Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- CaCO3 (Calcium oxide (CaO), calcium carbonate)
- Also Known As
- English: Lime, Calcium, Chalk
Sanskrit: शुद्धा, चूर्ण
Hindi: चूना
What is Calcium/Chalk (Sudha / Chuna / शुद्धा)?
Sudha (Calcium/Lime) is obtained from limestone, shells, and coral. It is used in preparations for worm infestations and digestive disorders. Externally it is used as a caustic agent. It is a component of various Kshara (alkaline) preparations. Verses: 121.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Krimighna (anthelmintic)
- Deepana (appetizer)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7
How to Use Calcium/Chalk by Condition
Explore how Calcium/Chalk is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
The animal keratin and calcium-rich ash provides mineral building blocks for hair growth.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Conch shell powder provides calcium and alkalinity that is antifungal.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
The physician should relieve pain using Phaniphena (cuttle-fish bone/calcium preparation) application.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 23: Vaginal Prolapse and Spasms (Yoni Achhepa)
Post-operative care: urethral catheterization if urinary retention occurs, and pain management with calcium-based analgesic preparations.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 23: Vaginal Prolapse and Spasms (Yoni Achhepa)
The physician should relieve pain using Phaniphena (cuttle-fish bone/calcium preparation) application.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 22: Vaginal Prolapse and Spasms (Yoni Achhepa)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application); Parishishtam, Chapter 23: Vaginal Prolapse and Spasms (Yoni Achhepa); Parishishtam, Chapter 22: Vaginal Prolapse and Spasms (Yoni Achhepa)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Musta (nut grass), phena (coral calcium), sea utpala (lotus), krimi (worm-wood), ela (cardamom), amalaki seeds, talisha, shaila (rock), gairika (red ochre), ushira (vetiver), and shankha (conch) — these ground with breast milk make the anjana.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
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.