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A Critical Review on Historical Aspects of Kshara

Article  in  International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy · September 2016

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.074158

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Review Article
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A CRITICAL REVIEW ON HISTORICAL ASPECTS OF KSHARA

Shruti Pandey 1*, Vinamra Sharma 2, Anand Kumar Chaudhary 3
1
Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Rasa Shastra, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
2
Ph.D. Scholar & Senior Resident, Department of Rasa Shastra, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
3
Professor and Head, Department of Rasa Shastra, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India

Received on: 15/07/16 Revised on: 24/08/16 Accepted on: 30/08/16

*Corresponding author
E-mail: [email protected]

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.074158

ABSTRACT

Various natural products are processed and used as medicine in Ayurveda system of medicine. These medicinal products are classified in different
categories of dosage forms in Ayurvedic Pharmaceuticals. Kshara Kalpana (alkaline preparation) is one of them. Kshara are the substances obtained
from the ashes of drugs of animals (conch shells, Cypraea moneta,coral etc.), minerals (borax, salt petre, mixture of potassium salts etc.) and plants
(Mulaka; Raphenus sativus Linn., Snuhi; Euphorbia nerifolia Linn., Arka; Calotropis gigantea Linn. etc.) origin, where alkaline portion is extracted
from the ashes of these substances. Kshara Kalpana is the dosage form of alkaline substance, which may be used as single, or compound, or mixture
of many herbs, animal and mineral products. There is a wide range of description available about Kshara in many of authoritative texts of Ayurveda.
However, Acharya Sushruta, father of Indian Surgery, is the pioneer of Kshara Kalpana, as he introduced Kshara Kalpana in one of the specific
chapter. These alkaline preparations have many therapeutic usages and even proved to be effective in treating many disorders. Applications of these
preparations have replaced many surgical procedures too. The internal use of Kshara is advised in Mutrashmari (viz. renal calculi), external
application in Arshas (hemorrhoid piles) and in the form of Kshara Sutra (alkaline thread) in the treatment of Nadi Vrana (sinus), Bhagandhara
(fistula in ano) etc.. Kshara is also aided in the different pharmaceutical procedure like Shodhana (purification), Jarana (roasting) and Maran
(incineration of metals and minerals)in various preparations of Rasaausadhies (metal and minerals formulations).The importance of Kshara in
therapeutics as well as in pharmaceutical procedure inspired us to explore the historical uses of Kshara and KsharaSutra in view to establish its
importance as well to get its clues for future scopes.

Key words: Kshara, Kshara Sutra, Jarana, Shodhan, Tankan

INTRODUCTION not only responsible for the conversion of one metal / mineral
into the medicine through the process of Shodhana5
Health has always been on topmost priority for human beings (purification), Sattvapatana5 (metal extracting), Marana6
since the beginning of civilization. For the purpose of healthy (incineration of metals and minerals), and but also contradict the
life, nature has gifted various resources to human beings to ill effects of poisonous drugs (schedule E-1) as antidote7.
spend their decisive / vital life. Herbs, metals, minerals and
animal products are among those resources. Uses of these In this article, an effort has been made to compile and present
resources in medical treatment are not new for this world. the utilization of Kshara in the phramceutico-therapeutics of
Ayurveda has shown various paths to use these resources in Ayurveda from the historical perspective, by referring important
medical treatment since longtime year back. Rasa Shastra, the texts of Ayurveda in all aspects of its preparation, types,
pharmaceutical branch of Ayurveda, has described use of these qualities, indications and uses.
resources in a very planned and descriptive manner by
formulating various medicines to treat human diseases1. Kshara DEFINITION OF KSHARA IN DIFFERENT AYURVEDIC
(alkaline substances), is one among them. Kshara is medicament CLASSICS
obtained from ash of one or more plants, animal and mineral
products2. The process of preparation of Kshara involves the The substance that removes the vitiated debris of skin, flesh etc.
extraction of ‘alkalies’ from ash of dried plants. It is said that the (Dusta Tvagmasadi)8 or the substance, which detoxify the Dosha
diseases which are difficult to treat can be cured by Kshara (bodily humour), Dhatu (tissues) and Mala (excreta)8 because of
therapy(alkaline therapy)3. Kshara therapy not only minimizes its Ksharan(corrosive) nature is known as Kshara. According to
complication but also reduces recurrence of diseases. Kshara can the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Kshara are alkaline substance
reduce the chances of post-surgical infections due to its obtained from the ash of drugs9.
alkalinity. Kshara has the top most place in all surgical and para-
surgical measures4. It can be used externally and internally Detailed View in Ayurvedic Classics
according to the ailments of the body. In different text of Rasa In Samhita period detail descriptions of Kshara Kalpana
Shastra number of Kshara are mentioned in different regarding their methods of preparation, definition, varieties,
pharmaceutical processes to prepare formulations of metals and properties and applications are found. Acharya Sushruta defines
minerals. Further, the inherent character of Kshara i.e. alkalinity, as the material which destroys or cleans the excessive/the

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 Shruti Pandey et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 7(Suppl 3), Jul - Aug 2016

morbid Doshas are known as Kshara (Kshyaranat Kshyananat manufacturing premise required for the manufacturer of Kshara
va Kshara). According to Acharya Charaka, Kshara Dravya has are described19.
Ksharanatwa (corrosive) in nature. Acharya Dalhana the
commentator of Sushruta Samhita explained the word Ksharana IMPORTANCE OF KSHARA
as one which mobilizes and removes the deformed flesh, skin
etc. or which removes the vitiated Doshas from their location. Therapeutic Importance of Kshara
It is mentioned in the classics, that the diseases which are
Acharya Charak has mentioned two types of Kshara preparation difficult to treat can be cured by Kshara therapy4. Various types
and has also mentioned the use of Kshara according to disease. of skin diseases can be cured easily by Kshara due to Lekhana
Acharya Chakrapani has described the method of preparation of property. Vrana Shodhana (purification of wound) and Ropana
Kshara. Acharya Yadavji have described separate chapter of (healing) properties of Kshara are helpful in the healing of
Kshara Kalpana. Kshara is dominated by Katu (pungent) and discharge wounds20. Table 1 shows the use of Kshara in various
Lavana Rasas (salty taste). It is the object of many senses and it diseases either in single medicine or in combination12.
involves a special method of preparation10. Acharya Sushruta
has narrated Kshara in scope of Shalya Tantra (surgical branch) Pharmaceutical Potentials of Kshara
due to actions like Chhedana (excision), Bhedana (incision), In Rasa Shastra (Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics) the Kshara plays its
Lekhana (scrapping) etc. (Su. Su.11/5). According to him own role in different pharmaceutical procedures such as
Kshara destroys the degenerated dhatus and remove the Shodhana, Jarana, Marana etc. Because of its alkalinity in
unhealthy tissues and doshas from their location (Su. Su.11/4). nature, these substance help in the corrosion of unwanted
Acharya Charak has mentioned 18 parts of plants which can be material from the desired product7. Kshara are known for their
used for medicinal purpose and Kshara is one among them11. cleansing property. Hence, borax grouped under Sodhaniya
Acharya Charak has mentioned two types of Kshara Gana (drugs grouped under purifiers) and is useful in
preparations i.e. Bahya Parimarjaniya (external use e.g. Kshara preparation of metal extracts (Sattva), etc. In 8thcentury,
Jala-alkaline water) and Antah- Parimarjaniya (which is Rasendra Mangal has described a general method for the
prepared from burned drugs by Antahdhaum method)11. Three purification of all Rasa drugs as to triturate the drugs with
types were explained according to methods of preparations i.e. Kshara (alkali), Sneha (fatty), Amla (acidic) media5. Borax is
Mridu (mild penetrating action), Madhyam (moderate also used in certain methods of purification of mercury
penetrating action), and Tiksna (Sharp penetrating action) explained in Rasa Tarangini. Some of the examples showing
Kshara. However, Tikshna Kshara was prepared by addition of Kshara used in Shodhana process21:
powders of drugs like Chitraka (Plumbago zeylinica), Danti 1) Silver is purified by melting it with borax in crucible
(Bliospermum montanum), and Vacha (Acorus calamus) etc.12. subjecting to high temperature and immersed in Jyotismati
Dalhana the commentator of Sushruta Samhita explained the use Taila (extracted oil of Celastrous paniculata).
of Kshara in Ashmari (calculi), Switra (leucoderma), Gulma 2) In the preparation of Abhrak Sattwa (metallic extract if
(tumor), Mutraghat (dysuria), and Visha (poison) etc. In Astanga biotite mica), borax is used as one of the ingredient.
Hridya the Pratisaraniya Kshara is indicated to be used in, 3) Borax is used in method of purification of Tuttha (copper
Switra (leucoderma), Kustha (skin disorders), Bhagandar sulphate- blue vitriol).
(fistula),), Granthi (carbuncles), etc. and Paniya Kshara in Arsha 4) Gauri Pashana (arsenic trioxide; As2O3) is purified by
(piles), BhagandarAshmari, Gulma, Udarorga (abdominal Svedana process in Dola Yantra (an equipment where drugs
disorders) etc. Kshara also incorporated in the preparation of tied in cloth piece, which hangs with an iron rod and in
Kasisadi Taila and medicated ghee for the treatment of Arsha13. dipped in liquid media prepared by borax dissolved water.
This is aid with the continuous supply of moderate heat till
In the chapter of Arsha Chikitsa Chakradatta has also described specific duration of time).
method of preparation of Kshara Sutra14 and its application.
Ksharodaka (alkaline water) containing Patala (Stereospermum Table 2 shows the uses of Kshara in different Pharmaceutical
suaveolens), Yava Kshara (Salts of potassium), Paribhadra procedure of herbomineral formation. However, mercury is the
(Erythrina indica), Tila (Sesamum indicum) along with powder supreme metal of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics. To make it
of Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Ela (Elettaria therapeutically more potent and to make ready for further
cardamomum), Kalimircha (Piper nigrum) are mentioned for the processing, there are 18 Samskara (series of purification
treatment of Mutraghta. Kshara are also indicated along with process) mentioned in foremost texts of Rasa Shastra. In
Vataghna (subsiding disorders of Vata) drugs in the treatment of Rasendra Mangala, there is use of Kshara for Rodhana,
Ashmari15. Murchana, Dipana, Niyamana, Utthapana Samskara, which is
intended to increase the potency of mercury21.
In Sharangadhara Samhita quality measures of Kshara is
mentioned various methods and utensils are described for the Kshara as Reagent for Bhasma Testing22 Apunarbhava is one
preparation of Kshara16. In Yoga Ratnakara various method of of the important test for Bhasma of metallic origin in which
preparation of Kshara along with the powder of Piper longum prepared Bhasma is tested by incinerating with Mitrapanchaka
(Pippali) mixed with Kshara is used in the preparation of (five drugs-accumulators helpful to check the free metals, if
Pleehodara (splenomegaly)17. In Rasa Tarangani detail present in prepared Bhasma) and ensure that Bhasma does not
description of Apamarga (Achyranthus aspera) Kshara, Arka come back to its original state (metallic form).Tankan, is one of
(Calotropis giganta) Kshara, Tila Kshara, Snuhi Kshara, Palash the important ingredient in Mitrapanchaka.
Kshara (Butea monosperma), Chincha (Tamarindus indica)
Kshara are mentioned18. Potential of Kshara as Antidote
Particularly, borax is known as an antidote for aconite
In Ayurvedic Formulary of India a separate chapter/ monograph (Vatsanabha) poison7. Due to this antidotal effect, Ayurveda
on Lavana- Kshara has been included. In this formulary Kshara Prakasa advocated triturating aconite with equal quantity of
is defined as an alkaline substance9. In Drugs & Cosmetic borax and it can be used in all conditions without any risk of
Rule1945, the list of machinery, equipment and minimum aconite complications23. Yoga Ratnakara advised to mix equal
quantity of borax and double quantity of Piper nigrum to nullify

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any untoward effects of aconite. It is also interesting to note that According to Acharya Yadavji (Dravya Guna Vigyana),
majority of aconite containing formulations contains borax also Panchanga (five parts of plant) of the plants containing Kshara
as an ingredient in it like Agnitundi vati, Ananda Bhairava Rasa. are collected and dried, and then they are burnt to get ash form.
As per Ayurveda Prakasa, for subsiding the toxicity effects The burning should be done till matter get burnt. The ash is
Kankustha (Mysore gambose tree– Garcinia morella), decoction dissolved in six times of water in an earthen pot and kept for one
of root of Babbula (Acacia nilotica), Jiraka (Cuminnm cyminum) night. Next day morning contents should be filtered for 2 times
and purified boraxare advised to be taken internally as suggested and obtained liquid is heated, till total water content is get
by the same text. Rasa Tarangini suggested various antidotes for evaporated, then Kshara is obtained which is similar to the
untoward effects caused by administration of Improperly colour of greyish white26.
prepared mercurial preparations 24.
Properties of Kshara: Different Ayurvedic texts described
CLASSIFICATION OF KSHARA properties of Kshara and these properties are tabulated in Table
415
Ayurvedic texts described classification of Kshara on various Kshara are prepared from herbal drugs and it includes the basic
bases. In Brihtraya (three foremost texts of Ayurveda viz. properties of the original herbal drugs.Kshara is predominant
Charak Samhita, Shuruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridya with Agnibhuta (fire elements) hence having Teekshna property.
Samhita), Kshara are classified on the basis of their mode of It consists of Sparsh Guna (consistency property)due to its
application. These are Pratisaraniya (external use) and Paneeya predominance of Vayubhuta (wind elements) and hence gives
(internal use) Kshara. The Pratisaraniya Kshara has been further quick action.So, above factors clearly state that Kshara is having
sub classified according to its potential in to Mridu (mild), predominance of Agni and Vayubhuta. Kshara is having
Madhya (moderate), and Tikshna (intense)15. This classification Tejobhuta (agni element) property predominantly hence it is
is entirely based on the strength or concentration of Kshara and having the property of corrosiveness. According to Sushruta
applicable in the external use. Some other classifications of Kshara is the most superior procedure among Shastra and
Kshara on different basis are also given in different texts: Anushastra (sharp instrument and substitute for sharp instrument
respectively) because it is having superior qualities like
On the basis of Origin Chhedana, Bhedana, Lekhana etc. So, Kshara having Lavana
1) Vanaspatijanya: Obtained from the plant sources e.g. (salty), Tikta (bitter) Rasa; Ruksha (dry), Teekshna Guna
Apamarga Kshara Yava Kshara (properties); Ushna (hot) Virya (potency); and Katu (pungent)
2) Pranijaya: Obtained from the Animal sources e.g. Shankha, Vipaka (attributes of drug assimilation)27.
Kapardika, Pravala etc.
3) Khanijajanya: Obtained from the mineral origin e.g. Tankan Dose of Kshara15: Doses of Kshara is applicable according to
(Borax), Sarji Kshara, Surya Kshara etc. mode of application, i.e. Paneeya Kshara: Uttama Matra (best
quantity): 1 Pala (48 ml), Madhyama Matra (better quantity): 3
On the basis of Season of preparation: Karsha (36 ml), Heena Matra (bad quantity): ½ Pala (24 ml) and
1) Uttam (best) – Prepared in Greeshma (summer season) Pratisaaraneeya Kshara: as per requirement.
2) Madhyam (better) – Prepared in Sharad (autumn season) For internal use28: 250mg to 1gm
3) Adhama (bad) – Prepared in Varsha (rainy season)
Further Kshara has been classified on the basis of the number Indications of Kshara
present in the group. Table 3 shows the classification on the Pratisaraniya Kshara15: Pratisaraniya Kshara is indicated in
basis of number of Kshara present in a group. Kustha (skin disorders), Arsha (piles), Visha (poison), Kitibha,
Dushtavarna (non-healing ulcers), Dadru (fungal infection),
Concept Regarding Methods of Preparation of Kshara by Nadivrana (sinus), Mukharoga (mouth disorders), Arbuda
Different Ayurvedic Scholars (tumor), Bhagandar (fistula), and Krimi (worms) Roga15 (Su.
In Sushruta Samhita for increasing or decreasing the strength of Su.11/7)
Kshara, some methods other than the general method were
described through Sanskara- Vishesha and Gunantaradhan Paniya Kshara: Paniya Kshara is indicated in Gara Visha
(modification of properties). Acharya Sushruta in Sutra Sthana (artificial poison), arochak (tastelessness), Krimi, Gulma
described the special procedure for the preparation of Kshara (tumors), Anaha (constipation), Visha, Udararoga (GIT
which is not “Ek-aushadh Kshara” but a Kshara- Kalpa in which disorders), Arsha, Agnimandya (loss of appetite), Ashmari
by the Samyoga of Ksharas (combination of alkali), Agni (fire (renal calculi), Ajirna (indigestion),15 Arsha, Bhagandar,
intensity), Kala (time), Yukti (procedure), and Samskara, Ashmari, Gulma, and Udararoga2.
changes can be brought15.
Contradiction of Kshara15: In case of Raktpitta (bleeding
According to Sharangdhara Samhita (Sh.Sm.M. 11/102- disorders), Timira (eye disease), Ruksha (dryness),Moorchha
103),dried parts of plants which exude milky sap are burnt into (unconscious), and the diseases occurs at the sites of Marma
ash form in fire. The ash thus obtained is dissolved in four times (vital points),Sira (head), Snayu (ligaments), Sandhi (joints),
of water in mud pot and kept overnight. Next day morning the Tarunasthi (cartilaginous bones), Dhamani (arteries), the use of
clear supernatant water is decanted out into a clean vessel and Kshara is not indicated. The conditions like whole body oedema,
boiled till all the water evaporates, leaving of a fine white bone pain, heart pain, joint pain, thirst, pregnancy.
powder at the bottom. This is known as Kshara.20
Actions of Various Kshara12: Kshara has possessed the
According to Rasa Tarangini (R.T. 14/59-61), the plants Chedana (excision), Bhedana (incision)properties along with
containing Kshara are dried and burnt into ash form. The ash various other therapeutic actions. Thus, they are used in
thus obtained is dissolved in four times of water and rubbed with different diseases as shown in Table 1.
hands properly and contents are kept without any disturbance for
3 hours. Then contents are filtered with three folded cloth. This
filtered liquid is boiled till total water content gets evaporated.
Finally, Kshara is obtained in greyish white powder form25.

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 Shruti Pandey et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 7(Suppl 3), Jul - Aug 2016

Description of Kshara Sutra (medicated alkaline thread) by clear idea about the thread which is to be used. According to
Different Ayurvedic Scholars him it should be strong one. It means that even after all
Kshara or caustic substances are considered as one of the most procedures with coatings thread should be remained in good
important means of parasurgical means because Kshara can strength as playing prominent role. In Rasa Tarangini sufficient
produce excision, incision, scrapping and can pacify all the three descriptions regarding the way of coatings, the numbers of
doshas29. In the recent era modified Kshara application in the coatings are described in this book. According to the
form of Ksharasutra in ano-rectal disease has become a common description, fine Haridra Churna should be mixed with Snuhi
practice in Ayurvedic surgical parlance. Vagbhatta has Ksheera and a thin strong thread should be dipped in this
described to use thread smeared with Kshara in the treatment of mixture and followed by keeping dry in shadow area. This
Nadi (nerves). Chakradutta has referred to a medicated thread procedure should be repeated for seven times. The thread is
coated with Snuhi Ksheera (exudate of Euphorbia nerifolia) and named as Kshara Sutra though it does not contain any Kshara,
Haridra churna (Curcuma longa powder) in treatment of arsha. because Kshara Sutra possesses the properties of Kshara like
Later on Bhavprakash has also mentioned similar description excision, incision, scrapping etc.
regarding Kshara-sutra. They use only Snuhi Ksheera and
Haridra churna as the ingredients. Chakradutta has given the

Table 1: Therapeutic importance of Kshara of different plant origin

S.no. Kshara from different plants Therapeutic actions

1 Arka (Calotropis gigantea) Disorders of G.I. (colic pain), respiratory (asthma, cough) systems,
splenomegaly etc
2 Apamarga (Achyranthus aspera) Disorders of gastro- intestinal (G.I.) system (Agnideepaka, Pachaka- improves
digestive power)
3 Gokshura (Tribulus teristeris) Disorders of urinary system (urinary tract infection, dysuria, renal calculi,
Prameha viz. polyuria)
4 Chincha (Tamarindus indica) Disorders of G.I. system (Aruchi – tastelessness, Udarshoola viz. colic pain,
Grahni viz. malabsorption syndrome), nausea, vomiting (Vamana)
5 Kadali (Musa paradisiaca) Disorders of urinary system (urinary tract infection, dysuria, renal calculi),
Gulma (tumor), Pradara (leucorrhea)
6 Kantkari (Solanum surattense) Disorders of G.I., respiratory (asthma, cold, cough, rhinitis) systems, and acts as
cardiac tonic
7 Mulaka (Raphenus sativus) Disorders of gastro- intestinal (G.I.) system, Gulma (tumor)
8 Palash (Butea monosperma) Disorders of respiratory (asthma, cough)
9 Sarpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) Disorders of respiratory (asthma, cough), Pleeha-Yakrit Vriddhi (splenomegaly
and hepatomegaly respectively), Gulma (tumor), fever
10 Kshara Gutika (Alkaline tablet) Aruchi (Tastelessness)
11 Kshara Taila (Alkaline oil) Disorders of urinary system (urinary tract infection, dysuria, renal calculi,
Prameha viz. polyuria), Gulma (tumor), Karna Roga (ear disorders)
12 Kshara Ghrita (Alkaline ghee) + Hingvadi Churna Gulma (Tumour)
13 Ksharaof Aswagandha (W. somnifera), Yava Swasa (Asthma), Kasa (Cough), Hikka (Hiccup)
(Mixture of potassium salts)
14 Kshara Taila, Yava Kshara (Mixture of potassium Karna Roga (Ear disorders)
salts), Swarji Ksahra (Mixture of potassium salts)
15 Kshara of Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium), Jalodara (Ascites), Grahni (Malaabsorption Syndrome)
Bhunimbadi (Andrographis paniculata), Haridra
(Curcuma longa), Kshara Gutika, Pancham Kshara
16 Kshara of Tila (Alkali of Sesamum indicum), Mutraghat (Graveland Stone)
Apamarga, Kadali, Palasa, and Yava

Table 2: Use of Kshara Dravya in different pharmaceutical procedures of Rasa Shastra

Sr. Kshara Dravya used Uses in pharmaceutical processing of various minerals and metals Reference
No.
1 Kshara Shodhan (purification) of Shilajatu (mineral pinch) R.R.S. 2/116
2 Yava Kshara (alkaline of Shodhan of Rajavarta (Lapis lazuli) R.R.S. 4/7-8
barley; Salts of
pottassium)
3 Churnodaka (Lime Shodhana of Hartala (orpiment; As2S3) R.R.S. 3/70-73
water), and
Tankana (Borax)
4 Tankana Shodhan of Tamra, Kantaloha A.P.
Marana (incineration) of Vajra (diamond) R.N.V. 6/85-86
Marana of Tuttha (blue vitriol) R. Cu. 10/76
Marana of Abhraka (biotite mica) R.R.S. 2/19
Sattvapatana (extraction of metallic essence) of Makshika (Copper pyrite) R.M. 2/28
Sattvapatana of Manahshila (As2S2) R. Cu. 11/68
Sattvapatana of Gairik (red ochre; Fe2O3) R.R.S. 4/12
* R.R.S= Rasa Ratna Samuchaya; A.P= Ayurveda prakash; R.N.V= Rasarnava; R.M= Rasendra Mangal; R.Cu= Rasendra Chudamani

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 Shruti Pandey et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 7(Suppl 3), Jul - Aug 2016

Table 3: Classification of Kshara on the basis of their number

Sr. Classification of Kshara on the Number of Name of Kshara Reference

No. basis of number Kshara
1 Ksharadwya 02 Kshara of Swarji and Yava R.T. 2/6
2 Kshara traya 03 Kshara of Swarji, Yava, and Tankana R.T. 2/6
3 Kshara Panchaka 05 Kshara of Musaka, Yava, Palash, Swarji, and Tila R.T. 2/7
4 Kshara Shastaka 06 Kshara of Tila, Palash, Vacha (Acorus calamus), Apamarga, D.N.
Kutaja (Halarrhena antidysentrica), and Mustaka (Cyperus
royundus)
5 Kshara Saptaka 07 Kshara of Swarji, Yava, Tankana, Suvarchika, Palash, A.P. 3/15
Gaurya, Mutsaka
6 Ksharashtaka 08 Kshara of Snuhi (Euphorbia nerifolia), Palash, Apamarga, R.T. 2/8
Chinca, Arka (Calotropis gigantea), Tila, Swarji and Yava
Kshara of Apamarga, Palash, Arka, Tila, Mulaka, Yava, D.N.
Swarji and Tankana

7 Ksharadasaka 10 Kshara of Shigru (Moringa oleifera), Mulaka, Palash, R.N.

Chukrika (Tamarind fruit), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica),
Adraka (Zinziber officinalia), Nimba (Azardicha indica),
Ikshu (Saccharum officinarum), Apamarga and Mochak
(Musa sapientum)
Kshara of Tila, Apamarga, Kadali, Palash, Shigru, R.H.T.
Mochaka, Mulaka, Adraka, Chincha and Aswattha (Ficus
religiosa)
* A.P.= Arka Prakash; B.P.= Bhava Prakash; DN= Dhanvantari Nighantu; R.T.= Rasa Tarangini; R.N.= Raj Nighantu; R.H.T.= Rasa Hridya Tantra

Table 4: Properties of Kshara as mentioned in different texts of Ayurveda

Sr. Charak Samhita Sushruta Samhita Astanga Hridya Rasa Tarangani

No. (Sutra Sthana 27/366) (Sutra Sthana 11/16) (Sutra Sthana 24) (14/62-63)
1 Tikshna (sharp penetrating Nati-tiksna (not excessively Natitiksna Tikshna
action sharp)
2 Ushna Natimridu (not excessively Natimridu Atyanta Usna (Very hot
(Hot temperature) soft temperature)
3 Laghu (Light) Sighrakari (having rapid Sita (cold temperature)
action)
4 Ruksha (Dry) Slaksna (smooth texture) Natiruksha (less dry) Krimighna (wormicidal)
5 Kledi (oozing) Picchila (sticky adhesion) Picchila Pachaka (digestive)
6 Dahana (cauterization of Abhishyandi (obstructive) Avisyandi (immobile) Dahaka (corrosive)
bleeders)
7 Darana (bursting) Sita Sukhanirvapya (quenching) Shodhana (purification)
8 Lekhana (scratching) Shikhari (do not move when Sighragani (having rapid Dahaka
placed in piles) digestive fire)
9 Dipana (Digestive) - Slaksna (slimy) Mutrala (Diuretic)
10 Chhedana (cutting or - Ropana (Healing)
excision)

MODERN CONCEPTS (CaOH), which is lime water indeed. Calcium hydroxide reacts
with Potassium/Sodium carbonate and gives rise to Calcium
After reviewing the properties of the Kshara which are utilized carbonate which comes down as precipitate. Potassium
in the Ayurvedic treatment, here accounting of the same in the hydroxide (KOH) remains in solution which may be
light of modern sciences. Kshara are alkaline substances, which concentrated by boiling to different extents27.
are of two kinds viz. natural and artificial. Natural are minerals
and includes calcium, potassium, and sodium in different Herbal ashes generally contain sodium, potassium, carbonate,
combinations. Artificial are those prepared by the ashes of calcium oxide, magnesium and silica. Kshara is prepared by
certain plants like Yava, Apamarga etc. Both these kinds are dissolving this ash in water and after filtering dried by the heat,
caustic, alkalis possessing the property of destroying the tissues in this process, an insoluble substance like silica is being
by penetrating deep into them. The advantage of this property is separated by the filtration and soluble substances like potassium
utilized in the treatment of abnormal growth of the tissues like and sodium remain in the solution. In this process when so many
tumor, pile, masses of wounds. It destroys extra growth. substances come in contact of each other, some of them get
Generally calcium or limestone or organic materials having decomposed and some new substances are being formed. For
calcium is utilized for the preparation of Kshara. A. R. Vasudev example the Ksharana strength is more dependent on the
Murthy describes the chemical composition of Kshara in his preparation of hydroxides than that of the carbonates. It means
Indian Tradition of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, as Kshara having more hydroxides are having more Ksharana
follows: the wood ashes contain potassium and sodium Shakti, hence it is comparatively more ‘Tikshna’ so used
carbonates (K2CO3 and Na2CO3). Limestone and sea shells externally only. Kshaodak (alkaline water) contains Sodium and
contain calcium carbonate (CaCO3). On heating strongly Potassium hydroxides in traces hence prescribed internally and
carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide (CaO), quick lime and can be said as ‘Paniya Kshara’. Proportion of hydroxides can be
Carbon dioxide (CO2), which escapes into the air. Calcium increased in the Ksharas by the addition of lime stone, conch
oxide reacts with water vigorously and gives calcium hydroxide shell, etc., which are known to be having Calcium. These are

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 Shruti Pandey et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 7(Suppl 3), Jul - Aug 2016

added by heating and dissolving in the water, by which chemical 11. Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, English Commentary by
reaction is set up in the Kshara, the outcome of which is the Sharma P.V., Varanasi, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Reprint
transformation of some of them into carbonates. 2011, Sutra Sthana 1/73, pp. 9.
12. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, English Commentary by
In the pharmaceutical process of metallic Bhasma formation Sharma P.V., Varanasi, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy,
(especially for Puti Louha- group of metals having low melting Reprint 2010, Sutra Sthana 11/16, pp. 119.
point viz. Vanga- Tin, Naag- Lead, Yashad- Zinc), Jarana 13. Vagbhata, Astangahrdaya, English Translation by Murthy
(roasting)is one of the intermediate process where Shodhit K.R.S, Sutra Sthana 30/ 3, 7th Edition, Chowkhamba
Dhatu (purified metal) roasted with alkaline herbs in which Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, 2010 , pp.343.
herbal drug get completely burned and Kshara of that herb help 14. Sharma PV, Cakradatta, English Translation, 1st Ed.,
in the process of Jarana. Jarana may be compared with “polling” Varanasi, Chaukhambha Orientalia, 2007, 5/148, pp. 87.
process in which refining of crude metal is done from its own 15. Sharma PV, Cakradatta, English Translation, 1st Ed.,
oxide as impurity. It is a redox reaction with reduction being the Varanasi, Chaukhambha Orientalia, 2007, 5/4-20, pp. 73-75.
dominant one30. 16. Sharangadhara, Sharangadhara Samhitha, Murthy K.R.S,
Varanasi, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Reprint 2012, 12/101-
CONCLUSION 104, pp. 156.
17. Yoga Ratnakara, Ed. Kumari A, 1st Ed. Varanasi,
Kshara is one of the important dosage forms as mentioned in Chowkambha Bharati Academy, 2010, 41/78-82, pp. 788.
Ayurveda to cure various diseases like Kustha, Gulma 18. Sharma S, Rasa Tarangini, Hindi Commentary by Shastri
Mutraghata and Kshara Sutra is one of the important surgical Kashinatha, 11th Ed., Delhi, Motilal Banarasidas, 1989.
procedures for the treatment of fistula. Kshara and Kshara Sutra 19. Vijay M, Laws Relating to Drugs & Cosmetics, Drugs and
are known from the time of extreme antiquity and are still alive Cosmetics Rules 1945, Schedule- T, Part - II, 23rd Ed.,
nowadays. This fact testifies its efficiency in healing various Lucknow, Eastern Book Company, 2013.
kinds of illness and fistula respectively. Thus, Kshara have 20. Sahasrabudhe GD, Joshi MR, Review of Kshara Chikitsa,
therapeutic as well as pharmaceutical importance, as both are Int. Ayu. Med. Journal, 2 (2), Mar. – Apr. 2014.
the prime aspects of Ayurvedic therapy. 21. Kodlady N et. al. Utilization of Borax in the Pharmaceutico
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