Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Katu
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Tikshna
- Potency (Virya)
- Ushna
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O (Sodium Borate)
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: टंकण, रसशोधन
Hindi: सुहागा, टंकण
What is Borax (Tankana / Suhaga / टंकण)?
Tankana (Borax) is a naturally occurring mineral salt. It is widely used in Ayurveda as a Shodhana (purifying) agent for mercury and other metals. Medicinally, it is used in cough, bronchitis, and respiratory disorders as it is a powerful mucus-dissolving agent. It is also used as a flux in metallurgical processes. Purified Tankana is called Tankana Bhasma. Verses: 114-116.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Kapha hara (dissolves Kapha)
- Kasa-Shwasa hara (cough and asthma)
- Deepana
- Useful in Rasa Shastra (metallic preparations) as purifying agent
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
How to Use Borax by Condition
Explore how Borax is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Verses 10 through 104 describe detailed procedures for the purification (Shodhana) and calcination (Marana) of various metals, minerals, and gems including: Rajata (silver), Tamra (copper), Lauha/Ayas (iron), Naga (lead), Vanga (tin), Yashada (zinc), Mandura (iron oxide/rust), Kamsya (bell-metal), Pittala (brass), Makshika (iron/copper pyrite), Vimala, Tuttha (copper sulphate), Kasisa (green vitriol/iron sulphate), Shilajatu (mineral pitch), Srotanjana, Sphatika (alum), Tankana (borax), Abhraka
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
Also, Shivakari Vati and Tankana-adi Churna (borax-based powder) should be given.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 22: Vaginal Pruritus (Yoni Kandu)
Shivakari Vati and borax powder -- borax (tankana) has antimicrobial and antifungal properties useful in vaginal infections.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 22: Vaginal Pruritus (Yoni Kandu)
Also, Shivakari Vati and Tankana-adi Churna (borax-based powder) should be given.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 21: Vaginal Pruritus (Yoni Kandu)
Shivakari Vati and borax powder -- borax (tankana) has antimicrobial and antifungal properties useful in vaginal infections.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 21: Vaginal Pruritus (Yoni Kandu)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals); Parishishtam, Chapter 22: Vaginal Pruritus (Yoni Kandu); Parishishtam, Chapter 21: Vaginal Pruritus (Yoni Kandu)
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.