Kalthi Churna (Shalparni / Desmodium gangeticum) – Riddhish Herbals – 100g

Reviewed by Dr. Riddhish Padiya — B.Pharm (Ayurveda), M.Pharm (Pharmacognosy), Ph.D. (Dravyaguna), ITRA Jamnagar. Publications under “Padiya RH”.

About Kalthi / Shalparni Churna

Shalparni — Shalaparni, Desmodium gangeticum — is one of the most respected roots of classical Ayurveda, counted among the ten roots of Dashamoola and among the five small roots (Laghu Panchamoola). This product is offered under the trade name Kalthi; the botanical named on the listing is Desmodium gangeticum (Shalparni).

Riddhish Herbals supplies it as clean single-material Shalparni powder under our doctor-guided selection standard, with a bill on every order. It is most often used within classical Dashamoola decoctions and formulations; the amount and anupan are chosen by a Vaidya.

Traditional Ayurvedic Importance

Classical texts describe Shalaparni (Shalparni) as Madhura and Tikta in Rasa, Guru and Snigdha in Guna, Ushna in Virya and Madhura in Vipaka, with a Balya (strengthening), Vatahara, Tridoshahara and Rasayana character. As one of the Dashamoola / Laghu Panchamoola roots it is a foundational classical dravya used in many Vata-balancing formulations.

Shalparni is a gentle, nourishing classical root, most often used as part of multi-herb decoctions rather than alone, and within a physician-guided routine. It has a long, well-documented place in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica.

Key Features

• Pure Shalparni powder (Kalthi): the ground root / whole plant of Desmodium gangeticum — Shalaparni, a classical Dashamoola herb.
• A Dashamoola root: one of the five small roots (Laghu Panchamoola) of the classical Dashamoola group.
• Classical Balya & Vatahara: traditionally valued as a strengthening, Vata-pacifying herb.
• Rasayana & Tridoshahara: classically considered rejuvenative and balancing to the doshas.
• Used in classical formulations: most often part of multi-herb Dashamoola decoctions, under a physician.
• Genuine, doctor-guided sourcing: bill provided with every pack; a store trusted since 2015.

Research on the Constituents

Ingredients (single-material)

Single-material Shalparni powder (Desmodium gangeticum, Shalaparni). No fillers, colours or preservatives added. The listing states the botanical as Desmodium gangeticum (Shalparni); please confirm the exact species and plant part (root / whole plant) against the physical pack label — the trade name ‘Kalthi’ is also used regionally for horse gram (a different plant), so verification on the pack is advised.

How to Use

As directed by your Ayurvedic physician. Shalparni is most often used as part of classical multi-herb Dashamoola decoctions (Kwath) and formulations rather than on its own; the exact amount and anupan are matched to you by a Vaidya.

Who Can Use It

For use by adults on the advice of a qualified Ayurvedic physician, typically within classical Dashamoola formulations. In pregnancy, lactation, or if you are on medication or managing any health condition, consult your physician before use. Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight. Keep the pack tightly closed after each use to keep the powder dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kalthi / Shalparni Churna?

It is Shalparni powder — the root / whole plant of Desmodium gangeticum, one of the ten classical roots of Dashamoola and one of its five small roots (Laghu Panchamoola). It is offered here under the trade name Kalthi.

Is Kalthi the same as horse gram (Kulattha)?

Not here. The trade name ‘Kalthi’ is commonly used in some regions for horse gram (Kulattha, Macrotyloma uniflorum), which is a different plant — a pulse. This listing states its botanical as Desmodium gangeticum (Shalparni), a Dashamoola root herb. Please confirm the species on the physical pack if you specifically need one or the other.

What are the alternate names of Shalparni?

Shalaparni, Sthira or Vidarigandha (Sanskrit), Sarivan or Salpani (Hindi), Salvan (Gujarati/Marathi). In English it is referred to by its botanical name; botanically Desmodium gangeticum.

What are its classical properties?

Classical texts describe Shalaparni as Madhura-Tikta in Rasa, Guru-Snigdha in Guna, Ushna in Virya and Madhura in Vipaka, and as Balya, Vatahara, Tridoshahara and Rasayana.

What is Dashamoola?

Dashamoola is the classical ‘ten roots’ group — five great roots (Brihat Panchamoola) and five small roots (Laghu Panchamoola). Shalparni is one of the five small roots.

Is this AYUSH- or GMP-made?

This is a raw single herb in Riddhish Herbals’ own pack. Any AYUSH or GMP mark would appear on the physical pack — we state such marks only where verified on the pack.

How is it traditionally used in Ayurveda?

Shalparni is most often used as part of classical Dashamoola decoctions and multi-herb formulations for Vata balance and strength, chosen by a Vaidya, rather than taken alone.

Has Desmodium gangeticum been studied scientifically?

Yes — researchers have carried out a pharmaco-chemical profiling of Shalparni, Desmodium gangeticum (Mohan PK et al., 2021, Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences). This is shared for general educational interest, not as a medical claim.

How should I store Kalthi Churna?

Keep it in a cool, dry, airtight container away from moisture, heat and sunlight, and close the pack tightly after use to keep the powder dry.

Regional Names & Spelling Variants

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