Short answer: Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala (founded 1902), Nupal Ayurveda (1960), Rajah Ayurveda and CNS Ayurveda Chikitsalayam are four Kerala makers of Ayurvedic medicines and wellness products. Each has its own history and speciality, from classical formulations to hair care and children's care.
Kerala has a long Ayurvedic tradition, and the state is home to many makers, big and small. This article introduces four of them, drawn from the information they publish about themselves, so you know who is behind the products you buy.
Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala
Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal (often written AVS) was founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier, a physician and philanthropist. It began as a village clinic in Kottakkal, in Malappuram district, and has grown into a large Ayurvedic institution. Its work includes hospitals, a research centre for medicinal plants, publications and education. It makes more than 550 classical and newer formulations, in forms such as arishtams, kashayams, lehyams, thailams and choornams. The institution is run by a charitable trust, in line with its founder's will.
Explore the Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala page, or shop Kottakkal products as they become available.
Rajah Ayurveda
Rajah Ayurveda is part of the Rajah Group. It runs Ayurvedic treatment centres in Kerala, including Rajah Healthy Acres and Rajah Island, and set up its own medicine manufacturing unit to supply the medicines used with its guests. The unit later grew into a GMP-certified factory that also supplies the market. It is known for its hair care range, Rootz Herbal Shampoo, and for creams, oils and classical medicines such as its Chyavanaprasam and Dhanwantharam Thailam.
Visit the Rajah Ayurveda page, or shop all Rajah Ayurveda products.
Nupal Ayurveda
NUPAL stands for New Udaya Pharmacy and Ayurvedic Laboratories. It was established in Kochi in 1960 by the late Sri N. K. Padmanabhan Vaidyar, a physician who held the title Vaidyavachaspathy. NUPAL's medicines are distributed through Nupal Remedies, set up in 1994. Its range includes capsules, syrups, hair oils and shampoos such as Hairomax, and daily wellness products.
Visit the Nupal Ayurveda page, or shop Nupal Ayurveda products.
CNS Ayurveda Chikitsalayam
CNS Chikitsalayam is in Mezhathur, in Palakkad district. It was founded in memory of Sri Chatharu Nair, a physician known for his work in Ayurvedic paediatrics (Balachikitsa). The hospital is led by Vaidyan Gangadharan Nair, a disciple of Chatharu Nair, and describes itself as the world's first ISO-certified Ayurvedic paediatric hospital. Besides treating patients, it makes classical and proprietary medicines, including CNS Chyavanaprasham and Sukanya Brahmi Oil.
Visit the CNS Ayurveda Chikitsalayam page, or shop CNS products.
What these makers have in common
- Roots in Kerala. All four are based in the state, which has its own long tradition of Ayurvedic practice.
- Classical references. Many of their products follow named texts such as the Sahasrayogam and the Ashtangahrudayam.
- A physician at the heart of the company. Each started from one or more practising physicians.
- Quality systems. Several describe GMP manufacturing, and some hold ISO or other quality certificates. Check the certificates the maker shows on its own website.
Reading a pack from any of these makers
Whichever maker you choose, the pack tells you a lot. Look for the product's classical name, the full ingredient list and the manufacturing licence number. Note the batch number and the manufacturing and expiry dates, and check that the printed MRP matches the price you paid. Each maker also publishes information about its quality systems and certificates on its own website, which is a good place to check anything you want to confirm before you buy. If something on a pack looks wrong, tell the seller straight away.
How to choose between brands
There is no single best brand. Choose by what you need. If you are looking for a classical tonic or oil, look at the formulation's classical name and the ingredients on the label. If you are looking for hair or skin care, check the ingredient list for anything you are allergic to. If a physician has recommended a specific brand, choose that one.
You can also browse everything or shop by health concern.
Frequently asked questions
Are all four brands from Kerala?
Yes. Kottakkal is in Malappuram, Nupal is in Kochi, CNS is in Palakkad and the Rajah Group runs centres in Kerala.
Does Ayurvedic Mall sell directly from the makers?
Ayurvedic Mall sells products from these makers, and every order ships sealed with batch and expiry details. For anything you want to confirm, call or WhatsApp +91 94971 99884.
Which brand is best for hair care?
Rajah Ayurveda's Rootz range and Nupal's Hairomax range are both popular. Read the ingredient lists and choose the one that suits your scalp.
This article is for general information, and the history above comes from each maker's own published information. It is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using any medicine.