What the texts say
Charaka gives no reason. Stale kakamachi comes near the end of his long list of incompatible foods. Vagbhata spells out what stale means, kakamachi cooked and kept overnight, and also bars it when cooked in a pot used for fish or ginger. The rule is about this one plant, not about leftovers in general.[1][2]
The modern view
We have not found a modern study of stale kakamachi. Which plant the texts meant by kakamachi, usually taken to be black nightshade, still needs checking.
Classical text only
Related
Kakamachi and honey
Charaka says kakamachi with honey leads to death. Which plant he meant needs checking, and no study we found tests the rule.
FoodReheated food
Vagbhata says to give up food heated a second time. No study we found has tested the rule; one rice trial measured blood sugar instead.
FoodBurnt food (jala hua khana)
Charaka lists burnt food as incompatible in cooking. He does not say what harm it does, and no study we found tests his rule.
Sources
- Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 26.84 (Atreyabhadrakapyiya Adhyaya).
- Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutra Sthana 7.35-36, GRETIL e-text.
Awaiting review by The Good Vaidya Medical Board. Prepared from the sources below and checked against each one.
Published 4 November 2026 · Last updated 4 November 2026