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Yavakshara (Barley Ash Alkali)

Yavakṣāra यवक्षार

Plant ash alkali · —

preparation calcined barley straw ash ushna cultivated
Yavakshara (Barley Ash Alkali)

Rasa-Panchaka — five-fold pharmacology

Rasa
katu— tastes at first contact
Guna
laghu · tikshna— qualities
Virya
ushna— potency (heating)
Vipaka
katu— post-digestive effect
MadhuraAmlaLavanaKatuTiktaKashaya
The six classical tastes (Ṣaḍ-rasa)

Dosha effect

V
Vata
↓pacifies
P
Pitta
↑aggravates
K
Kapha
↓pacifies
pacifies (↓) aggravates (↑) neutral (·)

Functions

alkaline cleanseranti-Kaphascalp wash (Darunaka)

Calcined barley-straw ash — alkaline (pH ~10). Used in Pada-dari balm (Sushruta Cikitsa 20.12) and as alkaline scalp rinse for severe dandruff. Modern substitute: pinch of sodium bicarbonate.

Used in 2 recipes