Overview

Zinc is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. Yashada (Zinc) is used primarily as Yashad Bhasma in eye diseases, diabetes, and wound healing. It has cooling properties and is especially beneficial in Pitta conditions. Zinc must be properly purified and processed before use. Verses: 111-113.

How Zinc Helps with Skin Disorders

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

Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light)

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)

wounds which have more of fat and Kapha, should be covered with thin sheets of copper, iron, zinc, or lead;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastrakarma Vidhi

Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastrakarma Vidhi

Verses 10 through 104 describe detailed procedures for the purification (Shodhana) and calcination (Marana) of various metals, minerals, and gems including: Rajata (silver), Tamra (copper), Lauha/Ayas (iron), Naga (lead), Vanga (tin), Yashada (zinc), Mandura (iron oxide/rust), Kamsya (bell-metal), Pittala (brass), Makshika (iron/copper pyrite), Vimala, Tuttha (copper sulphate), Kasisa (green vitriol/iron sulphate), Shilajatu (mineral pitch), Srotanjana, Sphatika (alum), Tankana (borax), Abhraka
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)

Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)

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.