Linctus/electuary (Leha)
Mentions Leha as one of the dosage forms to be prepared, along with Suramantha, Asava, Arishta, Churna and Ayaskriti for the treatment of Mahakushtha (major skin diseases).
Modern description
Leha, or linctus/electuary, is a semi-solid dosage form in Ayurveda, typically prepared with a base of sugar, jaggery, or honey. It is used for treating various ailments like skin diseases, respiratory conditions and as a general tonic to improve strength and immunity.
Purpose
Used in the treatment of Mahakushtha (major skin diseases) and as a general tonic.
Indications
- General debility
- Vata disorders
- Weakness
- Post-illness recovery
- Respiratory ailments (mild)
- Mahakushtha
Classical indications
- Kasa (cough)
- Shwasa (asthma)
- Arochaka (anorexia)
- Hridroga (heart disease)
- Pandu (anemia)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
Karma
- Vatahara
- Pitta Shamaka (slightly)
- Kapha Vardhana (slightly)
- Rasayana
- Balya
- Deepana
Key ingredients
- Given the name 'Leha'
- and the absence of further information
- a generic approach based on common Leha preparations is used. Dasamula
- Guda/Jaggery
- Madhu/Honey
- Ghrita/Ghee
- Trikatu (ginger, black pepper, long pepper
- Ela/Cardamom
- Tvak/Cinnamon
- Patra/Tejpatra . This is a foundational recipe
- many Lehas are much more complex.
Adult dose
5-10 grams, once or twice a day
Pediatric dose
2.5-5 grams
Preparation steps
- Collect all the ingredients as per the formulation.
- Clean and dry the ingredients properly.
- Prepare a coarse powder of the ingredients.
- Mix the powdered ingredients with honey or jaggery.
- Heat the mixture gently to achieve a linctus consistency.
- Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
Safety contraindications
- Hyperacidity
- Indigestion
- Ama