A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Shala (Shorea robusta)
Latin Name: Shorea robusta, Gaertn. f.
Family: Dipterocarpaceae (Shalakula)
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka Samhita: Vedanasthapana, Kashayaskandha, Asavayoni.
Sushruta Samhita: Salasaradi, Rodhradi.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Salasara, Dhupavriksha, Sarjaniryasaka, Yakshadhupa, Suradhupa.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Sal, Sakhu, Sakhna
Marathi: Shalavriksha, Ralecha Vriksha
Kannada: Bailabou
Tamil: Nalu
Telugu: Jalarichettu
Malayalam: Karimaruuhu
English: Sal Tree
Morphology & Habitat: A tall, straight-growing tree reaching up to 45 meters in height, with a broad stem and a small shade. The bark is 2.5-5 cm thick, rough, and cracked. The stem is very firm and reddish-black. Leaves are alternate, ovate or oblong, 10-25 cm long, becoming glabrous and shiny when mature. Flowers are 10-15 cm long, in axillary or terminal inflorescences. Fruits are small (1 cm), white, and soft. It flowers in March and fruits in June. The gum (Niryasa) is clear and transparent.
Habitat: Found in the Himalayan foothills (tarai) from Kangda (U.P.) to Assam, and in Orissa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Part Used: Stem Bark and Gum/Resin (known as Sarjarasa, Shalaniryasa, or Yakshadhupa).
Purification (Śodhana): The classical purification process for Shala bark or gum is not detailed in the provided text.
Preservation: The gum/resin should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The bark should be dried and stored in a similar manner, protected from moisture.
3. Pharmacodynamics (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka)
Part Used Rasa (Taste) Guṇa (Qualities) Vīrya (Potency) Vipāka (Post-digestive)
Bark Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet) Ruksha (Dry) Sheeta (Cooling) Katu (Pungent)
Gum (Niryasa) Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet) Guru (Heavy), Pichchhila (Slimy) Sheeta (Cooling) Katu (Pungent)
Dosha Karma: Kaphaghna (pacifies Kapha) due to its Kashaya, Katu, Sheeta, and Ruksha properties. Pittaghna (pacifies Pitta) due to its Kashaya and Sheeta properties.
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha & Purishavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Used as a Stambhana (astringent) in Atisara (diarrhea), Raktapravahika (dysentery with bleeding), and Raktarsha (bleeding hemorrhoids).
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): The bark and gum are used in Kasa (cough) and Shvasa (asthma) for their Kaphaghna (expectorant) and Durgandhihara (deodorizing) properties.
Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory/Blood System): Acts as Raktastambhaka (hemostatic) due to its Kashaya and Sheeta properties, used in various bleeding disorders.
Medavaha & Asthivaha Srotas (Fat & Bone Tissue Systems):
Ashibbanga (Fractures): Promotes bone union (Asthisandhanakara) due to its Kashaya Rasa and Pichchhila Guna. A paste (Lepa) is applied externally after bone setting, and the decoction/powder is given internally.
Medoroga (Obesity): The Ruksha and Kashaya properties help absorb excess Meda (fat).
Majjavaha Srotas (Nervous System): The bark decoction is Vedanasthapana (analgesic) and used in painful trauma or wounds.
Artavavaha Srotas (Female Reproductive System): Eliminates Dushta Kapha and Kleda (malodorous moisture), acts as a hemostatic, and reduces inflammation and flabbiness of the uterus. Used in Shveta Pradara (leukorrhea) and Raktapradara (menorrhagia). Also used in Yonibhransha (uterine prolapse) internally and externally with the gum ointment.
Primary Actions: Vedanasthapana (analgesic), Stambhana (astringent), Raktastambhaka (hemostatic), Vranashodhana (wound cleanser), Vranaropana (wound healer), Asthisandhanakara (bone healer), Kaphaghna (expectorant).
Dosage (Mātrā):
Bark Decoction: 40 - 80 ml
Powdered Gum: 1 - 3 grams
Anupāna (Vehicle): Ghee, sugar, butter, or water, depending on the condition (e.g., with sugar in Atisara, with ghee and Nagakeshara in Sangrahani).
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Salasaradi Kwatha, Sarjarasadimalahara (ointment), Atasyadi Lepa.
Specific Prayogas:
Sarjarasa Malahara (Ointment): Equal parts gum powder are added to boiling oil, then the mixture is poured into cold water and stirred constantly until a white ointment forms. This is applied to burns and wounds for immediate pain relief and healing.
For cracked feet, the gum is boiled with ghee and applied after cooling.
Contraindications (Nivārita): Not mentioned in the provided text.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Not mentioned in the provided text.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): Not mentioned in the provided text.
Chemical Composition: The bark contains 10% Tannin, which solidifies like catechu when boiled in water.
Research Notes: No specific modern research findings are mentioned in the provided text.