Kalka

A paste of herbs — the second of the five canonical Kalpana (preparation forms) per Sharangadhara, after Svarasa (fresh juice).

Method: take fresh or dried herb; if dried, soak briefly in water; pound or grind into a smooth, semi-thick paste with the consistency of toothpaste.

In Sneha-paka: Kalka is the herb-paste component that goes into the oil with the Drava. Quantity = ¼ of the Sneha weight (the 1:4:4 rule).

As a Lepa: a Kalka, mixed with a vehicle (water, milk, ghee, honey), applied directly to skin as a face pack or wound dressing.

Potency hierarchy (per Charaka Sutra 4.7): Svarasa (juice) > Kalka (paste) > Kvatha (decoction) > Hima (cold infusion) > Phanta (hot infusion). Kalka is the second-strongest form.