Shelf Life or Expiration Date of Ayurvedic Medicines
The general belief that Ayurvedic medicines do not have any expiration date and that their shelf life is infinite is not true. Ayurvedic medicines generally made of herbs, do tend to lose their herbal medicinal qualities over a period of time. As a consumer of Ayurvedic medicine, it is very important for you to know about the expiration date of Ayurvedic medicine.
Table of Contents
Definition
Definition of expiration date of medicine: The time from the date of manufacturing of the medicine to the time till which the medicine has sufficient potency to bring about the desired therapeutic action can be termed as shelf life or expiration date.
When put in simpler words, the time till which the medicine has sufficient strength to bring about the desired action is termed as expiration date or shelf life.
General principle of expiration date
Once after you open the jar of an herbal product, the product is exposed to air, moisture, sunlight etc. This speeds up the degradation of the herbal product, shortening its shelf life. This happens due to
- Probable degradation of active principles of the herbal product due to sunlight
- Reaction of the active principles of the herbal product with air
- Probable contamination (suppose someone touches the tablets with not-so-clean hands) etc
As a general rule, the expiry dates are explained in detail in Ancient Ayurvedic test books. Taking that into consideration, the Government of India has established the shelf life period of Ayurvedic medicines, which is found below. So, if you have any Ayurvedic medicine in your shelf, which has exceeded the expiration period, then simply throw out the medicine.
Factors determining expiration
The expiration date of medicine (also known as expiry date) is largely dependant upon
- The quality of herbs and ingredients used in the Ayurvedic medicine.
- The nature of herbs used in a formulation – wet or dry
- The dosage form of the Ayurvedic medicine (Herbal powder, herbal jams, ghees, oils etc)
- Usage of particular herbs that usually contribute to the anti oxidant / natural preservative property of the Ayurvedic medicine.
For example, If Amla powder in a particular medicine (say Chyawanprash), contributes to the shelf life by its anti oxidant property.
In an Ayurvedic sugar syrup, if the quantity of sugar is about 66.6 %, then the sugar syrup itself acts as a natural preservative.
Expiry Date of Ayurvedic Products
Shelf life of Ayurvedic preparations
1. Churna (Herbal powder mix) – two years. (This applies if the Churna jar is kept airtight closed. As a general rule, once opened, the Churna jar should be finished within 2 – 4 months)
Kwatha Churna (powders for preparing herbal teas) – 2 years
Lepa churna – powders to prepare external applicable ointments – 2 years
Danta Manjana – tooth powders – 2 years
2. Ayurvedic tablets / Vati / Gutika / Kashayam tablets –
Tablets prepared from herbal and mineral ingredients – 5 years from the date of manufacturing.
Tablets prepared from herbal ingredients – 3 years
Tablets prepared from mineral ingredients – 10 years
3. Tablets in which mineral ingredients are used, or Guggulu is used (guggulu tablets) – 5 years
4. Avaleha / Leham / lehyams/ herbal jams/ Paka – 3 years.
Khanda Paka (eg: Haridra Khanda) – 3 years from the date of manufacturing
Guda – jaggery based herbal jams – 3 years from the date of manufacturing.
5. Louha (Iron containing Ayurvedic medicines) – 10 years
6. Ghrita (Ayurvedic Herbal ghee) – 2 years
7. Taila (Ayurvedic Herbal Oils) – 3 years
8. Arka (Distilled herbal extracts) – 1 year
9. Lavana, Dravaka, Kshara, (Salts and Alkalis) – 5 years
10. Lepa Churna (Herbal powder for external paste application) – 3 years
11. Herbal dental powder / Herbal dental paste – 2 years
12. Herbal syrups – 3 years
13. Kashayam (Herbal teas)– 3 years (when added with preservatives)
14. Mineral preparations – Quality increases with time.
15. Ayurvedic ear drops/ nasal drops – Karna Bindu, Nasa Bindu – 2 years
16. Ayurvedic Eye drops – Netra bindu- 1 year
Anjana Kalpana prepared with herbal ingredients – 1 year
Anjan prepared with herbal and mineral ingredients – 2 years from the date of manufacturing.
Anjan prepared purely with mineral ingredients – 3 years
Asava and Arishta – liquid medicines containing self generated alcohol – 10 years from the date of manufacturing.
Dhupana Kalpana – 2 years from the date of manufacturing
Kupi pakwa rasayana – 10 years from the date of manufacturing.
Malahara kalpana – ointments – 2 years
Mandoora kalpana – 10 years from the date of manufacturing
Naga Bhasma, Vanga Bhasma, Tamra Bhasma – 5 years
Bhasmas (except Naga, Vanga and Tamra) – 10 years
Parpati – 10 years
Pishti – 10 years
Pravahi Kwatha – 3 years
Rasayoga – excluding Naga, Vanga and Tamra – 10 years
Rasayoga – herbal and mineral ingredients or with guggulu – 5 years
Satva – 2 years
Sharkara, Panaka, Sharbat, juices – 3 years
Shweta Parpati – 2 years
Varti – 2 years.
Note:
Above mentioned expiration date is for the medicines when brought in a sealed condition. However, if you have opened the jar of medicine and are using it, then you need to empty it a little faster.
Explanation as per Sharangdhara Samhita
Generally, Ausadhis (medical recipes) lose their Potency after one year of their Preparation, churnas after two months, gutikas and lehyas after one year, ghruta and taila after 16 months (according to some scholars 4 months), recipes like paka which will be digested easily and quickly, become poor in action after one year.
While asavas and datus (metal and mineral recipes) become more potent as they become old. If in a Prescription, drugs included are inappropriate for the diseases, the wise Physician should omit them, and can include drugs suitable for the disease even though not mentioned in the prescription.
Saviryata Avadhi of different preparations:
Texts of Ayurveda recommended for Ausadha and Ahara Kalpana’s and their Saviryata Avadhi (Diet and Medicinal formulae and their expiry dates, i.e., the period for which they can retain potency). The following are intended to serve as guidelines for the purpose.
Swarasa Sadhyosevana (to be consumed immediately)
Kalka Sadhyosevana
Basti Kalpana Is used immediately after preparation
Manda Kalpana Sadhyosevana
Tandulodaka Sadhyosevana
Mamsa Rasa Sadhyosevana
Pramathya Sadhyosevana
Krsara Sadhyosevana
Peya Sadhyosevana
Kambalika Sadhyosevana
Raga Sadhyosevana
Shadava Sadhyosevana
Vatyodana Sadhyosevana
Sikta Sadhyosevana
Veshavara Sadhyosevana
Udasvita Sadhyosevana
Mathitha Sadhyosevana
Katvara Sadhyosevana
Sankadrava Sadhyosevana
Aschyotana Sadhyosevana
Tarpak Sadhyosevana
Putapaka Swarasa Sadhyosevana
Kavala Sadhyosevana
Gandusha Sadhyosevana
Upnaha Kalapna Till it is in hot state after the preparation
Kwatha Kalpana With in 4 Yamas (12 hours)
Ksira Paka Kalpana 1 day (is used in sukoshna state only)
Anna Kalpana (Bhakta Kalpana) 1 day (is used in sukoshna state only)
Yavagu Kalpana 1 day (is used in sukoshna state only)
Panaka Kalpana 1 day
Mantha Kalpana 1 day
Udaka Kalpana 1 day
Takra Kalpana 1 day
Peya Kalpana 1 day
Yusa Kalpana 1 day (is used in sukoshna state only)
(Akruta Yusa, Kruta Yusa)
Vilepi Kalpana 1 day
Dadhi Kalpana 1 day
Dadhi Kurchika Kalpana 1 day
Lepa Kalpana Prepares lepa for 1 day
Laksa Rasa Kalpana 7 days
Saktu Kalpana 1 Month
Khanda kalpana 1-4 month
Choorna kalpana 2 month
Malahara kalpana 2-month
Paka Kalpana 2 – 4 months
Dhumrapana Kalpana 4 months
Sarkara Kalpana 4 months (If kept in good condition, can stay upto 1 year)
Ksara Sutra 4 – 6 months
Sneha Kalpana (Ghrta & Taila) 4 months (According to some scholars 16 months)
Dhupana Kalpana 6 months (can stay till the volatile principles and smell is lost)
Amla sandhana
a. Aranala 6 months
b. Dhanyamla 6 months
c. Sukta 6 months
d. Kanjika 6 months
e. Tusodaka Dried Herbs 6 months
Arka Kalpana 1 year
Ghana Sattva Kalpana 1 year
Masi Kalpana 1 year
Rasakriya Kalpana 1 year
Lavana Kalpana 1 year
Varti Kalpana 1 year
Kasta Ausadi 1 year
Gugulu kalpana 1year
kshara kalpana 1-5 years
Vati kalpana 1 year
Kumbha Ghrta 100 years
(the ghrta kept in earthen pot and called Purana ghrta)
Ayaskrti Kalpana Older the better
Asava – Arista Kalpana Older the better
Parpati Kalpana Older the better
Bhasma Kalpana Older the better
Pottali Kalpana Older the better
Madya Kalpana Older the better
Khanija sattva Older the better
Factors causing loss of potency
Factors responsible for losing the potency:
Wind, sunshine, humidity, temperature, seasonal variation, dust, infection by microorganisms, shelf degeneration, evaporation hygroscopic nature etc, causes changes in color and taste.
Signs of spoilt medicines
How to know if your herbal medicine is not good for use anymore ?
Observe for these changes. If found, throw it out.
- Change in its normal taste. Gives foul taste.
- Change in its normal colour, gives mixed colours or some differently coloured spots.
- Change in its normal form – powders may roll into round masses, tablets and capsules becoming sticky, etc.
- A white layer formed above the surface of liquids or solids
- You feel like vomiting or any other symptoms develop, that you were not usually getting, while using the product.
I have an opened product at home, giving these features, but it was opened three days prior.
Even if the product has not crossed expiration date, if you have these features of foul smell, etc, throw it out.
I had opened the jar of a product long back and have been using it even after the mentioned expiration date. But nothing bad has happened.
Better to go with above mentioned expiration dates and throw that product out, rather than waiting till something bad happens.
What to do if you have consumed an expired product?
Consult your doctor immediately.
Methods to increase shelf life
Precaution for better shelf life period:
There are different techniques used for better preservation, storage, packing etc. of various medical preparations in order to increase its shelf life period. We should take various precautions while performing this procedure. Deterioration of Pharmaceutical products may be due to chemical, physical, or biological effects.
Chemical:Chemical decomposition may be caused by oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapour present in the atmosphere. It may be due to the contamination of non sterile containers or lids.
Physical:Physical decomposition may result from extremes of temperature causing volatilization or precipitation or it may be caused by moisture in the case of substances which are hygroscopic or deliquescent.
Biological:Biological effects may be due to enzymes or micro-organisms which include bacteria, viruses, Yeasts and moulds.
This may be prevented by sterilization and storage in sealed containers or by the use of preservatives. The commonly used preservatives for medicinal products are:
Benzoic acid and Benzoates: As preservative for food, drugs and cosmetics – Concentration = 0.1 – 0.2% – (for oral preparations).
Salicylic acid and salicylates: Concentration – 0.1 – 0.2 % – for oral preparations.
Parahydroxy benzoates – The commonly used derivatives are methyl, ethyl, Propyl and butyl esters.
These are effective at low concentration and cause low toxicities. They are used as single esters or in combination.
The usual concentration used is 0.005 – 0.05%.
Phenyl mercuric acetate or nitrate: For cosmetic preparations. Concentration: Parenteral preparations & Eye drops. 0.01%.
Benzalkonium Chloride: For eye drops – 0.01 %
Phenols: Phenol (0.5%), cresol (0.3%), Chlorbutol (0.5%) and chlorocresol (0.1%) can be used for parenteral as well as lotions and such other externally used preparations.
Storage of drugs
The medicinal preparations are stored under conditions that prevent contamination and deterioration as far as possible. Precaution is taken in relation to the effect of the atmosphere, heat and light. As a general rule, high temperature is avoided when storing raw material and medicinal products.
Medicinal agents should not be exposed to conditions of high temperature, humidity or extreme fluctuations of temperature. Suspension in particular is stored at an even temperature as otherwise crystal growth may occur. Containers should not be exposed to direct sunlight even when they are light resistant.
Storage Temperature
Cold place: Any temperature not exceeding 80C A refrigerator is a cold place in which the temperature is maintained thermostatically between O0 C – 80 C. A freezer is a cool place in which the temperature is maintained at 200C – 100
Cool Place: Any temperature between 80C – 150 C.
Room temperature: The temperature prevailing in a working area. Controlled room temperature is a temperature maintained thermostatically between 150C – 300C.
Warm Place: Any temperature between 300 C – 400 C
Excessive Heat: Any temperature above 400 C.
Protection from freezing:Freezing leads to the risk of breakage of the destructive alteration in the dosage form, hence the product is protected from freezing.
Packaging of Pharmaceuticals
It is absolutely necessary to select the right package for a product; because the container or the package forms an integral part of the product. Proper packaging protects the integrity, Purity, Potency and quality of the product.
A package consists –
The container in which the product is placed
The enclosure which seals the container to exclude oxygen, moisture, bacteria etc and prevents loss of the product through evaporation
The carton or outer cover, which is made of a variety of materials such as cardboard, plastic or polymer, which gives protection against mechanical and other environmental hazards.
The box in which multiples of the product is packed. The box usually contains suitable shock absorbers or cushioning, in order to protect the product from mechanical shock.
Discussion
The Saviryataavadi is said to be an important part in pharmacognocy. The shelf life period of each and every drug will differ according to many factors. It will depend upon the climate, container humidity, packing etc. So the shelf life of the drug will depend upon these many factors. After the shelf life period, the drug will lose its potency.
It can be prevented only by proper and careful preparation and packing. By proper and careful preparation and packing then also each and every drug will only last for certain period. Texts of Ayurveda recommended for Aushada and Ahara Kalpanas and their Saviryatha avadhi. [Diet and medical formulae and their expiry date is period for which they can retain potency. Many of Ayurvedic texts has explained about Saviryatha avadhi. The modern texts has also explained about the expiry period. Each and every drug will have its own expiry period. It will change according to the drug.
Conclusion
Thus by concluding this the “saviryata avadi” is very important. They are different product of shelf life for different medicines. If a physician does not know about the shelf life period of a drug, he cannot prescribe the drug, for example he wants to prescribe swarasa. Its shelf life period is said to be “sadyosevana”. So if he is don’t know about it, he cannot tell about the dose of drug. The potency of drug will vary after that period. So it will not act. So it is important to know about “saviryata avadi”.
Bibliography
Sharangadhara samhita
Bhaishajya Kalpana Vijnana By Ramachandra Reddy
A Text Book Of Bhaishajya Kalpana By Dr. Shobha G Hiremath
Bhaishajya Kalpana Vijnana. By Siddhi Nandan Mishra
59 comments on “Shelf Life or Expiration Date of Ayurvedic Medicines”
Daisy
Very useful to know this….thank you!
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Thanks. 🙂
Dr.Sirisha Kaila
When considered gritha, puraana gritha (more than 10 years) is said to be good. isn’t right dr ?
Senthil
Hello Dr. Hebbar, May I know what is the shelf life of pankajakasthuri powder? Some say 2 years/ some say 3 years. Please clarify
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
2 years
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. Throw it.
jamshid riza
is there any preservatives required
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Preservatives are used in many Ayurvedic medicines such as Kashayam, Avaleha etc.
Vijay Bhide
HI Sir ,
Do will preservatives be added to ayurvedic Capsules ,lehyams etc?
If artificial preservatives are added wouldn’t daily usage of some medicines cause side effects ?
Or as you said each medicine has its own ‘natural preservative’ property ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, almost all Ayurvedic capsules contain added preservatives in limited, permissible quantities.
For lehams, some companies add preservatives.
Do these pose threat to health?
Only permitted preservatives are added within limits (as per Drugs and Cosmetics act and rules). Hence, generally, no side effects or threat to health is observed.
balbir surana
any expiry date is require in dabur VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
As it contains metallic ingredients, its expiry date is not fixed. Generally safe till 5 years from the date of manufacturing.
V Gangathimmaiah
Dear Dr Hebbar
There is apprehension that Ayurvedic medicine contains lead;which is used in its preparation. For this reason Ayurvedic medicines are not encouraged or even looked down. Common man needs to know the truth about this. Will you be kind enough to clarify.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, 99 % of Ayurvedic medicines do not contain any lead ingredient.
Only 1 % contain lead as ingredient. You can visit http://ayurmedinfo.com and use the search box to find out which contains lead and which does not.
uma shankar
very useful , thanks to Dr.Hebbar.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Welcome!
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No.
praveen srivastawa
Sir I brought dabu shankh puspi.it contain sodium methyl parben and sodium propyl parben as preservative.where i can get chemical free syrup.if i brought single herbs powder then it will be chemical free .please suggest me sir.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, single herb powders are chemical free.
enlightened
What is the shelf life of kadukkai podi (organic Haritaki fruit powder[terminalia chebula])? Thanks.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
2 years.
g.reddy
can we consume himalaya medicine for life time please reply.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Which medicine?
vina
Dear Doctor, I have bought jeshtmadh churna, amalaki churna and kateshwari churna for having periods complaints. But the above mentioned churna got expired from its manufacturing date of two years mentioned. Can we consume it as it is only 50grams.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No.
Gyanendra Dutt Misra
Sir
Can triphla powder be used if stored for one year?
Meghna Tembe
Would unopened ashwagandha tablets that have expired two years ago still retain any potency? Is it safe to take them or better to discard them?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Better to discard.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, if the smell and colour is proper, you can still use it. It holds a shelf life of two years.
Madhura
Hi doctor,
I am using nari urja by unicare it says it’s shell life is 1month after opening. It’s been more than 1 month 20 days now, and I do feel the taste has changed a bit. Is it ok to consume it yet or should I leave it?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Throw it.
Ruby
Can I use unopened bt expired satavar powder ..?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No.
Kuldeep Garg
Dear Sir,
Namaste!
I request sir that please let us know a few companies who do not use chemical preservatives in ayurvedic products at all. Please help sir. What about Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal Sir? I have heard a lot about this institute.
Regards
Kuldeep
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
They also use preservatives.
Kuldeep Garg
Thanks for your reply sir. Any one who don’t use? Please help in identifying some such company.
Regards
Ishika
For how long dried licorice roots and dried manjistha roots remain effective when both are kept in plastic gunny bags?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
For about 1 year time.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. Discard it.
RKR
Hi Doctor,
Do Aristas have preservatives?
M.K.Ranganath
Sir
we bought Shudda guggulu ..Himalaya tablets ..it expired two months back…Is it safe for use?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. Discard it.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Better to discard it.
Pushpanjali
Dr, I have 120 tablets of Shatavari by Sri Sri Ayurveda. And 60 tablet of Oorja by Sri Sri Ayurveda itself. They are still sealed with silica gel. However I checked the expiry date has gone in 2015 and 2013 respectively. Please advice whether I can eat them? Some Ayurvedic doctors said I can have and some said to discard.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. Please discard them.
Rajeev kumar
Sir I have a ‘vridhi kalp ‘ from madhur ayurveda
It’s expired on March 2018
Can we use it ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No.
Kazi
Hello doctor,
We have bought 2 packs of ashwagandha tablets in Feb 2015 and one is still unopened. Can we use it now as there is no expiry date mentioned on it.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Usually it is 3 months time. Finish it within a month time or throw them out.
anonym
Hello,
I have Tulsi powder and triphala powder and packages were opened earlier, both expired 2016, is it still possible to consume them if they dont look or smell bad?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. Better to discard.
Mary
Hello Doctor,
I have some Kushal Kanthil herbal pills/mouth fresheners, not opened, expiry date says after 2 years of manufacture, can I still use it safely after two years? Thank you for your help.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. Discard it.
Mary
Hi Dr, I have Kushal Kanthil expired last month, expiry date is 2 yrs from manufacture on the bottle. Can i continue to use? Thank you for your reply.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. Discard it.
Swastidubey
I hv kumarkalyan ras of 2013 seal packed.. can I use it or it gets expire?? Plz suggest
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
You can use it, if the seal was not opened.