Overview

Sal Resin is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. 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.

How Sal Resin Helps with Skin Disorders

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Sal Resin has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:

Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet)
Qualities (Guna): Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous)

Other Herbs for Skin Disorders

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Acacia Acacia concinna DC.

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Agarwood Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.

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Alexandrian Laurel Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. & Hook. f.; Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.

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Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Syn. A. vera Tourn. ex Linn.)

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Alum Potash Alum

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Amla Emblica officinalis

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Annatto Bixa orellana Linn.

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Apamarga Achyranthes aspera Linn.

See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders page.

▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)

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)

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.