Ayurvedic materia medica lists groups of drugs based on their ‘Rasa’ or taste. Drugs dominant in ‘Tikta rasa’ or bitter taste act upon deranged Pitta and ‘digest’ it. This maybe understood as the resolution of inflammatory changes in the gut as well as skin, bones, joints and supporting tissue. Thikthakam Kashayam is a balancing combination of ‘Pitta-samana’ drugs in an aqueous base.‘Kashaya’ or herbal decoctions harness the healing properties of herbs and roots in a mild and easily absorbable water base.