Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya), Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- l-ephedrine, d-l-ephedrine (0.26-2.2% total alkaloid content), l-ephedrine constitutes about 90% of total alkaloids
- Also Known As
- English: Ephedra, Ma-huang
Sanskrit: सोम
Hindi: सोम
What is Soma?
Few plant names carry as much history as Soma. In the oldest Indian texts, Soma is the sacred drink of the gods; in later Ayurvedic pharmacology, the name was attached to a hardy Himalayan shrub, Ephedra (Ephedra gerardiana), also known in English as Ma-huang. That plant is one proposed identification for the Vedic Soma, and the Sahasra Yoga likewise identifies the legendary Soma creeper (Somavalli) with an Ephedra species, Ephedra vulgaris.
Ephedra grows at high altitudes in the Himalayas, between about 7,000 and 12,000 feet. Its stems contain the alkaloids l-ephedrine and d-l-ephedrine, at 0.26 to 2.2 percent total alkaloid content, with l-ephedrine making up about 90 percent.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as a powerful bronchodilator, a substance that opens the airways, used extensively for asthma (shvasa). It is also a cardiac stimulant. That potency is exactly why this is a herb for practitioners, not for home experiments.
Benefits of Soma
Soma is astringent and pungent in taste (kashaya and katu rasa), light and dry in quality (laghu and ruksha guna), heating in potency (ushna virya, its thermal effect) and pungent after digestion (katu vipaka). This hot, dry, light profile explains its opening, stimulating action. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists four main therapeutic actions (karma).
Breathing and Asthma
Its best known action is shvasahara, relieving asthma and breathlessness. As a powerful bronchodilator, it was used extensively for asthma in classical practice.
Cough
It is also kasahara, relieving cough (kasa), and the text mentions it alongside asthma for respiratory complaints.
Heart Support
Soma is described as hridya, meaning cardiotonic. The text calls it a cardiac stimulant that can raise blood pressure, and notes its use in epidemic dropsy and left heart failure. For this reason it is linked with heart disease, but only in a clinical setting.
Urinary Flow
Its fourth action is mutrala, diuretic, which connects it to urinary disorders in the Ayurvedic tradition.
How to Use Soma
Soma is not a kitchen herb. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu records it in tincture form and as an extract powder, and the doses it gives are tiny, a sign of how strong the plant is.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tincture | Classical record: 2 to 3 drops | Asthma, cough, as a cardiac stimulant | Only as directed by a qualified practitioner |
| Extract powder | Classical record: 10 to 60 grains | Same indications, in clinical use | Only as directed by a qualified practitioner |
These figures are a historical record from the text, not a self-dosing guide. Ephedra and ephedrine products are restricted in many countries, so check local regulation and use Soma only under the care of a qualified practitioner who can monitor your heart and blood pressure.
Safety & Side Effects
Most Ayurvedic herbs are gentle. Soma is an exception, and it deserves real respect. Its stems are rich in ephedrine alkaloids, and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as a cardiac stimulant that can cause vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and raise blood pressure.
That means it is not suitable for self-treatment, and anyone with high blood pressure or a heart condition should not take it on their own. Its classical doses are measured in drops, which tells you how little margin for error there is.
Our sources give no specific information on drug interactions or overdose signs. Given its stimulant action, assume it can interact with heart, blood pressure and stimulant medication, avoid it unless a qualified practitioner prescribes it, and check whether ephedra products are legal where you live.
Recommended: Start Here
The best way to start with Soma is to not start on your own. Ephedra is a strong stimulant, its classical doses are measured in drops, and its products are restricted in many countries.
If you are drawn to Soma because of breathing, cough, heart or urinary concerns, the right first step is an appointment with a qualified practitioner or physician who can assess you properly. In the meantime, learning more about the classical Ayurvedic approach to herbs, or enjoying a simple Ayurvedic herbal tea, are safe ways to explore the tradition.
Find Ayurvedic Herbal Tea on Amazon ↗ Ayurvedic Herb Reference Books ↗
Safety note: Soma can raise blood pressure and stimulate the heart, so use it only under a qualified practitioner and check your local regulations first.
Soma vs Other Herbs & Supplements
The biggest source of confusion with Soma is the name itself. In classical texts, the word Soma appears in several different senses, and only one of them is this Himalayan plant.
| Comparison | Soma (Ephedra) | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soma the plant vs Soma the principle | Ephedra gerardiana, a hot, dry, stimulating herb | Soma as the cool, watery principle paired with Agni (fire) in the Astanga Hridaya and Sharangadhara Samhita, and linked to Kapha in the Charaka Samhita | Different meanings; a passage about Soma and Agni is not a recommendation for Ephedra. |
| Soma the plant vs Vedic Soma | A proposed identification for the Vedic drink | The ritual Soma of sacrifice, mentioned in the Charaka Samhita | The identification is proposed, not settled. |
| Ephedra gerardiana vs Ephedra vulgaris | The species described in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu | The species the Sahasra Yoga names as Soma or Somavalli | Both texts point to an Ephedra; either way it is a practitioner-only herb. |
| Soma vs Soma Roga | The herb | Soma Roga, a classical term for seminal and reproductive disorders in the Sharangadhara Samhita | Unrelated; Soma Roga is a condition, not a use of the herb. |
Soma for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Classical sources we hold give no specific guidance for pregnancy or nursing. Because Soma is a cardiac stimulant that can raise blood pressure and narrow blood vessels, it should be avoided unless a qualified practitioner specifically prescribes it.
Children
There is no specific guidance for children in our sources, and the classical doses are measured in drops for adults. Do not give Soma to children.
Elderly
Older adults are more likely to have high blood pressure or heart conditions, exactly the situations where a stimulant that raises blood pressure is risky. Its classical use in heart failure was a clinical one; older people should only take it under close medical supervision.
Athletes
Our sources give no guidance for athletes. Ephedra products are restricted in many countries, so athletes should not use Soma and should check the rules of their sport and their local laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Soma the same as Ephedra?
In Ayurvedic pharmacology, yes: the Bhavaprakash Nighantu discusses Ephedra gerardiana as one proposed identification for the Vedic Soma, and the Sahasra Yoga identifies Soma with Ephedra vulgaris. The link to the original Vedic drink remains a proposal rather than a settled fact.
What is the active compound in Soma?
The stems contain l-ephedrine and d-l-ephedrine, at 0.26 to 2.2 percent total alkaloids. About 90 percent of that is l-ephedrine.
Is Soma heating or cooling?
It is heating (ushna), with a pungent post-digestive effect and light, dry qualities. This is the opposite of the cool, watery Soma principle described in classical philosophy, which is why the two should not be confused.
Why do Charaka and Sushruta mention Soma so often?
Most of those passages use Soma in other senses: as the moon or watery principle, as a ritual offering, or as a name in recipes and amulets. They are cultural and philosophical references rather than instructions for using Ephedra.
Can I buy Soma as a supplement?
Ephedra products are restricted in many countries, and ephedra dietary supplements are banned in the United States. Check your local regulations and use Soma only under a qualified practitioner.
How to Use Soma by Condition
Explore how Soma is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
Because, though substances are of many kinds and qualities, only fire and water (Agni and Soma) are the powerful ones.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dravyadi Vigyaniya
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dravyadi Vigyaniya
References in Charaka Samhita
Kapya's statement: Soma (Kapha) performs firmness/looseness, nourishment/leanness, enthusiasm/laziness, potency/impotency.
— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 12: Merits & Demerits of Vata Dosha (Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya / वातकलाकलीय अध्याय)
Anupaya, or inefficient religious rituals such as prokshana (consecration), anashana (fasting), agnihotra (oblation to the fire), trishavana (worship with soma thrice a day while performing sacrifice), abhyukshana (wetting), aavahana (invocation), yajana (leading or guiding sacrificial rituals), yajna (sacrificial rituals), yachana (begging) and entering into water and fire.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 5: Analysis of the Person (Purusha Vichaya Sharira / पुरुष विचय शरीर)
By the use of which the depressed Indra after drained energy due to excessive consumption of soma, recovered from the condition;
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)
It bestows auspicious par excellence by providing nourishment to the Gods in the form of ambrosia, to the ancestors in the form of svadha (the term used for offering oblatory to the ancestors), to dvijas (considered as the twice born) in the form of soma.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)
Which represents the great luster of the Ashwins, the prowess of mantras, and the supremacy of Indra, who perfected soma in the sautramani sacrifice;
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 12: Merits & Demerits of Vata Dosha (Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya / वातकलाकलीय अध्याय); Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 5: Analysis of the Person (Purusha Vichaya Sharira / पुरुष विचय शरीर); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Everything in the three worlds is composed of Agni (fire) and Soma (moon/water).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 2: Bhaishajyakhyanaka (Medicine Administration Timing)
Barley, wheat, meats, Chira (flattened rice), green gram, ghee, Saraka, exercise, and wandering/walking are beneficial for those with Soma Roga (seminal/reproductive disorders).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 42: Diet for Seminal Disorders (Soma Roga Pathyapathyam)
Barley, wheat, meats, Chira (flattened rice), green gram, ghee, Saraka, exercise, and wandering/walking are beneficial for those with Soma Roga (seminal/reproductive disorders).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 31: Diet for Seminal Disorders (Soma Roga Pathyapathyam)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 2: Bhaishajyakhyanaka (Medicine Administration Timing); Parishishtam, Chapter 42: Diet for Seminal Disorders (Soma Roga Pathyapathyam); Parishishtam, Chapter 31: Diet for Seminal Disorders (Soma Roga Pathyapathyam)
References in Sushruta Samhita
May Agni protect your tongue and vital breath, may Vayu protect your Prana, may Soma protect your Vyana and Apana, may Parjanya protect you (24).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures
During Dakshinayana — encompassing Varsha, Sharad, and Hemanta — the Moon (Soma) is nourished;
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 6: Ritucharya Adhyaya - Seasonal Regimen
Soma-valli, Indra-valli, shami (Prosopis), thorns of bilva, and roots of mrigadani and others — these should be strung together and worn (as protective amulets).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 28: Chapter 28
Soma, amrita, ashvagandha, kakolya group, and sprouts of chiri — suppositories (varti) made from these are known as healing agents (verse 23).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 37: Mishrakaadhyaya - The Miscellaneous Chapter
A paste of bone marrow (majja), soma, sarala (pine), soma bark, sandalwood, and kakolya group is excellent for wound healing (verse 24).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 37: Mishrakaadhyaya - The Miscellaneous Chapter
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 6: Ritucharya Adhyaya - Seasonal Regimen; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 28: Chapter 28; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 37: Mishrakaadhyaya - The Miscellaneous Chapter
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.