Alkaline Preparations (Ksharas)
To address Kapha that is thick, stable, and located in the abdomen.
Modern description
Alkaline preparations, often administered with Arishta, used to balance Kapha accumulation in the abdomen, promoting digestion and reducing congestion.
Purpose
To address Kapha that is thick, stable, and located in the abdomen.
Indications
- Arshas (hemorrhoids)
- Agnimandya (digestive impairment)
- Gulma (abdominal lump)
- Udara Roga (abdominal disorders)
- Ashmari (calculi/stones)
- Krimi Roga (worm infestations)
- Pleeha Vriddhi (splenomegaly)
- various types of skin diseases
- non-healing ulcers
Classical indications
- Kapha accumulation in the abdomen
Karma
- Chedana (scraping)
- Lekhana (removing)
- Pachana (digesting)
- Shodhana (purifying)
- Vilayana (dissolving)
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
Key ingredients
- Generally contains a combination of plant ashes
- Tila Kshara
- and then concentrated by boiling.
- and sometimes minerals like Swarna Gairika. Proportions vary greatly depending on the specific kshara being prepared and the intended purpose. Traditionally made with the ashes of specific plants dissolved in water
- filtered
- Apamarga Kshara
Adult dose
Varies greatly based on the specific kshara, strength, and indication. Generally, a starting dose might be 125mg-500mg, but this MUST be adjusted by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Extreme caution is advised.
Pediatric dose
Use with caution, as directed by physician
Preparation steps
- Collection of plant materials rich in alkali content.
- Drying and ashing of the plant materials.
- Dissolving the ash in water and filtering the solution repeatedly.
- Concentrating the filtrate through evaporation to obtain the desired kshara.
- Testing the kshara for its strength and purity.
Safety contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Severe dehydration
- Ulcerative conditions of the gastrointestinal tract
- Children (unless specifically prescribed)