Five Barks Decoction (Panacavalaka)
Astringent decoction prepared from the bark of five different trees, utilized externally after procedures to cleanse the area and manage any potential excessive fluid discharge. Also used to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and maintain overall skin health.
Modern description
A decoction prepared from five specific tree barks, primarily used for its cooling and astringent properties in wound healing and inflammation.
Purpose
Sprinkling (with cold decoction)
Indications
- Skin diseases (especially those with inflammation, itching, or discharge), wounds, ulcers, burns, bleeding disorders, excessive sweating, diarrhea, inflammatory conditions
- Visarpa (erysipelas)
- Sepsis
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Cervical pathologies
- Leucorrhoea
- Vaginal fungal infections
Classical indications
- Vrana (wounds)
- Shotha (inflammation)
- Visarpa (erysipelas)
Karma
- Varnya (improves complexion)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Ropana (wound healing)
- Stambhana (astringent)
- Pittahara (reduces Pitta)
- Vranashodhana (wound cleansing)
- (Antimicrobial)
Key ingredients
- Vata bark
- Udumbara bark
- Ashvattha bark
- Plaksha bark
- Parisha bark
- all parts in equal quantities
Adult dose
Decoction: 50-100 ml once or twice daily; Powder: 3-6 grams once or twice daily
Pediatric dose
Variable, typically used for external application
Preparation steps
- Collect the barks of Vata (Ficus bengalensis), Udumbara (Ficus racemosa), Ashwattha (Ficus religiosa), Plaksha (Ficus lacor), and Parisha (Thespesia populnea).
- Dry the barks in the shade.
- Cut the dried barks into small pieces.
- Combine the barks in equal proportions.
- For decoction, boil 48 grams of the combined barks in approximately 768ml of water until it reduces to 192ml.
- Strain the decoction and let it cool.
Safety contraindications
- No absolute contraindications when used appropriately. Avoid in individuals with known allergies to any of the constituent barks.