Turmeric for Pyorrhea: Does It Work?
Yes, Turmeric (Haridra) has a strong classical and modern case for use in pyorrhea, but it is best understood as the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing partner in a periodontal regimen, not as a standalone treatment. Pyorrhea is advanced periodontal disease with pocket formation, recession, and tooth mobility. The gums need professional scaling and root planing first; turmeric maintains the tissue between visits.
Ayurveda classifies pyorrhea as Dantavestha, a Mukha-Roga driven by combined Pitta, Rakta (blood), Kapha, and Krimi (microbial) involvement at the periodontium. Turmeric's bitter and astringent rasa, its hot potency, and its signature actions of Vrana Ropana (wound-healing) and Shotha Hara (anti-inflammatory) make it especially useful where ulceration, pus, and chronic swelling dominate the gum picture.
The Bhavaprakash Madhyama Khanda, in the Mukha-Roga Adhikara, names Haridra as a key remedy for diseases of the gums, citing its antimicrobial and gingival wound-healing actions. Modern clinical research on curcumin gel and curcumin mouthwash has shown reductions in plaque index, gingival inflammation, and probing depth comparable to standard chlorhexidine rinses, without the staining or taste disturbance.
Treat turmeric as an adjunct. If you have visible tooth mobility, you need a periodontist before any home protocol. Diabetes, which sharply worsens pyorrhea, must be controlled in parallel. Turmeric supports tissue repair; it does not regrow lost bone or reverse advanced attachment loss.
How Turmeric Helps with Pyorrhea
Turmeric's action on pyorrhea is targeted at two of the three classical components of Dantavestha: the inflammatory Pitta-Rakta load in the gum tissue, and the chronic ulceration of the periodontal pocket lining. Its Krimighna action is a useful third layer, though weaker than Neem's.
Shotha Hara: anti-inflammatory action on the gingiva
Turmeric is classically Shotha Hara, the herb that reduces swelling. In pyorrhea, the gingival tissue is chronically inflamed: red, puffy, bleeding on contact. Curcumin, turmeric's principal active constituent, inhibits NF-kB and pro-inflammatory cytokine cascades that drive periodontal tissue destruction. Clinical trials of 1 percent curcumin gel applied subgingivally show measurable reductions in gingival index and bleeding on probing within 21 days.
Vrana Ropana: wound-healing of ulcerated gum tissue
The classical action of Vrana Ropana, listed in Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 1), is wound-healing. Advanced periodontal pockets are essentially chronic non-healing ulcers along the tooth-gum junction. Turmeric promotes epithelial regeneration and supports the formation of healthy granulation tissue, helping the gum reattach more firmly to the tooth surface after scaling has removed the bacterial cause.
Krimighna and Kapha-Pitta Shamaka actions
Turmeric's Krimighna (antiparasitic, antimicrobial) action targets the bacterial load in the pocket, though it is less potent against periodontal pathogens than Neem. Its overall effect on doshas (Kapha-Pitta Shamaka) is exactly suited to pyorrhea: it cools the Pitta inflammation and clears the Kapha-Krimi stagnation simultaneously, while its mild hot potency prevents over-cooling of an already weakened tissue. This balance is why turmeric pairs so well with cooler herbs like neem and licorice in a combined protocol for gum disorders.
How to Use Turmeric for Pyorrhea
For pyorrhea, turmeric is used locally rather than internally. The gum tissue needs direct contact with the curcumin and the abrasive action of the powder. Capsules and golden milk have a role for systemic anti-inflammatory support, but they are secondary to topical use here.
Turmeric and salt gum massage (primary form)
This is the classical preparation for Dantavestha. Mix 1 part turmeric powder with 1 part rock salt (Saindhava Lavana). Take a pinch on a clean fingertip, apply along the gum line, and massage gently for 2 to 3 minutes. The salt provides mechanical and osmotic action; the turmeric provides anti-inflammatory and wound-healing action.
- Frequency: Once daily, ideally at night after brushing.
- Anupana (vehicle): A few drops of mustard oil or coconut oil can be added if the gums are very tender, transforming the powder into a paste.
- Duration: 3 to 4 weeks for an acute flare; ongoing 2 to 3 times weekly for maintenance.
Turmeric mouthwash for daily rinsing
Mix 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder in 1 cup of warm water with a pinch of salt. Swish for 60 seconds, twice daily. Less abrasive than the massage paste, useful when the gums are too sore for direct contact.
Dosage table
| Form | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turmeric and salt gum massage | Pinch each | 1x daily night | 3 to 4 weeks acute |
| Turmeric mouthwash | 1/4 tsp in 1 cup warm water | 2x daily | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Internal turmeric (capsule) | 500 mg with black pepper | 2x daily after meals | 4 to 6 weeks |
Internal turmeric capsules at 500 mg twice daily, taken with black pepper for absorption, add systemic anti-inflammatory support, especially if pyorrhea coexists with diabetes or chronic joint inflammation. Avoid high doses if you are on blood thinners or about to undergo dental surgery, since curcumin can mildly affect clotting.
Turmeric will stain dental work, tongue, and lips temporarily. Rinse thoroughly with warm water after use. The stain on natural enamel and tongue clears within an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Turmeric take to work for pyorrhea?
Reduction in gingival redness and bleeding usually shows within 2 to 3 weeks of daily turmeric-salt massage. Clinical trials of curcumin gel report measurable improvement in gingival index by 21 days. Deeper changes in pocket depth and tooth mobility depend on scaling and root planing; turmeric supports tissue repair after the periodontist has done the mechanical work.
Will turmeric stain my teeth?
Topical turmeric leaves a temporary yellow tint on the tongue, lips, and any composite or porcelain dental work. Natural enamel does not stain permanently. The colour on tongue and lips clears within an hour; on dental restorations, regular brushing prevents buildup. Always rinse thoroughly with warm water after use.
Can I take turmeric capsules with diabetes medication?
Turmeric can mildly lower blood sugar, so if you are on insulin or oral hypoglycaemics, monitor sugars closely after starting internal turmeric. This is actually useful in pyorrhea, since diabetes is the single biggest risk multiplier for gum disease. Stick to 500 mg twice daily and inform your physician.
Turmeric vs Neem vs Licorice for pyorrhea?
Turmeric is the anti-inflammatory and wound-healer, best when swelling, redness, and chronic gum ulceration dominate. Neem (Nimba) is the antimicrobial, best when pus and active infection are prominent. Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is the gum-tissue Rasayana, best for sensitivity, recession, and chronic atrophy. Most pyorrhea protocols combine all three. Triphala rinse and sesame seed oil pulling are supporting practices. See also gingivitis, bleeding gums, and bad breath for adjacent protocols.
Recommended: Start Turmeric for Pyorrhea
If you want to start using Turmeric for pyorrhea today, here is the simplest entry point: a once-daily turmeric and salt gum massage at night, alongside a neem decoction rinse twice daily and sesame oil pulling in the morning. This is the classical maintenance triangle for Dantavestha.
Best form: Turmeric powder mixed 1:1 with rock salt, applied directly to the gum line with a clean finger for 2 to 3 minutes. The local contact is what matters; a capsule swallowed cannot reach the periodontal pocket.
Kitchen version: Mix 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder with 1/2 teaspoon rock salt in a small dish. Add 2 drops of mustard oil if gums are very tender. Use a pinch each night before bed.
Severity fork:
- Early (mild redness, occasional bleed): Turmeric mouthwash twice daily plus regular dental cleaning usually suffices.
- Moderate (gum recession, 4 to 5 mm pockets): Add the turmeric-salt massage at night plus 500 mg internal turmeric twice daily, alongside scaling every 6 months.
- Advanced (mobility, pus, pockets above 5 mm): Periodontist evaluation comes first for scaling and root planing. Turmeric becomes maintenance only.
Find Turmeric on Amazon ↗ Rock Salt ↗
Critical safety: Pyorrhea is not reversible with herbs alone. Scaling and root planing by a periodontist is essential. Any tooth mobility means urgent periodontist evaluation. Uncontrolled diabetes accelerates pyorrhea sharply. Pause internal turmeric a week before dental surgery and check with your physician if on blood thinners.
Safety & Precautions
Turmeric used as a culinary spice is exceptionally safe, it has been eaten daily across South Asia for thousands of years with no significant toxicity reported. The cautions below apply mainly to concentrated extracts and high therapeutic doses (1,000+ mg of standardised curcumin), not to a teaspoon in your dal.
Blood-Thinning Medications
Turmeric mildly inhibits platelet aggregation and the COX enzymes, the same pathway that aspirin and many anticoagulants target. If you take warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, aspirin, or any anticoagulant, do not start high-dose turmeric or curcumin extracts without your doctor monitoring your INR or clotting times. Food-level use (cooking, golden milk a few times a week) is generally fine, but supplements should be cleared with your prescriber.
Surgery
Stop high-dose turmeric extracts at least 2 weeks before any planned surgery or dental extraction. The blood-thinning effect can increase bleeding risk during and after surgery. Cooking-level turmeric is not a concern.
Gallstones and Bile Duct Obstruction
Turmeric stimulates bile flow (Pittasaraka). If you have known gallstones or a bile duct obstruction, this stimulation can trigger pain or, rarely, dislodge a stone. Use only under practitioner supervision in this situation.
Acute Hepatitis or Jaundice
While turmeric is excellent for chronic liver support, classical texts and modern hepatology agree it should be avoided during acute viral hepatitis or active jaundice. Resume only after liver enzymes have normalised.
Acid Reflux and Ulcers
Turmeric's heating potency (Ushna Virya) can aggravate peptic ulcers or severe acid reflux in high doses. People with very high Pitta sometimes experience heartburn from concentrated turmeric on an empty stomach, take it with food or as part of a buffered formula.
Pregnancy and Conception
Turmeric in food is safe and traditional during pregnancy. Therapeutic doses, extracts, and concentrated supplements should be avoided, turmeric is described as Bhedana (penetrating) and stimulates uterine and blood movement, which is why it's used to regulate menses but contraindicated for those trying to conceive or already pregnant. Stick to a pinch in cooking.
Iron Absorption
High-dose curcumin can mildly chelate iron. People with iron-deficiency anemia should take turmeric supplements at a different time of day from iron supplements or iron-rich meals.
Yellow Staining
Not a safety issue, but worth knowing: turmeric stains skin, fingernails, clothing, and grout intensely. Use gloves when applying paste, and don't worry, skin staining fades within 24-48 hours.
Other Herbs for Pyorrhea
See all herbs for pyorrhea on the Pyorrhea page.
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
For both these conditions the patient should be administered Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation therapies), followed by Nasya (nasal medication), Anjana (collyriums) and drinking of decoction prepared from Haridra – Turmeric Rhizome – Curcuma Longa, and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Katabhi – Celastrus paniculata, Guda- jaggery, Sinduvarita, Nispava, Baspika, Sataparvika, roots of Tanduliyaka, Kukkutanda – hen’s egg and Avalguja – Psoralea corylifolia to relieve the effect of poison.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 7: Anna Raksha Vidhi
Honey along with seeds of Pushkara, Honey, along with wine of dates (Maireya) and sugar Milk drinks along with Mantha (solution of corn flour) Turmeric with mustard oil is incompatible.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 7: Anna Raksha Vidhi
For both these conditions the patient should be administered Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation therapies), followed by Nasya (nasal medication), Anjana (collyriums) and drinking of decoction prepared from Haridra – Turmeric Rhizome – Curcuma Longa, and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Katabhi – Celastrus paniculata, Guda- jaggery, Sinduvarita, Nispava, Baspika, Sataparvika, roots of Tanduliyaka, Kukkutanda – hen’s egg and Avalguja – Psoralea corylifolia to relieve the effect of poison.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 7: Anna Raksha Vidhi
हार तमांसं हा र शूल क ोतपा चतम ् ह र ावि नना स यो यापादय त जी वतम ् Meat of Haridra (yellow bird) piered with wood of Haridra and cooked with the flame of Haridra is lethal.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 7: Anna Raksha Vidhi
भ मपांशुप र व तं तदे व च समा कम ् Meat of Haridra, cooked by smearing ash and sand, consumed along with honey kills the person quickly.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 7: Anna Raksha Vidhi
Tikta Gana – group of bitters :त तः पदोल ाय ती वालकोशीर च दनम ् भू न ब न ब कटुका तगरा गु व सकम ् न तमाला वरजनी मु त मूवाट पकम पाठापामागकां यायोगुडू चध वयासकम ् प चमल ू ं महा या यौ वशाल अ त वषावचा Patoli, Trayanti – Gentiana kurroa, Valaka, Usira – Vetiveria zizanioides, Chandana – Sandalwood, Bhunimba – The creat (whole plant) – Andrographis paniculata, Nimba – Neem – Azadirachta indica, Katuka – Picrorhiza kurroa, Tagara – Indian Valerian (root) – Valeriana wallichi, Aguru, Vatsaka – Hol
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
21-24 योषकटवीवरा श ु वड गा त वषाि थराः ह गुस ौवचलाजाजीयवानीधा य च काः नशी ब ृह यौ हपुषा पाठामूलं च के बुकात ् एषां चूण मधु घ ृतं तैलं च सदशांशकम ् स तु भः षोडशगुणैयु तं पीतं नहि त तत ् अ त थौ या दकान ् सवा ोगान यां च त वधान ् ोगकामलाि व वासकासगल हान ् बु मेधा म ृ तकरं स न या ने च द पनम ् Powder of Vyosha- (Trikatu – pepper, long pepper and ginger), Katvi, Vara (Triphala), Shigru (drum stick), Vidanga (False black pepper – Embelia ribes), Ativisha, Sthira (Desmodium gangeticum), Hingu – (A
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 14: Dvividha Upakramaneeya
21-24 योषकटवीवरा श ु वड गा त वषाि थराः ह गुस ौवचलाजाजीयवानीधा य च काः नशी ब ृह यौ हपुषा पाठामूलं च के बुकात ् एषां चूण मधु घ ृतं तैलं च सदशांशकम ् स तु भः षोडशगुणैयु तं पीतं नहि त तत ् अ त थौ या दकान ् सवा ोगान यां च त वधान ् ोगकामलाि व वासकासगल हान ् बु मेधा म ृ तकरं स न या ने च द पनम ् Powder of Vyosha- (Trikatu – pepper, long pepper and ginger), Katvi, Vara (Triphala), Shigru (drum stick), Vidanga (False black pepper – Embelia ribes), Ativisha, Sthira (Desmodium gangeticum), Hingu – (A
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 14: Dvividha Upakramaneeya
For Teekshna – strong, Purgative kind of smoke – ती णे यो त मती नशा दशमुलमानो वालं ला ा वेता फल यम ् ग ध या ण ती णा न गणो मु व वरे चनः useful drugs are Jyotismati, Nisha (turmeric), Dashamula, Ala, Laksa, Shweta, Triphala, Substances which have strong smell and drugs of Murdha Virechana Gana- vide chapter 15, -1318 Dhumavarti- preparation of smoke wickजले ि थतामहोरा मी षकां वादशा गुलाम ् प टैधुमऔषधैरेवम ् प चकृ वः व तर गु ठक थल ु ो लेपये त ् यवम या यधा भवेत ् छाया शु कां वगभ तां नेह
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 21: Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
For Teekshna – strong, Purgative kind of smoke – ती णे यो त मती नशा दशमुलमानो वालं ला ा वेता फल यम ् ग ध या ण ती णा न गणो मु व वरे चनः useful drugs are Jyotismati, Nisha (turmeric), Dashamula, Ala, Laksa, Shweta, Triphala, Substances which have strong smell and drugs of Murdha Virechana Gana- vide chapter 15, -1318 Dhumavarti- preparation of smoke wickजले ि थतामहोरा मी षकां वादशा गुलाम ् प टैधुमऔषधैरेवम ् प चकृ वः व तर गु ठक थल ु ो लेपये त ् यवम या यधा भवेत ् छाया शु कां वगभ तां नेह
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 21: Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
39 Jalaukavacharana- procedure of applying leeches:अथेतरा नशाक कयु ते अ ब स प र लुताः अवि तसोमे त े वा पन ु चा चा सता जले लागये ृतम ृ पब ती त यर तश नत क धा नपातनैः छादये मद ु ाससा ृ व The leech that are kept for short time in water containing paste of turmeric / grain washed water (Avantisoma)/ buttermilk should be made comfortable by putting back in pure water.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 26: Shastra Vidhi
45 अशु ौ ावयेत ् दंशान ् ह र ागुडमा कैः ॥४६॥ शतधौता य पचव ततो लेपा च शीतलाः। When in doubt of impurity, the site of the bite should be made to bleed by applying paste of Haridra (Turmeric), Guda (jaggery) and honey.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 26: Shastra Vidhi
45 अशु ौ ावयेत ् दंशान ् ह र ागुडमा कैः ॥४६॥ शतधौता य पचव ततो लेपा च शीतलाः। When in doubt of impurity, the site of the bite should be made to bleed by applying paste of Haridra (Turmeric), Guda (jaggery) and honey.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 26: Shastra Vidhi
35 अस यग े व त वे ल योष नशानतैः सागारधूमलवणतैलै द याि छरामुखम ् स य व ृ ते को णेन तैलेन लवणेन च When the blood is not flowing out in sufficient quantity, the cut end of the vein should be smeared with oil processed with Vella (Vidanga), Vyosha (Trikatu), Haridra, Nata, Agaradhuma or Lavana, when the blood is flowing out properly, the site should be smeared with warm oil and salt.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 27: Siravyadha Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya, Ch. 7, Ch. 7, Ch. 7, Ch. 7, Ch. 7, Ch. 10, Ch. 14, Ch. 14, Ch. 21, Ch. 21, Ch. 26, Ch. 26, Ch. 26, Ch. 27
For both these conditions the patient should be administered Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation therapies), followed by Nasya (nasal medication), Anjana (collyriums) and drinking of decoction prepared from Haridra – Turmeric Rhizome – Curcuma Longa, and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Katabhi – Celastrus paniculata, Guda- jaggery, Sinduvarita, Nispava, Baspika, Sataparvika, roots of Tanduliyaka, Kukkutanda – hen’s egg and Avalguja – Psoralea corylifolia to relieve the effect of poison.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi
Honey along with seeds of Pushkara, Honey, along with wine of dates (Maireya) and sugar Milk drinks along with Mantha (solution of corn flour) Turmeric with mustard oil is incompatible.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi
Tikta Gana – group of bitters :त तः पदोल ाय ती वालकोशीर च दनम ् भू न ब न ब कटुका तगरा गु व सकम ् न तमाला वरजनी मु त मूवाट पकम पाठापामागकां यायोगुडू चध वयासकम ् प चमल ू ं महा या यौ वशाल अ त वषावचा Patoli, Trayanti – Gentiana kurroa, Valaka, Usira – Vetiveria zizanioides, Chandana – Sandalwood, Bhunimba – The creat (whole plant) – Andrographis paniculata, Nimba – Neem – Azadirachta indica, Katuka – Picrorhiza kurroa, Tagara – Indian Valerian (root) – Valeriana wallichi, Aguru, Vatsaka – Hol
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
21-24 योषकटवीवरा श ु वड गा त वषाि थराः ह गुस ौवचलाजाजीयवानीधा य च काः नशी ब ृह यौ हपुषा पाठामूलं च के बुकात ् एषां चूण मधु घ ृतं तैलं च सदशांशकम ् स तु भः षोडशगुणैयु तं पीतं नहि त तत ् अ त थौ या दकान ् सवा ोगान यां च त वधान ् ोगकामलाि व वासकासगल हान ् बु मेधा म ृ तकरं स न या ने च द पनम ् Powder of Vyosha- (Trikatu – pepper, long pepper and ginger), Katvi, Vara (Triphala), Shigru (drum stick), Vidanga (False black pepper – Embelia ribes), Ativisha, Sthira (Desmodium gangeticum), Hingu – (A
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dvividha Upakramaneeya
For Teekshna – strong, Purgative kind of smoke – ती णे यो त मती नशा दशमुलमानो वालं ला ा वेता फल यम ् ग ध या ण ती णा न गणो मु व वरे चनः useful drugs are Jyotismati, Nisha (turmeric), Dashamula, Ala, Laksa, Shweta, Triphala, Substances which have strong smell and drugs of Murdha Virechana Gana- vide chapter 15, -1318 Dhumavarti- preparation of smoke wickजले ि थतामहोरा मी षकां वादशा गुलाम ् प टैधुमऔषधैरेवम ् प चकृ वः व तर गु ठक थल ु ो लेपये त ् यवम या यधा भवेत ् छाया शु कां वगभ तां नेह
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi; Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their; Dvividha Upakramaneeya; Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
The haridra (turmeric), roots of eranda (Ricinus communis Linn), laksha (Ficus Lacor Buch-Ham), manahshila (realgar, an Arsenic compound), jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansone BC), are powdered properly and wick is prepared.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा)
The physician may also give pomegranate or other sour fruits or the linctus mixed with astringent substances or he may give a potion containing turmeric and sugar.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)
Twenty types of prameha classified by dosha: 10 kapha (curable), 6 pitta (palliable), 4 vata (incurable) Kapha types: water-like, sugarcane-juice-like, dense, layered, white, seminal, cold, slow-flowing, saliva-like, sand-containing urines Pitta types: alkali-like, black, indigo, turmeric-colored, madder-colored, blood-containing urines Vata types: bone-marrow, vital-essence, muscle-fat, lymph-mixed urines Obese patients require depletion therapy first;
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Ch. 6
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Ch. 6
The six Pittaja Pramehas are: Manjishtha-meha (madder-colored urine), Haridra-meha (turmeric-colored urine), Nilameha (blue urine), Raktaka (blood-red urine), Krishnameha (black urine), and Charameha.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 7: Rogagananam (Enumeration of Diseases)
The juice of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) combined with Haridra (turmeric — Curcuma longa) powder is beneficial [in Prameha and skin disorders].
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
The juice of Kanya (Aloe vera — Aloe barbadensis) mixed with Nisha (turmeric) powder cures Pliha (splenic disorders) and Apachi (cervical lymphadenitis).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
Triphala, Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus), Khadira (Acacia catechu), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), the two Haridras (turmeric and tree turmeric), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Katuka (Picrorhiza kurroa), and Vidanga (Embelia ribes) — this decoction destroys Kushtha (skin diseases).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations)
Chandraprabha Vati [for Prameha/urinary disorders]: Chandraprabha (camphor), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Bhunimba (Andrographis paniculata), Amrita (Guduchi — Tinospora cordifolia), Daruka (Cedrus deodara), Haridra (turmeric — Curcuma longa), Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), Darvi (Berberis aristata), Pippalimula (root of long pepper), and Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) —.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 7: Rogagananam (Enumeration of Diseases); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
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
Madhuka (licorice), rajani (turmeric), pathya (haritaki), and devadaru (cedar) should be ground.
— 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)
Gundra, rice, shaivala (aquatic moss), shailabheda, daruharidra (tree turmeric), ela (cardamom), utpala (blue lotus), rodhra, abhra (mica), lotus petal, sugar, darbha (sacred grass), tala (palmyra), rodhra, vetasa (cane), and padmaka.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
With honey, conch shell, Nepali-origin herb, daruharidra (tree turmeric), and saindhava.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 12: Raktabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Blood-type Conjunctivitis)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 13: Jalaukavacharaniya Adhyaya - Leech Therapy; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 12: Raktabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Blood-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.