Ksheerakakoli (Kshirakakoli)

About

Ksheerakakoli, known as Lilium polyphyllum, is a revered herb in Ayurveda, primarily used for its cooling and nourishing properties. It is traditionally employed to balance the doshas, promote strength, and support overall well-being.

Properties

Sweet, Guru (heavy in digestion), Snigdha (slimy in nature), Sheeta (cooling)

Dosage

Bulb powder: 3-6 grams per day. Traditional Use: 1–2 g of powdered root with warm milk or ghee under supervision. 500 mg–1 g, taken 2–3 times daily after meals for respiratory or diuretic support. Extracts of Kakoli and Kshirkakoli: 200 mg/kg body weight.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Madhura (Sweet)
• Virya: ["Sheeta (Cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]

Benefits

• Brumhana (Nourishing)
• Balya (Strengthening)
• Rasayana (Rejuvenating)

Traditional uses

• Daha (Burning sensation)
• Durbalya (Weakness)
• Kshaya (Emaciation)
• Respiratory discomfort
• Coughs
• Throat irritations
• Fever
• Inflammation

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Powder (Churna): The dried root is powdered and can be taken with warm milk, ghee, or honey.
• Decoction (Kashaya): 3–6 g of dried bulb can be simmered in 200 ml of water until reduced by half, then strained and drunk warm. This is typically done 2-3 times a day.
• Alcohol Extract (Tincture): A 1:5 (w/v) extract in 30% ethanol can be prepared. The dose is 1–2 ml, 2–3 times daily.
• Traditional Home Remedies: Mix 1 tsp of powdered Ksheer Kakoli with warm milk and honey. Blend powdered Ksheer Kakoli with ghee for a morning tonic. Combine with Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Safed Musli powders.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data.
• Children: Not recommended for children under 12 years old unless under professional supervision.
• Gastrointestinal Distress: Excessive intake of saponins may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Limit bulb powder intake to under 6g per day.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare cases of contact dermatitis or rash have been reported when handling fresh bulbs or petals. Perform a patch test before topical application.
• Blood Pressure Effects: May have a mild hypotensive effect. Individuals on antihypertensive medications should monitor their blood pressure closely.
• General cautions: Consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before use, especially if taking prescription medications or have chronic health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing.
• Hyperkalemia: Should not be used by individuals with high potassium levels in the blood.
• Certain Medications: Avoid if taking potassium-sparing diuretics like amiloride, spironolactone, or triamterene.
• Kidney Problems: Use with caution in individuals with kidney disease or impaired renal function.
• Other conditions: Exercise caution in cases of cardiovascular disease, liver disease, adrenal gland disorders, severe dehydration, diabetes, or gastrointestinal issues.

Side effects

• Generally considered safe in recommended doses.
• Excessive intake of saponins may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Limit bulb powder to under 6 g/day.
• Rare allergic reactions like contact dermatitis or rash may occur when handling fresh bulbs or petals. It is advisable to test a small patch before topical use.

Interactions

• Saponins can potentiate anticoagulants, and flavonoids may affect cytochrome P450 enzymes, altering the metabolism of certain medications.
• Those on antihypertensives should monitor blood pressure closely due to the mild hypotensive impact noted in animal studies.
• It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider if you are on any prescription medications or have chronic health conditions before using this herb.
• Avoid during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Not recommended for children under 12 without professional oversight.

Active compounds

• Saponins
• Flavonoid Glycosides
• Polysaccharides
• Alkaloids
• Furocoumarins
• O-isopentenyl
• Halfordinol
• Glycosides
• Phenolic acids

Clinical evidence

Limited human clinical trials exist for Lilium polyphyllum. Animal studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory and respiratory benefits. In vitro studies indicate cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Brumhana (Nourishing)
• Balya (Strengthening)
• Rasayana (Rejuvenating)

Classical clinical indications

• Daha (Burning sensation)
• Durbalya (Weakness)
• Kshaya (Emaciation)
• Respiratory discomfort
• Coughs
• Throat irritations
• Fever
• Inflammation

Frequently asked questions