Ksharodaka: A Literature Review of an Underrated Pharmaceutical Preparation

Ksharodaka is an intermediate product in the processing of Kshara. In this review etymology, definition, synonyms, and two methods of preparation: 1) Bhasma Shruta Jala and 2) Prepared Kshara. A total of 95 different types of Ksharodaka were compiled from 12 Ayurvedic classics. It is used therapeutically for different procedures like Parisheka, Gandusha, Prakshalana, Svedana, Snana, Parisechana, Netradhara, Pana, Anupana and Sahapana. In the pharmaceutical field, it is utilized in the preparation of various dosage forms through different processes like Nimajjana, Nirvapana, Bhavana, Binding media, Paka, Ghritapaka, Tailapaka, Kshirapaka, Gudapaka and Yavagupaka. It is used both in single-drug preparation (e.g., Yava Ksharodaka, Pippali Rasayana) and as a multi-drug formulation (e.g., Mankandadi Ksharodaka).