Photo: Internet Archive Book Images / Wikimedia Commons, No restrictions
Lakh लाख
Coccus lacca
Also known as: Lakh (Laksha)
Part used: Resin (Lac), Resin (Lac Exudate)
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Coccus lacca
- Part used: Resin (Lac), Resin (Lac Exudate)
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Purified resin powder 1–3 g per day, traditionally with milk.
Lakh in other languages
Introduction
Lakh, classically Laksha, is not a plant at all but the resin secreted by the lac insect (Kerria lacca, given in older sources as Coccus lacca) as it feeds on the twigs of host trees. The encrusted twigs are harvested and the resin refined.
Ayurveda uses it as a Sandhaniya drug — one that joins and knits — and it is the lead ingredient of Lakshadi Guggulu, the classical preparation for fractures.
Classification
An animal-origin resin (Jantava dravya), not a botanical drug. Rasa: Kashaya, Tikta. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Given in fractures and bone injury to support union, and in Kshata-Kshina — wasting following chest injury — where the texts pair it with milk. Its astringency is also used in bleeding disorders and in wound healing, applied externally in plasters. It is the principal ingredient of Lakshadi Guggulu.
Laksha for fractures
The classical Bhagna-sandhanakara indication — supporting the knitting of broken bone. It is taken with milk over the healing period and is the basis of Lakshadi Guggulu.
Laksha for bleeding and wounds
Its cool astringency is used in Raktapitta and applied externally in plasters for wounds and ulcers.
Dosage — how much to take
Purified resin powder 1–3 g per day, traditionally with milk. Usually taken within a compound such as Lakshadi Guggulu.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Lakh?
The citations held for Lakh in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthana — Bhagna Chikitsa); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Karpuradi Varga — Laksha).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Lakh?
Used in the management of fractures and dislocations. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Chikitsasthana — Bhagna Chikitsa.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Lakh?
Kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; sandhaniya and used in bhagna. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga — Laksha.
What is Lakh traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in fractures and bone injury to support union, and in Kshata-Kshina — wasting following chest injury — where the texts pair it with milk. Its astringency is also used in bleeding disorders and in wound healing, applied externally in plasters. It is the principal ingredient of Lakshadi Guggulu.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Lakh?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Lakh classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Lakh carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Lakh is used medicinally?
The part used is Resin (Lac), Resin (Lac Exudate).
How much Lakh is taken, and how?
Purified resin powder 1–3 g per day, traditionally with milk. Usually taken within a compound such as Lakshadi Guggulu. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Lakh be avoided?
Well tolerated. Note that this is an animal-derived product — those following a strictly vegetarian or vegan regimen should know its origin before taking preparations containing it. Astringent, so prolonged heavy use may cause constipation.
Where does Lakh grow?
Cultivated on host trees — palas, kusum and ber — chiefly in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. India is the world's largest producer.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga — Laksha
Kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; sandhaniya and used in bhagna. - Sushruta Samhita — Chikitsasthana — Bhagna Chikitsa
Used in the management of fractures and dislocations.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated. Note that this is an animal-derived product — those following a strictly vegetarian or vegan regimen should know its origin before taking preparations containing it. Astringent, so prolonged heavy use may cause constipation.
Where it grows
Cultivated on host trees — palas, kusum and ber — chiefly in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. India is the world's largest producer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Laksha a plant product?
No. It is a resin secreted by the lac insect on the twigs of host trees, so it is an animal-origin drug. We list it here because it appears in the ingredient sheet, but it is not a herb.
Is it suitable for vegetarians?
It is insect-derived. Anyone following a strict vegetarian or vegan regimen should be aware of that before taking Lakshadi Guggulu or similar preparations.
