A Classical Ayurvedic Medicated Ghee Preparation
Sneha Kalpana · Agni Deepana · Srotoshodhaka
Kshirashatpala Ghritam is a classical Ayurvedic medicated ghee preparation primarily utilized for enhancing digestive fire (Agni) and treating respiratory and metabolic disorders.
"Six medicinal herbs ground into a paste and processed with milk and ghee — a formulation of profound therapeutic depth."
Herbal Paste — Panchakola + Yavakshara
Base Medium
Acts as the primary fat-soluble carrier, infusing herbal properties deep into tissues
Liquid Medium
Provides the aqueous medium for processing; evaporates during Snehapaka
Textual Variation: While Charaka Samhita and Bhaishajya Ratnavali emphasize Yavakshara, texts like Sharngadhara Samhita and Sushruta Samhita sometimes substitute with Saindhava Lavana (rock salt).
The preparation follows the classical Sneha Kalpana methodology, ensuring fat-soluble active principles of the herbs are fully infused into the ghee.
Panchakola herbs + Yavakshara are ground into a fine Kalka (herbal paste). Pure Go-Ghrita and fresh Go-Ksheera are measured in the 1:4:16 ratio.
All components are combined and heated on Mridu Agni (mild fire). Continuous stirring prevents the herbal paste from sticking, ensuring homogenous infusion.
Heating continues until moisture evaporates and Madhyama Paka is achieved — identified by three classical signs (see next slide).
Filtered warm through clean cloth to separate medicated ghee from herbal residue. Stored in airtight glass or ceramic container after cooling.
Signs of Madhyama Paka (Optimal Processing Stage)
वर्तिवत् कल्क
The herbal paste can be rolled into a wick-like shape between the fingers without sticking — indicating complete moisture removal from the paste.
शब्द हीन
There is no crackling sound when a small amount of paste is thrown into fire — confirming the complete absence of residual water content.
गन्ध-वर्ण-रस
The ghee attains the characteristic aroma, color, and taste of the constituent drugs — the hallmark of a perfectly processed medicated ghee.
Specifically indicated for conditions where the digestive system or respiratory channels are obstructed.
ज्वर
Chronic fever & Vata-Kaphaja Jwara
अग्निमान्द्य
Digestive weakness — one of the best medicines for promoting Agni
गुल्म
Abdominal tumors — helps dissolve abdominal masses
कास · श्वास
Cough and asthma / dyspnea — respiratory channel clearance
पाण्डु · प्लीह
Anemia, splenic disorders & Rajayakshma (wasting diseases)
आहाररस विकृति
Failure to gain weight despite good appetite due to poor Ahararasa absorption
Channel Cleanser
Due to the presence of Yavakshara, it can penetrate micro-channels (Srotas), acting as a deep cleanser for the tissues — reaching where most medicines cannot.
Appetizer & Digestant
The Panchakola herbs act as powerful appetizers and digestants, correcting the foundational cause of most diseases — low digestive fire (Mandagni).
Bio-Enhancer
As a Ghrita, it acts as a bio-enhancer (Yogavahi), carrying herbal properties deep into the tissues without losing its own nutritive qualities.
Dosha Harmonizer
Pacifies the cold and unctuous nature of Kapha while grounding the erratic nature of Vata — restoring doshic equilibrium.
Administered during the midst of a meal to maximize its effect on the digestive fire. This timing ensures optimal absorption and Agni stimulation.
Traditionally followed by lukewarm water or milk to facilitate proper digestion and enhance the therapeutic action of the formulation.
Administered under qualified Ayurvedic supervision. Duration varies based on the condition — typically continued until Agni is restored and symptoms resolve.
Always assess Ama status before prescribing — check tongue coating, digestion quality, and stool consistency.
Administer only under qualified Ayurvedic physician supervision. Self-medication is discouraged.
In fever cases, ensure the fever is chronic or subacute — avoid in acute high fever stages.
Dose adjustment required for children, elderly, and patients with compromised liver function.
Thick white/yellow tongue coating + heaviness + loss of appetite = High Ama → Contraindicated
Prepared for BAMS Practical Records · Sneha Kalpana
॥ आयुर्वेदः अमृतानाम् ॥