Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Lavana (salty) — but described as best among salts
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha), Cooling (Sheeta)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Also Known As
- English: Rock Salt, Bay Salt
Sanskrit: सैंधव, सिन्धुज, नवतीसर, मणिमन्थ
Hindi: सेंधा नमक, लाहौरी नमक
What is Rock Salt?
Salt is the one taste most of us eat every day without a second thought. Ayurveda gives it more thought than most: among the many salts it knows, one is singled out as the best for daily use, and that is Rock Salt.
Rock Salt (Saindhava Lavana), known in Hindi as Sendha Namak or Lahori Namak and in English also as Bay Salt, is natural sodium chloride mined from the earth. Its Sanskrit name comes from Sindhu, after the Sindh and Punjab region where it is found in salt mines. It contains trace minerals.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 1) calls it the best among all salts and recommends it for daily use over sea salt (Samudra Lavana), because unlike common salt it does not aggravate Pitta. The Ashtanga Hridaya describes it as slightly sweet, good for the heart, easily digestible and not hot in potency, and says that while salts in general are bad for the eyes, rock salt is the exception.
Benefits of Rock Salt
Rock salt is salty with a slightly sweet edge. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it as light (Laghu), unctuous (Snigdha) and cooling (Sheeta), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya) and sweet after digestion (Madhura Vipaka). It balances all three doshas (Tridosha Shamaka), which is why it stands apart from other salts.
Digestion, Appetite and Gas
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu names rock salt an appetizer (Deepana), a digestive (Pachana) and a taste-improver (Rochana), and says it guides Vata back into its proper downward direction (Vatanulomana). Ayurvedic teaching adds that salt relieves gas and abdominal distension, stimulates digestive secretions and helps with loss of appetite. The Ashtanga Hridaya notes it does not cause burning digestion.
Heart
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls rock salt a heart tonic (Hridya) and the best salt for the heart, and the Ashtanga Hridaya also calls it good for the heart. This is why it is linked to heart disease in Ayurvedic texts, as the salt of choice rather than a cure.
Eyes
Rock salt is described as beneficial for the eyes (Chakshushya). The Sushruta Samhita (Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9) uses it in milk preparations for eye irrigation in Vata-type conjunctivitis, prepared by a physician.
Swelling and Nasal Congestion
Heated salt in a cloth bag is applied externally for swellings and local pain. A few drops of a salt solution in the nose are used to cleanse Kapha and relieve the blockage of rhinitis.
A Key Ingredient in Classical Formulas
The Sharangadhara Samhita includes rock salt in Hingvashtaka Churna, with asafoetida, dry ginger, black cumin, long pepper, ajwain and black pepper, and in Lavanbhaskar Churna, a classic digestive with five salts and aromatic spices.
How to Use Rock Salt
Most people use rock salt simply as their everyday cooking salt, which is exactly what the classical texts recommend. Only small amounts should be used in cooking. Beyond the kitchen, a few traditional uses are worth knowing.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking salt | Small amounts, in place of sea or table salt | Daily diet, digestion, taste | With meals |
| Powder, as a medicine | 250 mg to 10 g per day (practitioner range) | Digestion, gas, appetite | As advised |
| Digestive churna (Hingvashtaka, Lavanbhaskar) | As directed on the formulation | Gas, bloating, weak digestion | With meals |
| Heated salt in a cloth bag | Applied externally | External swelling, local pain | As needed |
| Salt solution nasal drops | A few drops | Nasal blockage from Kapha | As needed |
Pairings
Rock salt is combined with digestive herbs to calm Vata, as in Hingvashtaka. It is paired with licorice, vasa and ginger for mucus congestion. The Sharangadhara Samhita lists rock salt among the adjuvants that may be added to fresh herb juices, along with honey, sugar, ginger and ghee.
In the Daily Diet
The Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5) includes rock salt among foods recommended for regular use, alongside shashtika rice, green gram, honey and ghee.
Safety & Side Effects
Rock salt is the gentlest of the salts in Ayurveda, but it is still salt. The cautions are about amount and about certain health conditions.
Who Should Be Careful
- High blood pressure: listed as a contraindication. Check with your doctor about any salt in your diet.
- Acidity: listed as a contraindication for medicinal doses.
- Skin diseases: also listed as a contraindication.
Medication Interactions
No specific drug interactions are known, but salt's ability to raise sodium levels can work against certain diuretics and blood pressure medications. If you take either, talk to your doctor before increasing your salt intake for any remedy.
Too Much Salt
In excess, salt causes swelling, high blood pressure, slack skin, early greying and hair loss, acidity and bleeding. The Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana, Chapter 24) lists excessive salt and sour among the causes of blood vitiation. Swapping to rock salt is wise, but it does not make large amounts safe.
Recommended: Start Here
The single simplest way to start with Rock Salt is to make it your everyday cooking salt. Replace sea salt or table salt with rock salt and use it in small amounts. This is the swap the Bhavaprakash Nighantu recommends, because rock salt is the one salt that does not aggravate Pitta.
If you want a little more digestive help, chew a small piece of fresh lime with a pinch of rock salt before a meal to wake up a sluggish appetite, or ask a practitioner about a classical digestive powder such as Hingvashtaka Churna, which includes rock salt.
Find Rock Salt on Amazon ↗ Hingvashtaka Churna ↗
If you have high blood pressure, acidity or a skin condition, or take diuretics or blood pressure medication, check with your doctor before using more salt of any kind.
Rock Salt vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Ayurveda's group of salts (Lavana Gana), as listed in the Ashtanga Hridaya, includes rock salt, sochal salt, black salt, bida salt, sea salt and others. Rock salt is named first and called the best. Here is how it compares with the salts people most often ask about.
| Comparison | Rock Salt | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Salt vs Sea Salt (Samudra Lavana) | Cooling, balances all three doshas, does not aggravate Pitta | Common salt that aggravates Pitta | Choose rock salt for daily use, as the Bhavaprakash Nighantu recommends. |
| Rock Salt vs Sochal Salt (Sauvarchala) | Slightly sweet, cooling, good for the heart and eyes | Easily digestible, good smell, hot post-digestive effect, stimulates appetite | Rock salt for everyday use; sochal salt when a stronger appetite push is wanted. |
| Rock Salt and other salts for the eyes | The exception that is good for the eyes | Salts in general are bad for the eyes | The Ashtanga Hridaya singles out rock salt here. |
All salts share the same warning: in excess they cause swelling, high blood pressure and other problems. Rock salt is the better salt, not a license for more of it.
Rock Salt for Specific Populations
Rock salt is a food, and in normal cooking amounts it suits most people. Our sources give a few specific notes worth knowing.
Pregnancy & Nursing
The Charaka Samhita (Sharira Sthana, Chapter 8) lists rock salt among the items to keep available in the maternity home. The same chapter warns that a pregnant woman addicted to salty food may give birth to a child with early wrinkles, grey hair or baldness. The lesson is moderation: use rock salt in place of other salts, in small amounts.
Children
Our sources do not give a children's dose for medicinal use. In normal family cooking, use small amounts. Ask a practitioner or paediatrician before using rock salt as a remedy for a child.
Elderly
Older adults are more likely to have high blood pressure or to take diuretics and blood pressure medicines, which salt can work against. Rock salt is a better daily choice than sea salt, but keep amounts small and follow your doctor's advice on total salt intake.
Athletes
Our sources do not cover salt for sport specifically. They do note that salt is essential for life in the correct proportions, and that excess brings swelling and high blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is rock salt called the best salt in Ayurveda?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls it the best among salts because, unlike common salt, it does not aggravate Pitta and balances all three doshas. The Ashtanga Hridaya adds that it is slightly sweet, good for the heart, easily digestible and does not cause burning digestion.
Is rock salt heating or cooling?
Rock salt is described as cooling, with a sweet post-digestive effect. Salts in general are heating, which is why rock salt is treated as the exception.
Can I use rock salt if I have high blood pressure?
Be careful. High blood pressure is listed as a contraindication, and salt can work against diuretics and blood pressure medication. Talk to your doctor about your total salt intake before making changes.
Is rock salt good for the eyes?
The Ashtanga Hridaya says salts are generally bad for the eyes, except rock salt, and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it as beneficial for the eyes. The Sushruta Samhita uses it in physician-prepared eye washes; never put salt in your eyes on your own.
How is rock salt used for a blocked nose?
Ayurvedic teaching describes putting a few drops of a salt solution into the nose to cleanse Kapha and relieve nasal blockage.
Properties and Uses
Qualities: Contains water, by-product of the sea
Dosha effect: Aggravates pitta and kapha (contains water and fire)
Salt has medicinal properties beyond improving taste. Only small amounts should be used in cooking.
Salt relieves gas and distention of the abdomen. It cleanses the mouth, stimulates secretions in the digestive canal and aids digestion.
Salt may be used to relieve external swellings. The salt should be heated in a pan and placed in a cloth bag, then applied externally. Salt is also a natural pain reliever and may be used externally as a local application for pain.
Put a few drops of a concentrated salt solution into the nose to cleanse kapha and relieve nasal blockage.
Source: Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing, Chapter XIII: Kitchen Pharmacy (Medicinals)
How to Use Rock Salt by Condition
Explore how Rock Salt is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (8 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
143 Among them, सैधवं त ल वनु णं स वाद ु व ृ यं दयं दोषनुत ् १४४ शः प यम वदा यि नद पनम ् saindhava salt (rock salt) is slightly sweet, aphrodisiac, good for the heart (or mind), mitigates all the three doshas, easily digestible not hot in potency, good for health, does not cause burning digestion and kindles digestion 144 लघु सौवचलं दयं सुग यु गारशोधनम ् १४५ कटुपाकं वब ध नं द पनीयं च दम ् Sauvarcala(sochal salt) is easily digestible good for the heart (or mind) , possesses good smell
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
Pathya – food that can be consumed habitually (on daily basis, for a long time) – शीलये छा लगोधूमयवषि टकजा गलम ् सु नष णकजीव तीबालमूलवा तुकम ् प यामलकम ृ वीकापटोल मु गशकराः घत ृ द योदक ीर ौ दा डमसै धवम ् Shali (rice), Godhuma (wheat), Yava – Barley – Hordeum vulgare, Shashtika (rice maturing in sixty days), Jangala (meat of animals of desert like lands), sunisannaka, Jivanti – Leptadenia reticulata, Balamulaka (young radish), Pathya (Haritaki) Amalaka (Amla – Indian gooseberry), Mridwika – dr
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Food habits &
Lavana Gana – group of salts:वरं सौवचलं कृ णं बडं सामु मौ रोमकं पांसुजं शीसं दम ् ार च लवणो गणः Varam (Saindhava – Rock Salt), Sauvarcala (sochal salt), Krishna (black salt) Bida salt, Samudra (table salt), Audbhida, Romaka, Pamshuja, Seesa (lead) and Kshara (Alkalies) form the salt group.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Lavana अप यं लवणं ायः च ुषःअ य सै धवात ् Generally salts are bad for the eyes (vision) except Saindhava – Rock Salt.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food; Food habits &; Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
5 Six tastes रसाः वा व ललवण त तोषणकषायकाःष यमा ता ते च यथापूव बलावहाः Svadu – Madhura – sweet, Amla – Sour, Lavana – Salt, Tikta – Bitter, Ushna – Katu – Pungent, Kashaya – Astringent are the six types of Rasa.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ayushkameeya Adhyaya
Sweet, sour and salt mitigates Vata and increases Kapha.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ayushkameeya Adhyaya
Sour, Salt and sweet (Amla, Lavana and Madhura) tastes are dominant respectively during the three seasons of this period.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal
Hence, in this period, one should consume food predominant with sweet sour and salt tastes.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal
Ekashapha ksheera- (milk of single hoofed animals):वाढमु णं वै कशफं लघु शाखावातहरं सा ललवणं जडताकरम ् Milk of single hoofed animals (like horse, donkey, etc) is very hot (in potency), useful in vata disorders, is slightly sour and salt and causes lassitude (laziness).
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ayushkameeya Adhyaya; Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal; Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
References in Charaka Samhita
) and salt (Saindhava – rock salt) should be used for non-unctuous enema.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
The following items should be made available in that maternity home: Ghee, honey, saindhava (rock salt), sauvarchala, kala, bida salts, vidanga (Emblelia ribes Burm.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
Powders of haritaki, rock salt, amalaka, jaggery, vacha, vidanga, haridra, pippali and dry ginger should be taken with hot water by adequately oleated and fomented individuals.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 1: Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa / रसायन चिकित्सा)
Take powder of vidanga (Embelia ribes), chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), shunthi (Zingiber officinale Rosc), saindhava (rock salt) and vacha (Acorus calamus) and fry with ghee in an earthen pan and administer orally.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
Patient suffering from baddhodara (enlargement of abdomen due to gastrointestinal obstruction) should be initially treated by sudation followed by niruha basti (decoction enema) consisting of potent medicines, cow’s urine, saindhava (rock salt) and oil.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 1: Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa / रसायन चिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
References in Charaka Samhita
Recommended foods include shashtika rice, mudga (green gram), rock-salt, honey, and ghee.
— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 5: Proper Food Quantity & Daily Regimen (Matrashiteeya Adhyaya / मात्राशितीय अध्याय)
Causes of blood vitiation: spoiled/unsuitable foods, excessive salt/sour, incompatible meats, fermented products in excess, daytime sleeping after heavy meals, suppression of natural urges, excessive sun/wind exposure, autumn season, anger and trauma.
— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 24: Blood Characteristics & Consciousness Disorders (Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya / विधिशोणितीय अध्याय)
Salt is endowed with hotness, sharpness, moistening, laxative, and relishing qualities and is not much heavy to digest and unctuous.
— Charaka Samhita, Vimana Sthana — Specific Medical Principles, Chapter 1: Taste Assessment (Rasa Vimana / रस विमान)
A woman fond of sour things is prone to giving birth to an offspring suffering from bleeding disorders or diseases of skin and eyes, while a woman addicted to salt or salty food articles may give birth to a child with early onset of wrinkles, grey hair or baldness.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
) and salt (Saindhava – rock salt) should be used for non-unctuous enema.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 5: Proper Food Quantity & Daily Regimen (Matrashiteeya Adhyaya / मात्राशितीय अध्याय); Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 24: Blood Characteristics & Consciousness Disorders (Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya / विधिशोणितीय अध्याय); Vimana Sthana — Specific Medical Principles, Chapter 1: Taste Assessment (Rasa Vimana / रस विमान); Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
That which penetrates the subtle channels (Sukshma-chhidra) of the body is called Sukshma (subtle/penetrating), like Saindhava (rock salt), honey, Nimba taila (neem oil), and substances born of Eru (castor).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
In the Svarasa, one should add adjuvants (Prakshepa Dravyas) such as honey, sugar, jaggery, Ardraka (ginger — Zingiber officinale), rock salt, ghee, oil, and powders, each in the quantity of one Kola (approximately 6 g).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
Hingvashtaka Churna: Hingu (asafoetida — Ferula assa-foetida), Saindhava (rock salt), Shunthi (dry ginger — Zingiber officinale), Krishna Jiraka (black cumin — Nigella sativa), Pippali (long pepper — Piper longum), Yamani (Trachyspermum ammi), and Maricha (black pepper — Piper nigrum) — these eight ingredients constitute Hingvashtaka.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
Lavanbhaskar Churna: Sauvarchala (Sochal salt), Vida (Vida salt), Kacha salt, Samudra (sea salt), and Saindhava (rock salt), along with Dhanyaka (coriander — Coriandrum sativum), Pippali (long pepper), Shunthi (dry ginger), Talisa (Abies webbiana), and Nagakeshara (Mesua ferrea) —.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
— Nilini (indigo — Indigofera tinctoria), Saindhava (rock salt), and Krishna Lavana (black salt) should be added and powdered.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
That which penetrates the subtle channels (Sukshma-chhidra) of the body is called Sukshma (subtle/penetrating), like Saindhava (rock salt), honey, Nimba taila (neem oil), and substances born of Eru (castor).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
In the Svarasa, one should add adjuvants (Prakshepa Dravyas) such as honey, sugar, jaggery, Ardraka (ginger — Zingiber officinale), rock salt, ghee, oil, and powders, each in the quantity of one Kola (approximately 6 g).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
Hingvashtaka Churna: Hingu (asafoetida — Ferula assa-foetida), Saindhava (rock salt), Shunthi (dry ginger — Zingiber officinale), Krishna Jiraka (black cumin — Nigella sativa), Pippali (long pepper — Piper longum), Yamani (Trachyspermum ammi), and Maricha (black pepper — Piper nigrum) — these eight ingredients constitute Hingvashtaka.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
Lavanbhaskar Churna: Sauvarchala (Sochal salt), Vida (Vida salt), Kacha salt, Samudra (sea salt), and Saindhava (rock salt), along with Dhanyaka (coriander — Coriandrum sativum), Pippali (long pepper), Shunthi (dry ginger), Talisa (Abies webbiana), and Nagakeshara (Mesua ferrea) —.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
Lavanbhaskar Churna is a classic digestive formulation containing five types of salt along with aromatic spices.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Milk boiled with saindhava (rock salt), udicya, yashtimadhu (licorice), and pippali (long pepper), reduced to half — is beneficial for irrigation (seka) and also for ashchyotana (eye drops).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
The best anjana (collyrium) for abhishyanda is prepared with goat's milk, gairika (red ochre), saindhava (rock salt), krishna (black pepper), and nagara (ginger) in increasing proportions.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Also saindhava (rock salt), devadaru (cedar), shunthi (dry ginger), and matulunga (citron) juice with ghee.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
For parisheka (irrigation), cold milk with rock salt is beneficial.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Or milk prepared with rajani (turmeric) and devadaru (cedar) with rock salt.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Then, fumigate the wound area with powders of Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Aguru (Aquilaria agallocha), Sarja-rasa (Vateria indica resin), Vacha (Acorus calamus), white mustard (Sinapis alba), mixed with salt and Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves, and anoint the vital points with ghee (18).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures
The leech is applied after cleaning the skin with turmeric paste, and detached using salt, turmeric, or honey when satiated.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 13: Jalaukavacharaniya Adhyaya - Leech Therapy
Milk boiled with saindhava (rock salt), udicya, yashtimadhu (licorice), and pippali (long pepper), reduced to half — is beneficial for irrigation (seka) and also for ashchyotana (eye drops).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
The best anjana (collyrium) for abhishyanda is prepared with goat's milk, gairika (red ochre), saindhava (rock salt), krishna (black pepper), and nagara (ginger) in increasing proportions.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Also saindhava (rock salt), devadaru (cedar), shunthi (dry ginger), and matulunga (citron) juice with ghee.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 13: Jalaukavacharaniya Adhyaya - Leech Therapy; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-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.