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Rala राल
Shorea robusta
Also known as: Saal
Part used: Resin, Stem Bark
| 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: Shorea robusta
- Part used: Resin, Stem Bark
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Resin 500 mg – 2 g per day internally, within a compound.
Rala in other languages
Introduction
Rala is sal resin (Shorea robusta), the pale aromatic gum that seeps from the trunk of the sal tree, the dominant timber tree of northern and central Indian forest. It is known in the texts as Sarjarasa.
It is an astringent, wound-healing resin used chiefly on the skin — in ointments, plasters and incense — and internally in dysentery and discharge.
Classification
Family Dipterocarpaceae. The oleoresin and stem bark are officinal. Rasa: Kashaya, Tikta. Guna: Ruksha, Laghu. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Applied externally in wounds, ulcers, eczema and burns, where it dries discharge and supports healing; it is a standard ingredient of classical plasters and of Panchagun Taila in this catalogue. Internally it is given in diarrhoea, dysentery and leucorrhoea for its astringency.
Rala for wounds and skin
A Vranaropana resin used in ointments and plasters for ulcers, weeping eczema and burns, where its astringency dries the surface.
Rala for discharge
Taken internally in small doses for chronic diarrhoea and leucorrhoea, on the same astringent principle.
Dosage — how much to take
Resin 500 mg – 2 g per day internally, within a compound. Externally applied as an ointment or plaster without dose limit.
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 Rala?
The citations held for Rala in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthana — Salasaradi Gana); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Karpuradi Varga — Sarjarasa).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Rala?
Sal heads a group of astringent drugs used in skin disease and Prameha. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana — Salasaradi Gana.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Rala?
Kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; vranaropana and grahi. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga — Sarjarasa.
What is Rala traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Applied externally in wounds, ulcers, eczema and burns, where it dries discharge and supports healing; it is a standard ingredient of classical plasters and of Panchagun Taila in this catalogue. Internally it is given in diarrhoea, dysentery and leucorrhoea for its astringency.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Rala?
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 Rala classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Rala carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Rala is used medicinally?
The part used is Resin, Stem Bark.
How much Rala is taken, and how?
Resin 500 mg – 2 g per day internally, within a compound. Externally applied as an ointment or plaster without dose limit. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Rala be avoided?
Well tolerated externally. Internally it is astringent and drying, so prolonged use may cause constipation. Consult a physician in pregnancy. The resin is flammable and is also burned as incense — keep away from flame when handling in quantity.
Where does Rala grow?
Sal forms extensive forests across the sub-Himalayan tract, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh; the resin is tapped from the trunk.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga — Sarjarasa
Kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; vranaropana and grahi. - Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana — Salasaradi Gana
Sal heads a group of astringent drugs used in skin disease and Prameha.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated externally. Internally it is astringent and drying, so prolonged use may cause constipation. Consult a physician in pregnancy. The resin is flammable and is also burned as incense — keep away from flame when handling in quantity.
Where it grows
Sal forms extensive forests across the sub-Himalayan tract, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh; the resin is tapped from the trunk.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rala exactly?
The oleoresin that exudes from the trunk of the sal tree. It hardens into pale brittle lumps and is used in ointments, plasters and incense.
Is it used internally?
In small doses within compound formulations, for dysentery and discharge. Its main use in this catalogue is external, in Panchagun Taila.
