Photo: Schlawensko / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Shati शटी
Hedychium spicatum · Zingiberaceae
Also known as: Kapur Kachri, Spiked Ginger Lily
Part used: Rhizome
Shati (Hedychium spicatum) is spiked ginger lily, a Himalayan rhizome used in Ayurveda as a respiratory and digestive drug. It is used for cough, asthma, hiccups and poor appetite, and is a component of the classical children's and respiratory formulations.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Hedychium spicatum
- Part used: Rhizome
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Rhizome powder 1–3 g; used in cough and digestive formulas.
Shati in other languages
Introduction
Shati (Hedychium spicatum), or spiked ginger lily, is an aromatic rhizome used for the respiratory tract and digestion. Warming and Kapha-clearing, it soothes cough, hiccups and congestion.
Classification
Of the Zingiberaceae family, Shati is grouped among the Kasa-Shwasa (cough-breathing) and Deepana dravyas. Its pungent-bitter taste, sharp quality and heating potency clear Kapha and kindle Agni.
Uses & benefits
Shati is a respiratory drug used in cough, hiccup, hoarseness and asthma, and in poor appetite with a coated tongue. Aromatic and warming, it is given with honey in productive cough. Note that Shati (Hedychium spicatum) and Kachoor (Curcuma zedoaria) are treated as separate drugs on this site.
Shati for cough
A principal Kasahara drug used in both dry and productive cough, particularly in children.
Shati for asthma
Named in Shwasa across the classical respiratory formulations.
Shati for hiccups
Used in Hikka, a specific classical indication.
Shati for poor appetite
A Deepana drug, aromatic and warming, used where digestion is slow.
Shati in children's formulations
One of the drugs classically considered suitable for paediatric use in cough and digestive complaints.
Shati for nausea
Used in vomiting and nausea associated with digestive disturbance.
Shati for bad breath
Its aroma is used in mouth fresheners and oral preparations.
Shati for skin complaints
Applied externally in some classical preparations for itching.
Shati as an aromatic
The rhizome is used in incense and perfumery, distinct from its medicinal role.
Shati in classical formulations
Present in Shatyadi Churna and several respiratory and paediatric compounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Rhizome powder 1–3 g; used in cough and digestive formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Shati?
The citations held for Shati in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Kasa & Hikka context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Karpuradi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Shati?
Cited for cough and hiccups. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Kasa & Hikka context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Shati?
Described as Deepana and respiratory-beneficial. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga.
What is Shati traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Shati is a respiratory drug used in cough, hiccup, hoarseness and asthma, and in poor appetite with a coated tongue. Aromatic and warming, it is given with honey in productive cough. Note that Shati (Hedychium spicatum) and Kachoor (Curcuma zedoaria) are treated as separate drugs on this site.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Shati?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Shati classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Shati carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Shati is used medicinally?
The part used is Rhizome.
How much Shati is taken, and how?
Rhizome powder 1–3 g; used in cough and digestive formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Shati be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses.
Where does Shati grow?
Shati grows in the temperate Himalayas, its fragrant rhizome gathered from the hill forests.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga
Described as Deepana and respiratory-beneficial. - Charaka Samhita — Kasa & Hikka context
Cited for cough and hiccups.
Modern research
-
Pharmacological evaluation of extracts of Hedychium spicatum (Ham-ex-Smith) rhizome
(see source). Ancient Science of Life (2012)
A study reporting antioxidant and bronchodilator (anti-histaminic) activity of Hedychium spicatum (Shati) rhizome extracts, supporting its respiratory use.
View study doi:10.4103/0257-7941.103189
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses.
Where it grows
Shati grows in the temperate Himalayas, its fragrant rhizome gathered from the hill forests.
Frequently asked questions
What is Shati used for?
Cough, asthma, hiccups, nausea and poor appetite. It is a warming aromatic drug used across the classical respiratory formulations, and is one of those considered suitable for children.
What is the dose of Shati?
Rhizome powder 1–3 g per day with honey. For children the dose is proportionately smaller and should be set by a physician. It is usually given within a compound.
What is Shati called in Hindi?
Kapoor Kachri or Shati. In English it is spiked ginger lily. The rhizome is aromatic and is used in perfumery as well as medicine.
Is Shati the same as Kachoor?
This is one of the genuine name collisions in the materia medica. Kachoor usually refers to Curcuma zedoaria, a different rhizome, but the names are used interchangeably in some regions. Confirm the botanical name when a prescription specifies one.
Can Shati be given to children?
It is one of the drugs classically used in paediatric cough and digestive formulations. Have a physician set the dose rather than scaling down an adult one.
Are there side effects of Shati?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Warming and drying, so it may aggravate Pitta. Consult a physician in pregnancy. Hedychium spicatum is under some collection pressure in the Himalaya.
Is Shati good for dry cough?
It is used in both dry and productive cough, though its warming drying character suits a congested cough better. For a genuinely dry irritable cough, demulcents such as Yashtimadhu or Draksha are the better choice.
