Somala for Hiccups: Does It Work?
Does Somala (white arsenic) help with hiccups? The honest answer is that it is not a hiccup remedy you can use. Somala is arsenic trioxide, a mineral poison, and it belongs only in the hands of a qualified practitioner. Never buy it, take it or prepare anything with it at home.
Its link to hiccups in our sources is thin. Somala appears in a broad list of substances connected with hiccups, but no classical passage in our sources prescribes Somala itself for this condition. The Charaka Samhita's chapter on hiccups and breathing difficulty (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa, Chikitsa Sthana 17) does mention realgar (Manahshila), a different arsenic mineral, as one ingredient in a medicated smoking wick.
What the classical texts do say clearly about Somala is that it is dangerous. The Sushruta Samhita (Kalpa Sthana 2) names white arsenic as one of the two mineral poisons, and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu warns that unpurified arsenic is lethal. This page explains the tradition so you understand it. For hiccups, plant remedies and simple breathing methods are the right place to start.
How Somala Helps with Hiccups
Ayurveda links hiccups (Hikka) to all three doshas, the body's functional energies: Vata (movement), Pitta (heat) and Kapha (structure). Classical sources point to trapped gas and constipation, thick phlegm blocking the breathing channels, and heat signs such as burning and sweating.
What the classical record says about Somala
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 7) describes Somala as pungent in taste (Katu), sharp and hot in quality (Tikshna, Ushna), hot in potency (Ushna Virya) and pungent in its post-digestive effect (Katu Vipaka). Its recorded actions are reducing fever (Jvarahara) and, in processed form only, countering poison (Vishahara).
Hot, sharp and pungent are qualities Ayurveda generally uses against cold, heavy Kapha. But our sources record no hiccup action for Somala and do not explain how it would work on hiccups, so we will not guess. Its documented uses are minute doses of purified material in intermittent fevers, chronic skin disease and some mineral formulations (Rasa formulations).
The modern safety picture
Somala's chemical identity is arsenic trioxide. The Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 23) even lists hiccups among the signs of poisoning, which is a useful reminder: a poison is far more likely to cause trouble in the chest than to settle it.
How to Use Somala for Hiccups
Do not use Somala in any form on your own for hiccups or anything else. It is arsenic. This section explains how the classical texts handle it and gives no home doses on purpose.
The only medicinal context: purified Somala in practitioner formulas
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes purification (Shodhana) using cow's urine, lime water and other detoxifying agents, followed by use in very minute doses. This belongs to the mineral pharmacy tradition, Rasa Shastra, and is specialist pharmaceutical work, not something to attempt at home.
| Form | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Somala, home-processed or unverified material | Never | Unpurified arsenic is lethal |
| Purified Somala in a Rasa formulation | Set by a qualified Vaidya only | Verified pharmacy, defined course, medical monitoring; no recorded use for hiccups in our sources |
The safer path for hiccups
Ayurvedic first aid for hiccups starts with the breath: a deep breath held low behind the belly button, then a slow exhale. A mix of honey and castor oil, licked from a fingertip every 2 or 3 minutes, is the classic kitchen remedy, and Ajwain suits hiccups driven by gas and bloating.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and anyone with a chronic illness must never take Somala preparations. Hiccups that last more than about two days need a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Somala for hiccups at home?
No. Somala is arsenic trioxide, and the Sushruta Samhita names white arsenic as one of the two mineral poisons. It is a practitioner-only ingredient with no home dose and no recorded use for hiccups in our sources.
Why is Somala linked to hiccups at all?
The link is thin. Somala sits on a broad list of substances connected with hiccups, and the Charaka Samhita's hiccup chapter mentions realgar, a related arsenic mineral, in a medicated smoking wick. No passage in our sources prescribes Somala itself for hiccups.
What should I use instead for hiccups?
Start with the breath, then plant remedies. Ajwain is a warming digestive described as relieving spasm, useful when gas sits behind your hiccups. Castor oil mixed with honey is the classic first-aid remedy, and cooling Amla suits a hot, Pitta pattern.
When are hiccups a reason to see a doctor?
If they last more than about two days, or come with heart, kidney, liver or neurological illness, or follow possible poisoning or heavy vomiting. These are signs of something more serious than a passing spasm.
Recommended: Start Somala for Hiccups
If you want to settle hiccups today, Somala is not the place to begin. It is white arsenic, a practitioner-only mineral that the classical texts themselves call a poison.
Best starting point: your breath. Take a deep breath, hold it low behind the belly button, then exhale slowly. If that fails, breathe in and out of an open paper bag for 1 to 2 minutes.
Kitchen version: mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of castor oil, and lick a fingertip of it every 2 or 3 minutes until the hiccups settle.
Match it to your pattern: if gas and bloating come first (Vata), a pinch of Ajwain after meals. If you feel hot, sweaty or depleted (Pitta), favour cooling Amla.
Find Castor Oil on Amazon ↗ Ajwain Seeds ↗
Never give any Somala preparation to children or use one in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and see a doctor if hiccups last more than about two days.
Safety & Precautions
Somala is a poison. Classical Ayurveda describes White Arsenic as a highly toxic mineral poison, and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu states that unpurified arsenic is lethal. The Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 2, lists white arsenic as one of the two mineral poisons.
Do Not Self-Medicate
- Never buy, prepare or take arsenic or any product listing Somala, Somal or Sankhiya without a qualified practitioner directing it.
- Even the purified form was used only in very minute doses, and the text gives strict warnings about its toxicity.
- Its properties are sharp (Tikshna) and hot (Ushna), which Ayurveda regards as intense and potentially aggravating.
Recognising Poisoning
The Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 4, briefly describes the signs of lead and arsenic poisoning (Nagamaya), which shows that the classical authors knew these minerals cause harm.
If you suspect anyone has swallowed arsenic or an unlabelled mineral medicine, treat it as an emergency and contact emergency services or a poison control centre straight away.
Pregnancy, Children and Interactions
There is no safe self-use of Somala for anyone, including during pregnancy or nursing, or for children. Our sources do not list drug interactions, which is a reason for more caution, not less.
Other Herbs for Hiccups
See all herbs for hiccups on the Hiccups page.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
The haridra (turmeric), roots of eranda (Ricinus communis Linn), laksha (Ficus Lacor Buch-Ham), manahshila (realgar, an Arsenic compound), jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansone BC), are powdered properly and wick is prepared.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा)
Sprikka (Delphinium zalil), plava (Cyperus rotundus), sthauneyaka (Taxus baccata), kanksi (Saurashtrika), shaileya (Parmelia perlata), rochana (bile of cow), tagara (Valeriana wallichii), dhyamaka (Cymbopogon martini), kunkuma (Crocus sativua), mamsi (Nardostachys jatamansi), agra (inflorescence) of surasa (Ocimum sanctum), ela (Elettaria cardamomum), ala (Haritala – Purified Arsenic trisulphide), kushtaghna (Khadira – Acacia catechu)), brhati (Solanum indicum), flower of sirisha (Albizzia lebbe
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
, patra (Cinnamomum tamala) aguru (Aquilaria agallocha), musta (Cyperus rotundus) ela (Elettaria cardamomum) Five types of exudates chandana (Santalam album), sprikka (Delphinium zalil) tvak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) nalada (Vetiveria zinzanioides) utpala (Nymphaea stellata) balaka (Valeriana wallichii ) harenuka (Vitex negundo), usheera (Vetiveria zizanoides) vanya (Cyperus rotundus) nakha (Nails of tiger) devadaru (Cedrus deodara) kanaka (Mesua ferrea) kunkuma (Crocus sativus) dhyamaka (Cymbopog
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Mamsi (Nordostachys jatamansi), kumkuma (Crocus sativus), patra (Abies webbiana), twak (Cinnamomnm zeylanicum), haridra (Curcuma longa), tagara, (Valeneria wallichii), chandana (Pterocarpus santalinus), manashila (Arsenic disulphide), vyagranakha (tiger nails), surasa (Ocimum sanctum) pounded with water and used for internal administration (pana), in snuff, collyrium and paste counteracts all poisonous edema.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Chandana (Santalum album), tagara (Valeriana wallichii), kushta (Saussurea lappa), haridra (Curcuma longa), daruharidra (Berberis aristata), twak (Cinnamomnm zeylanicum), manashila (realgar (Arsenic disulphide), tamala (Nicotiana tabacum), juice of nagakesara (Mesua ferrea) and shardoolanakha (nail of a jackal) pounded with rice water destroys all poisons as Indra’s thunderbolt kills the demons.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
For hair removal (Kesha Nashaka): two parts of conch shell powder (Shankha Churna) and one part Haritala (orpiment, arsenic trisulphide).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Add half a part of Manashila (realgar, arsenic disulphide) and one part of Svarjika Kshara (sodium carbonate/sajji).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
The combination of arsenic minerals with alkaline Svarjika creates a potent chemical depilatory.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
The signs of Nagamaya (lead/arsenic poisoning) are briefly described along with Shringura-bhra symptoms.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 4: Venereal Diseases — Sexually Transmitted Infections (Aupasargikopodamsha Adhikara)
The signs of Nagamaya (lead/arsenic poisoning) are briefly described along with Shringura-bhra symptoms.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 4: Venereal Diseases — Sexually Transmitted Infections (Aupasargikopodamsha Adhikara)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application); Parishishtam, Chapter 4: Venereal Diseases — Sexually Transmitted Infections (Aupasargikopodamsha Adhikara)
Gairika (red ochre), saindhava (rock salt), black pepper, godanta (an animal tooth) ink, beef, pepper seeds, shirisha (Albizia) seeds, and manashila (realgar/arsenic disulfide).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
The milky exudations of Kumudaghni, Snuhi and Jala-Kshiri are poisons and are known as the three Kshira-Vishas, Phenasma-bhasma (white arsenic) and Haritala (yellow orpiment) are the two mineral poisons.
— Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 2: Sthavara-Visha-Vijnaniya
The milky exudations of Kumudaghni, Snuhi and Jala-Kshiri are poisons and are known as the three Kshira-Vishas, Phenasma-bhasma (white arsenic) and Haritala (yellow orpiment) are the two mineral poisons.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sthavara-Visha-Vijnaniya
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga); Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 2: Sthavara-Visha-Vijnaniya; Sthavara-Visha-Vijnaniya
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.