Clinical Evaluation of Ashwagandhaghrit and Kshirabala Taila in the Management of Karshya (Underweight) In Children: A Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial

Background: Karshya (underweight/malnutrition) in children is a major public health problem in India. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS, 1998) reported approximately 47% of children under five are underweight. Ayurveda describes Karshya as a Santarpana-virodhi Vyadhi and advocates Brimhana (nourishing) therapy. Ashwagandhaghrit is a classical oral Brimhana formulation; Kshirabala Taila is a potent medicated oil for Abhyanga (massage). Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Ashwagandhaghrit alone versus Ashwagandhaghrit combined with Kshirabala Taila Abhyanga in children with Karshya (IAP Grade I malnutrition). Materials & Methods: A randomised comparative clinical trial on 60 children (aged 5–10 years, IAP Grade I malnutrition) at Rani Dullaiya Smriti Ayurved PG College & Hospital, Bhopal. Group A (n = 30): Ashwagandhaghrit oral; Group B (n = 30): Ashwagandhaghrit oral + Kshirabala Taila Abhyanga daily; duration 28 days. Statistical analysis: Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test (subjective), Paired t-Test (objective), Mann–Whitney test (between-group). Results: Both groups showed highly significant improvement (p < 0.001). Complete improvement: Group B 66.7% vs Group A 36.7%. Body weight gain: Group B 14.30% vs Group A 9.05%. Mid-arm circumference gain: Group B 11.30% vs Group A 7.06%. Conclusion: Combination therapy (Ashwagandhaghrit + Kshirabala Taila Abhyanga) is superior to oral therapy alone, validating the classical Ayurvedic principle of combined internal and external Brimhana for under-nourished children.