used in such cases.