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Kṣāra
General Descripition
Kṣāra are alkaline substances obtained from the water soluble ash of the drugs of plant origin. It is also called as Lavaṇa
Method of preparation
- The drugs are cut into small pieces and dried well. The pieces are placed in an earthen pot and burnt to ash. Water is added to the ash in the ratio of 6:1 and mixed well. This is allowed to settle down over night and leter strained through a piece of cloth. This process of straining may be done two or three times till a clear liquid is obtained. This liquid is then put in an iron or earthen vessel and heated over a moderate fire till water evaporates completely, leaving a solid salty white substance known as Kṣāra.[1]
Characteristics
- Kṣāras are white in colour and hygroscopic in nature therefore should be kept in airtight bottles. the taste is saltish.
Preservation
- Kṣāras are white in colour and hygroscopic in nature therefore should be kept in airtight bottles. These last indefinitely.[2]
