Arshohar Lepa – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Introduction

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and anus that quietly disturb comfort and confidence. Like delicate cushions meant to aid smooth bowel movement, these veins can become enlarged due to chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, or straining. What begins as mild discomfort may gradually unfold into itching, pain, bleeding, or a feeling of heaviness. Though common and often overlooked, piles reflect an imbalance in digestive harmony and lifestyle patterns. With timely care, dietary awareness, hydration, and gentle support, this condition can be managed effectively, restoring ease, dignity, and daily comfort.

First Method

Ingredients

1. Somal (Arsenic Compound – Traditionally Purified Mineral Preparation)

Somal is a classical mineral ingredient used in traditional Ayurvedic formulations after proper purification (Shodhana). It is known for its strong antimicrobial, scraping (Lekhana), and tissue-reducing properties. In piles, where there is swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and sometimes infection around the anal veins, Somal helps by reducing excessive granulation tissue and controlling microbial growth. Its penetrating nature supports shrinking of pile mass and drying of excessive discharge. Due to its potent action, it is always used in minute, carefully processed doses under expert supervision to ensure safety and therapeutic benefit in hemorrhoidal conditions.

2. Neela Thotha (Blue Vitriol – Copper Sulphate)

Neela Thotha, chemically known as copper sulphate, is traditionally purified and used in Ayurvedic external applications. It possesses strong astringent, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties. In piles management, it helps reduce bleeding by constricting dilated blood vessels and controlling oozing from hemorrhoidal tissues. Its antimicrobial action prevents secondary infection in fissured or ulcerated piles. When used in topical preparations, it assists in drying moist lesions, reducing swelling, and promoting healthy tissue repair. Its scraping (Lekhana) and cleansing (Shodhana) qualities make it beneficial in managing both bleeding and non-bleeding piles under proper medical guidance.

3. Sindoor (Traditional Mineral Preparation – Often Purified Mercurial Compound)

Sindoor in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics refers to a specially processed mineral preparation, used in very small therapeutic doses. It is valued for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and rejuvenating (Rasayana-like) properties when properly purified. In piles, Sindoor supports reduction of inflammation, alleviates pain, and helps in shrinking engorged hemorrhoidal veins. It also aids in faster healing of ulcerated tissues and prevents recurrence by strengthening local tissue integrity. Because of its strong potency, it is always administered after classical purification processes and under expert supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.

4. Nirmali Seeds (Strychnos potatorum)

Nirmali seeds, derived from Strychnos potatorum, are well known in Ayurveda for their astringent (Kashaya), cooling, and detoxifying properties. They are traditionally used to purify water and cleanse tissues. In piles management, Nirmali helps reduce bleeding due to its natural astringent action that constricts dilated veins. It soothes inflamed mucosa, reduces burning sensation, and supports wound healing. Its mild digestive and detoxifying qualities help correct underlying digestive disturbances such as constipation, which is a major cause of hemorrhoids. By balancing Pitta and Kapha dosha, Nirmali supports overall anorectal health and prevents recurrence of piles.

Method Of Preparation

Take 1–1 tola each, and grind them into a fine powder.
Then grind Nirmali seeds with water on a stone slab and mix about ½ ratti of the above powder into it.
Apply this paste only on the piles (hemorrhoids). Take special care that it does not touch any other area.
If it accidentally spreads elsewhere, apply butter or ghee there immediately so the medicine does not affect other parts.
After applying the paste, the patient should lie down blindfolded for about 45 minutes.
If there is excessive burning, apply the ointment mentioned below.
Before applying this paste, tie a thread at the base of the pile mass. With daily application, the pile mass shrivels and falls off on its own.

Soothing Ointment (Dahshamak Malham)

Ingredients

1. Catechu (Khadir Sara – Acacia catechu) – 11 tolas

Catechu, derived from the heartwood extract of Acacia catechu, is a powerful astringent (Kashaya rasa) widely used in Ayurvedic formulations. It possesses cooling, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. In piles, especially bleeding hemorrhoids, catechu helps by constricting dilated blood vessels and reducing excessive bleeding. Its astringent nature supports shrinking of swollen pile masses and drying of excessive discharge. It also promotes faster healing of fissured or ulcerated tissue around the anal region. By balancing aggravated Pitta and Kapha dosha, catechu reduces burning sensation, itching, and inflammation, thus supporting overall anorectal tissue recovery.

2. Camphor (Kapur – Cinnamomum camphora) – 1 tola

Camphor, obtained from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora, is well known for its cooling, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. It produces a soothing sensation and improves local blood circulation when applied externally. In piles, camphor helps reduce pain, burning, and itching commonly associated with inflamed hemorrhoids. Its mild counter-irritant action relieves discomfort and decreases congestion in swollen veins. Additionally, its antimicrobial effect helps prevent secondary infection in fissured or ulcerated piles. Camphor also supports quicker tissue healing and provides immediate symptomatic relief, making it particularly useful in topical formulations for managing painful and inflamed hemorrhoids.

3. Sonageru (Red Ochre – Natural Mineral Clay) – 2 tolas

Sonageru, commonly known as red ochre, is a naturally occurring mineral clay traditionally used in Ayurvedic external applications. It possesses cooling, absorbent, and astringent properties. In piles, Sonageru helps control bleeding by promoting vasoconstriction and reducing oozing from inflamed hemorrhoidal tissues. Its absorbent nature helps dry excessive moisture and discharge, while its cooling quality reduces burning sensation and irritation in the anal region. Sonageru also aids in calming inflamed tissues and supports healing of minor erosions. When used in combination with other ingredients, it enhances the formulation’s ability to shrink pile masses and relieve discomfort.

Method Of Preparation

Mix these in 4 tolas of ghee and apply over the piles to relieve burning.

Clinical Use

When burning becomes intolerable, this ointment should be applied.
With regular twice-daily application of the Somal paste, within a few days the piles burn and fall off.
If there is a wound near the pile mass, grind Sohaga (Tankan), Safeda, and Silekadi in washed ghee and apply 2–3 times daily; the wound heals.

Note

Before starting this Arshohar treatment, for three days the patient should eat as much incompatible/heavy food as possible so that internal piles swell and protrude outward. Then begin the application. After starting, follow a proper diet. Daily mild purgative medicine should be given to keep the bowels clean.

Second Method

Ingredients

1. Yellow Somal Flower (Peet Somal – Traditionally Purified Arsenic Sulphide Preparation)

Yellow Somal Flower, traditionally referring to purified arsenic sulphide used in classical Ayurvedic formulations, is known for its strong scraping (Lekhana), antimicrobial, and tissue-reducing properties after proper Shodhana (purification). In piles, it helps in shrinking enlarged hemorrhoidal masses and reducing excessive granulation tissue. Its potent action assists in controlling infection, drying moist lesions, and promoting healthy tissue regeneration. Due to its penetrating and heating qualities, it helps reduce Kapha-related swelling and stagnation. However, because it is a powerful mineral ingredient, it must always be used in minute, carefully processed doses under strict medical supervision.

2. Revandchini (Indian Rhubarb – Rheum Emodi)

Revandchini, derived from Rheum emodi, is a well-known Ayurvedic herb valued for its mild laxative, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-correcting properties. Constipation is one of the major causes of piles, and Revandchini helps by promoting smooth bowel movements without excessive strain. Its natural purgative action reduces pressure on rectal veins, preventing further swelling of hemorrhoids. It also possesses astringent and healing properties that help control mild bleeding and soothe inflamed tissues. By improving digestion (Agni) and clearing accumulated toxins (Ama), Revandchini addresses the root cause of piles and supports long-term anorectal health.

Method Of Preparation And Use

Rub yellow Somal in water, then rub Revand chini over it.
Drop or apply this on the piles only.
Ensure it does not touch surrounding skin; apply ghee or Vaseline around the area beforehand. Apply twice daily.
The piles will swell, begin to ooze fluid, and within a few days dry up.
Then wash the area with lukewarm decoction of Panch-Valkal (bark of banyan, peepal, gular, pilkhan, and bael).
After that, crush 5 tolas onions, fry in 10 tolas ghee, add 1 tola turmeric, tie in a cloth poultice and foment over the piles. When the poultice cools, dip again in warm ghee and repeat. This reduces pain, causes the piles to fall off, and heals the wounds.
For cooling, apply milk cream (sometimes mixed with Sohaga (Tankan) or washed ghee) or Vaseline.

Third Method

Ingredients

1. Neem Seed Kernel (Azadirachta Indica)

Neem seed kernel is highly valued in Ayurveda for its strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It possesses bitter (Tikta) and astringent (Kashaya) qualities that help purify tissues and reduce swelling. In piles, neem helps control itching, irritation, and burning sensation around the anal region. Its natural antibacterial action prevents secondary infections in fissured or ulcerated hemorrhoids. Neem also supports drying of excessive discharge and promotes faster healing of damaged mucosa. By reducing Pitta and Kapha aggravation, it helps calm inflamed hemorrhoidal veins and supports overall anorectal tissue recovery when applied externally as a paste.

2. Rasaut (Extract Of Berberis Aristata)

Rasaut is a concentrated herbal extract obtained from Berberis aristata, traditionally known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. It contains natural alkaloids like berberine that support tissue repair and infection control. In piles, Rasaut helps reduce bleeding due to its astringent nature and assists in shrinking swollen hemorrhoidal masses. It soothes inflamed tissues, reduces burning sensation, and promotes faster healing of erosions or fissures. Rasaut also supports local detoxification and prevents microbial growth in sensitive anorectal tissues. Its cooling and healing properties make it especially beneficial in bleeding and inflamed piles when used externally.

3. Camphor (Kapur – Cinnamomum Camphora)

Camphor, derived from Cinnamomum camphora, is well known for its cooling, analgesic, and soothing properties. It provides quick relief from pain, itching, and burning sensation commonly associated with piles. Its counter-irritant effect improves local circulation and reduces venous congestion in swollen hemorrhoidal veins. Camphor also has antimicrobial properties that help prevent infection in sensitive or ulcerated tissues. When used in topical applications, it creates a cooling sensation that calms inflammation and discomfort. Its ability to reduce irritation and promote local healing makes it an effective supportive ingredient in external preparations for piles management.

4. Sonageru (Red Ochre – Natural Mineral Clay)

Sonageru, commonly known as red ochre, is a natural mineral clay traditionally used for its cooling and astringent properties. It helps control bleeding by constricting dilated blood vessels in hemorrhoidal tissues. Its absorbent nature assists in drying excessive moisture and discharge, which is common in inflamed or bleeding piles. Sonageru also soothes irritated skin and reduces burning sensation around the anal region. By calming inflammation and supporting tissue contraction, it helps shrink swollen pile masses. When applied as a paste with other herbal ingredients, Sonageru enhances the overall effectiveness of the formulation in managing piles.

Method Of Preparation

Grind Neem seed kernel, Rasaut, Camphor, Sonageru with water and make a paste.

Clinical Use

Apply the above paste on piles. They shrivel and these four may also be mixed in castor oil to prepare an ointment.

Fourth Method

Ingredients

1. Seeds Of Bitter Gourd (Momordica Charantia)

Bitter gourd seeds are valued in Ayurveda for their digestive-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, and mild detoxifying properties. They help regulate bowel movements by improving Agni (digestive fire) and reducing Ama (toxic accumulation), which is a common root cause of piles. Their slightly bitter and cooling nature helps balance aggravated Pitta, thereby reducing burning sensation and inflammation in hemorrhoids. Bitter gourd seeds also support better liver function and blood purification, indirectly helping in bleeding piles. By easing constipation and reducing venous congestion in the rectal region, they assist in shrinking swollen pile masses and preventing recurrence.

2. Seeds Of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria Siceraria)

Bottle gourd seeds possess cooling, soothing, and mild laxative properties. They help soften stools and promote smooth bowel movements, reducing strain during defecation—one of the primary causes of piles. Their cooling nature helps calm Pitta-related symptoms such as burning sensation and irritation around the anal region. Bottle gourd seeds also provide nourishment while being light to digest, preventing heaviness and constipation. By supporting digestive balance and reducing internal heat, they help control inflammation and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Regular use in appropriate form may aid in preventing further aggravation of piles.

3. Buttermilk (Takra)

Buttermilk, known as Takra in Ayurveda, is considered one of the best dietary supports for piles. It improves digestion, enhances gut flora balance, and prevents constipation. Takra is light, mildly astringent, and helps reduce Kapha and Vata imbalance in the digestive tract. It supports proper stool formation without causing heaviness. In piles, buttermilk helps reduce swelling, improves metabolism, and strengthens intestinal function. It is often recommended with digestive spices to further enhance its benefits. By correcting the root cause—improper digestion and irregular bowel movements—Takra plays a crucial role in long-term management of hemorrhoids.

Method Of Preparation And Use

If the piles are swollen and painful, grind the seeds of bitter gourd or bottle gourd in sour buttermilk and apply as a paste. The piles burst and the pain subsides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, piles may be common, but they should never be ignored, as they reflect deeper disturbances in digestion, lifestyle, and bowel habits. Early attention, proper diet, hydration, and correction of constipation play a vital role in restoring rectal health. Along with these measures, Arshohar Lepa offers supportive external care. This classical herbal application is traditionally used to soothe local discomfort, reduce swelling, and promote natural healing of affected tissues. When combined with a balanced routine and mindful habits, Arshohar Lepa can help bring lasting comfort, improved bowel ease, and a healthier anorectal environment.