Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Resin acids, Dammarenolic acid, Shoreic acid, Volatile oil
- Also Known As
- English: Sal Resin, Dammar
Sanskrit: राल, सर्जरस, राला
Hindi: राल, धूना
What is Sal Resin (Rala / राल)?
Rala is the resin obtained from the Sal tree (Shorea robusta). It is astringent and sweet in taste with cooling potency. It is primarily used for wound healing and as a hemostatic agent. The resin is applied externally on wounds and fractures. Internally it is used for diarrhea and bleeding disorders. It is an important ingredient in plasters and ointments used in bone-setting.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Raktastambhana (hemostatic)
- Vranaropana (wound healing)
- Grahi (absorbent/anti-diarrheal)
- Sandhaniya (promotes union of fractures)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
How to Use Sal Resin by Condition
Explore how Sal Resin is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
A paste of Dhatri (Amalaki/Emblica officinalis), Sarja Rasa (resin of Vateria indica/sal resin), and Yava Kshara (barley alkali) powdered and applied with Sauvira (a type of vinegar/fermented liquid) -- this is to be used for destroying Sidhma (pityriasis versicolor/tinea versicolor).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Oil (prepared with) Kushtha (Saussurea lappa) and Sarjarasa (sal resin), along with Palankasha, Nalada (spikenard), and Girikadambaka, should be used for massage.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 31: Revatipratishedha
Vacha (Acorus calamus), Vayahstha, Golomi, orpiment (Haritala), realgar (Manashila), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), and Sarjarasa (sal resin) -- this group is prescribed for preparing the oil.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 32: Putanapratishedha
Sarjarasa (sal resin) is also prescribed for preparing the oil.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 33: Andhaputanapratishedha
Vacha (Acorus calamus), Sarjarasa (sal resin), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), and ghee are beneficial for fumigation.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 35: Mukhamandakapratishedha
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 31: Revatipratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 32: Putanapratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 33: Andhaputanapratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 35: Mukhamandakapratishedha
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.