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Arka
General Descripition
Arka is a liquid preparation obtained by distillation of certain liquids or drugs soaked in water using the Arkayantra or any convenient modern distillation apparatus.
Method of preparation
- The drugs are cleaned and coarsely powdered. Some quantity of water is added to the drugs for soaking and kept over-night. This makes the drugs soft and when boiled releases the essential volatile principles easily. The following morning it is poured into the Arkayantra and the remaining water is added and boiled. The vapour is condensed and collected in a receiver. In the beginning, the vapour consists of only steam and may not contain the essential principles of the drugs. It should therefore be discarded. The last portion also may not contain therapeutically essential substance and should be discarded. The aliquots collected in between contain the active
ingredients and may be mixed together to ensure uniformity of the Arka. [1]
Characteristics
- Arka is a suspension of the distillate in water having slight turbidity and colour according to the nature of the drugs used and smell of the predominant drug.
Preservation
- Arka should be consumed within one year[2]
