Kalasaka (Nāḍika, kālaśāka, śrāddhaśāka, kālaka)

About

Kalasaka (Corchorus capsularis) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for digestive support, respiratory soothing, and joint inflammation relief. It is known for its pungent taste and potential to kindle digestive fire and counteract toxins.

Properties

Anti-inflammatory activity, Gut microbiota modulation, Antioxidant activity, Anti-ulcer activity

Dosage

Kalasakadi Kashayam (Adults): 10 to 15 ml, two to three times daily, diluted with 15-45 ml of water. Kalasakadi Kashayam (Children): Below 5 years: 3-5 ml, once or twice a day, mixed with 10-15 ml of water. 5-12 years: 5-10 ml, once or twice a day, mixed with 15-20 ml of water. Corchorus capsularis (Kalasaka) Decoction: 20-30 ml.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Pungent
• Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]

Benefits

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Vishaghna (anti-toxic)

Traditional uses

• Agni Mandya (low digestive fire)
• Ama (toxins)
• Arsha (piles)
• Udara roga (abdominal disorders)

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Kalasakadi Kashayam: Dried and crushed herbs (Kalasaka, Vijaya, and Mahoushadhi in a 6:4:2 ratio) are added to an earthen pot with 16 times the amount of water, boiled, and reduced to one-eighth of the initial quantity. The mixture is then squeezed and drained through a clean cloth, and the decoction is collected.
• Swarasa (Fresh Juice): The fresh juice of the herb is extracted by crushing or pounding the plant and straining the liquid. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can be soaked in water for 24 hours before extracting the juice.
• Kalka (Paste): A paste is made by crushing fresh herbs or using dried herbs with water to create a workable paste. The paste can be mixed with honey, ghee, or oil.
• Hima (Cold Infusion): Coarse powder of dried herbs or crushed fresh herbs is soaked in water overnight, then mixed and filtered.
• Phanta (Hot Infusion): Coarse powder of dried or crushed fresh herbs is mixed with hot water, stirred, and then filtered.

Contraindications

• General Safety: While generally regarded as safe, Corchorus capsularis can have downsides. Little is known about toxicological limits.
• Gastric Irritation: Excessive intake may cause dry mouth or mild nausea due to its astringent properties.
• Potential Allergies: Hypersensitivity reactions are rare but can manifest as itching or mild rash when applied topically.
• Interactions: The astringent effect might reduce the absorption of certain medications, such as thyroid hormone replacements. It's advised to take medications one hour before or two hours after consuming jute preparations.
• Severe Dehydration and Intestinal Blockage: Avoid use during severe dehydration or if there's a history of intestinal blockage.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use it under professional supervision.
• Children: Reduce the adult dose for children over five years old and avoid giving it to infants under six months.
• Kidney or Liver Issues: If you have chronic kidney or liver issues, consult a qualified practitioner before use.
• Anticoagulant Therapy: Individuals on anticoagulant therapy should use with caution, as the vitamin K-like activity of some polysaccharides might affect clotting times.
• Diabetes: Diabetic patients must monitor blood sugar, as hypoglycemic interactions have been reported when combined with other anti-diabetic herbs.
• Kidney Stones: Those with a history of kidney stones should moderate intake due to the leaf oxalate content.
• Iron Overload: Possible iron overload symptoms (joint pain, abdominal cramps) in people with hemochromatosis if consumed long-term without monitoring.

Side effects

• Digestive upset
• Allergic reactions
• Loose stools or diarrhea (due to overdosage)

Interactions

• May interact with medications for respiratory conditions
• May interact with immune-related therapies
• Salacia (a related plant) might lower blood sugar levels, so caution is advised when taking it with diabetes medications.
• Herbal medicines can interfere with conventional medicines via cytochrome P450 and/or P-glycoprotein systems, altering drug concentrations and effects.
• Patients with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes should be cautious, as herbal medicines may destabilize their condition.

Active compounds

• Polysaccharides
• Flavonoids (especially quercetin)
• Beta-carotene
• Cardiac glycosides (corchorin, corchortoxin, helveticoside, corchoroside A and B)
• Phytol
• Monogalactosylacylglycerol

Clinical evidence

Limited human trials are available. One study showed increased Lactobacillus species in the gut. Animal models have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity. A small human study reported increased bowel movement frequency.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Vishaghna (anti-toxic)

Classical clinical indications

• Agni Mandya (low digestive fire)
• Ama (toxins)
• Arsha (piles)
• Udara roga (abdominal disorders)

Frequently asked questions