Angāraka Taila – Ingredients, Preparation, Indications, Benefits & More
Introduction
Angāraka Taila is a classical Ayurvedic medicated oil described in Sahasrayogam, primarily indicated for Sarva Jvara (all types of fever). It is a polyherbal formulation processed in Āranāla (sour fermented liquid) and Mūrcchita Tila Taila, intended exclusively for external application. The formulation is designed to pacify fever-associated Dosha imbalance, relieve systemic discomfort, and support recovery through transdermal absorption. Classical texts emphasize its effectiveness across different fever presentations, making it a versatile supportive therapy in Jvara Chikitsa.
Classical Reference (Sahasrayogam)
मूर्वालाक्षाहरित्रे द्वे मंजिष्ठा चेन्द्रवारुणी।
बृहती सैंधवं कुष्ठं रास्ना मांसी शतावरी ।।
आरनालाढकेनात्र तैलप्रस्थं विपाचयेत्।
तैलमङ्गारकं नाम सर्वज्वरविनाशनम् ।।
This verse clearly states that the medicated oil prepared with the mentioned drugs and Āranāla is known as Angāraka Taila, which is Sarva-jvara-vināśanam (destroyer of all types of fever).
Ingredients
Kalka Dravyas (Each Approximately 13.5 G)
Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima), Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Manjshtha (Rubia cordifolia), Indravaruni (Citrullus colocynthis), Brihati (Solanum indicum), Saindhava Lavana (Pink Salt), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus).
Drava Dravya
Aranala (Fermented gruel) – 2.56 litres
Taila Dravya
Murcchita Tila Taila (refined) – 640 ml
Method Of Preparation
All Kalka dravyas are triturated to prepare a uniform paste. This Kalka is mixed with the prescribed quantity of Āranāla and Mūrcchita Tila Taila in a stainless steel vessel. The mixture is heated on mild fire following classical Sneha Pāka principles until the liquid media evaporates completely and only the medicated oil remains. After confirming Siddhi Lakṣaṇas of Taila, the oil is filtered while warm and stored in clean, dry glass bottles. This preparation is known as Angāraka Taila.
Clinical Use
All Types Of Fever (Sarva Jvara)
Used externally as per Sahasrayogam to support fever management across Vātaja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipātaja, and Viṣama Jvara by relieving associated body pain, stiffness, and systemic discomfort.
Fever With Body Ache And Rigidity
Particularly beneficial where fever is accompanied by muscle pain, heaviness, or stiffness.
Chills And Cold Sensation In Fever
The warming and penetrating nature helps counter cold dominance and improves peripheral circulation.
Post-Febrile Weakness (Jvarottara Avasthā)
Supports recovery after fever by reducing residual pain, fatigue, and stiffness.
Recurrent Or Chronic Fever States
Useful as a supportive therapy to stabilize Dosha imbalance and improve patient comfort.
Important Note
Angāraka Taila is used externally only and acts as a supportive measure, not as an internal antipyretic drug.
Method Of Use
External application (Abhyanga or gentle rubbing) over the body, preferably once or twice daily, as advised by an Ayurvedic physician.
Precautions
- Not to be used internally
- Avoid application during extremely high fever with profuse sweating
- Should be applied under professional guidance, especially in children and debilitated patients
Conclusion
Angāraka Taila, as described in Sahasrayogam, represents a classical external formulation indicated for Sarva Jvara. Its thoughtfully selected herbs, Āranāla processing, and oil base work synergistically to relieve fever-associated discomfort, pacify Doshas, and aid recovery. While classical texts declare it effective in all types of fever, its role remains external and supportive, highlighting Ayurveda’s holistic approach where internal and external therapies function together. Proper preparation and judicious application ensure both safety and therapeutic benefit.
