Abstract

KSHARA GUNA – A CRITICAL REVIEW

Vishal Singhal* and Ajay Kumar Gupta

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is based on medicinal plants and constitue a very important part of Ayurveda. Among the four Vedas - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda, AtharvaVeda is considered the prime source of Ayurveda and mentions various herbs that can be used as medicine for treatment of various disorders. Kshara is the herbal extract of some specific plants and according to Acharya Sushruta, 23 medicinal plants are mentioned in Kshara Paka Vidhi Adhyaya; viz. Mushkka, kutaj, Palash, Ashwakarna, Paribhadrak, Bhibitaka, Aragvadha, Tilwaka, Arka, Snuhi, Apamarga, Kataphodla, Nasha, Ashwanitamtham, Gunja, Koshataki. Kshara can be prepared Kshara can be a combination of several herbs or can be from a single herb. Kshara can also be used as internal medication in many diseases. So KsharaGutika (tablets), Vati, Ksharavleha, Kshara-Ghrita, etc. are mentioned. Kshara is also used commonly for local application n the form of Ksarapichu (gauze), Kshara Sutra, Ksharavarti, etc. Since Ksharakarma can be used safely in patients who are afraid of surgery, it can be used as an alternative to surgery in many disorders like DushtaVrana (Wounds), Bhagandara (Anal Fistula), Arsha (Hemorrhoids), Charmakeela, Ashmari (Renal calculi), Gulma,Udara, Kushtha (Leprosy), Rohini, etc. Ksharakarma is considered a weapon of wealth and power in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. In this article, an attempt has been made to explore the meaning, classification andguna of Kshara.

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