Borax

Sanskrit: टंकण Botanical: Sodium Borate; Sodii Biboras

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.

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

Borax by Condition

Explore how Borax is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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.