Panchavalkaladi Taila – Ingredients, Preparation, Indications & More

(पंचवल्कलादि तैलम्)

Introduction

Panchavalkaladi Taila is a classical Ayurvedic external oil formulation designed primarily for inflammatory and exudative skin disorders. The formulation is based on Panchavalkala, a well-known group of five astringent barks combined with blood-purifying and cooling herbs. Skin diseases associated with Rakta (blood) and Pitta Dosha vitiation often present with redness, burning sensation, discharge (kleda), itching, and inflammation. This Taila works through its Rakta-shodhaka (blood-purifying), Pitta-shamaka (Pitta pacifying), and Kledahara (moisture-reducing) actions. It is particularly useful in conditions where inflammation and oozing predominate.

Classical Reference

पंचवल्कलनिशागोपीकषाये तिलजं पचेत्।
रम्भोदकन्दमधुकत्वकुशीरामयचन्दनैः।।
रक्तपित्तोत्तरे कुष्ठे विसर्पे क्लेदवत्यपि।। (Sahasrayogam)

The verse explains that sesame oil should be processed in the decoction (kashaya) of Panchavalkala along with herbs such as Haridra (Nisha) (Curcuma longa) and Sariba (Gopi)(Hemidesmus indicus). It is further cooked with paste (kalka) of cooling and wound-healing drugs like Kadalikanda (banana rhizome), Yastimadhu (Glycyrhiza glabra), Usira (Vetiveria zizanioides), Kustha (Saussurea lappa), and Chandana (Santalum album). This medicated oil is indicated in Raktapittottara Kuṣṭha (skin disorders associated with vitiated blood and Pitta) and in Kledayukta Visarpa (moist, inflammatory spreading skin conditions resembling erysipelas).

Ingredients

I. Kvatha Dravyas (Decoction Ingredients)

Nyagrodha Tvak (Ficus benghalensis – Banyan bark) – 40 gm
Udumbara Tvak (Ficus racemosa – Cluster fig bark) – 40 gm
Ashvattha Tvak (Ficus religiosa – Peepal bark) – 40 gm
Plaksha Tvak (Ficus lacor – Wavy-leaf fig bark) – 40 gm
Parisha Tvak (Thespesia populnea – Portia tree bark) – 40 gm
Haridra Tvak (Curcuma longa – Turmeric bark/rhizome) – 40 gm
Sariba Tvak (Hemidesmus indicus – Indian sarsaparilla) – 40 gm
Water – 4.8 litres (reduced to one-fourth)

II. Taila Dravya

Murchita Tila Taila (Sesamum indicum – Processed sesame oil) – 300 ml

III. Kalka Dravyas (Paste Ingredients)

Kadalikanda (Musa paradisiaca – Banana rhizome) – 12.5 gm
Tvak (Cinnamomum verum – Cinnamon bark) – 12.5 gm
Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra – Licorice) – 12.5 gm
Usira (Vetiveria zizanioides – Vetiver) – 12.5 gm
Kustha (Saussurea lappa – Costus root) – 12.5 gm
Candana (Santalum album – Sandalwood) – 12.5 gm

Method Of Preparation

First, a decoction is prepared from the Kvatha dravyas by boiling them in water and reducing it to one-fourth of the original quantity. The Kalka dravyas are finely ground into a smooth paste. This paste is mixed with Murchita Tila Taila, and the prepared decoction is added. The mixture is heated over mild fire following classical Sneha Paka Vidhi (medicated oil preparation method) until only the oil remains and proper Taila Siddhi Lakshanas (signs of prepared oil) appear. After cooling, the oil is filtered and stored in airtight glass containers.

Pharmacological Actions

Rakta-shodhaka (blood purifier)
Pitta-shamaka (pacifies Pitta Dosha)
Kledahara (reduces excessive moisture and discharge)
Vrana-ropaka (wound healing)
Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)

Panchavalkala group provides strong astringent (Kashaya rasa) and wound-healing properties. Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) act as anti-inflammatory and blood-purifying agents. Chandana (Santalum album) and Usira (Vetiveria zizanioides) impart cooling action, reducing burning and redness.

Indications

Raktapittottara Kushtha (skin disorders with blood and Pitta involvement)
Kledayukta Visarpa (moist inflammatory spreading skin lesions)
Oozing dermatitis
Inflammatory skin conditions with discharge

Method Of Use

Abhyanga (External application over affected area)

Precautions

For external use only unless advised by a physician.
Avoid application over deep open wounds without medical guidance.
Perform a patch test in sensitive skin.

Conclusion

Panchavalkaladi Taila is a classical Ayurvedic formulation primarily indicated in inflammatory and exudative skin disorders associated with Rakta (blood) and Pitta dosha vitiation. The synergistic action of the Panchavalkala group, Haridra (Curcuma longa), Sariba (Hemidesmus indicus), and cooling herbs like Chandana (Santalum album) and Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides) helps reduce inflammation, discharge, redness, and burning. Its strong astringent and wound-healing properties make it particularly beneficial in Raktapittottara Kushtha (skin disorders with blood and Pitta involvement) and Kledayukta Visarpa (moist inflammatory spreading skin lesions). When used appropriately under Ayurvedic guidance, this Taila serves as an effective topical remedy for managing moist and inflammatory dermatological conditions.