THE MEDICINE OF LAKSHA
Laksha, also known as Lac, is a resin produced by the female lac insect (Laccifer lacca). This natural substance has significant applications in traditional medicine, particularly in the healing of bone fractures and the treatment of bleeding disorders. The following outlines the characteristics, Ayurvedic properties, and medicinal uses of Laksha.
HOW IS LAKSHA SOURCED AND COLLECTED?
Laksha is secreted by female lac insects, which feed on the sap of various plants and bushes. The insects appear as tiny, limbless spots on plants, covered with a slick serum. Often, only the resin they excrete is visible, making the insects themselves difficult to recognize. Lac is a primary cash crop in India and Thailand, where it is collected from plants. Before its various uses, Lac undergoes purification processes involving heating and filtering.
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Taste (Rasa): Astringent (Kasaya)
Main Quality (Guna): Light (Laghu) and Unctuous or Oily (Snigadh or Sneha)
Potency (Virya): Cold (Sheeta)
Resultant (Vipaka): Pungent (Katu)
Therapeutic Effect (Prabhava): Rejuvenation and Supplement
Dosha Karma (Effect on Doshas):
Laksha pacifies the Kapha and Pitta doshas.
SHELLAC
Shellac is a purified form of Lac, typically available as thin yellow or orange flakes. The purification process involves heating and filtering, and sometimes bleaching to produce white Shellac.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF LACCIFER
Laccifer lacca exhibits several healing properties, including:
- Astringent
- Anthelmintic
- Coagulation modifier
- Anti-hiccup
- Antipruritic
- Anti-arthritic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiulcer
THERAPEUTIC USES OF LAKSHA
Laksha is widely used for various skin conditions and injuries. It is effective in stopping bleeding from wounds, healing skin ulcers, and accelerating the recovery of skin diseases. Specific external uses include:
- Injuries
- Fungal infections
- Eczema
- Scabies
- Herpes
Laksha's properties such as Rakta Stambhaka (Hemostasis), Bhagnasandhana (Bone healing), and Vranaropaka (Wound healing) contribute significantly to its efficacy in fracture recovery.
Herbs infused with Laksha penetrate deep into the skin, aiding in the healing of dry or damaged skin, minimizing moisture loss, and revitalizing the skin’s protective layer. It is particularly beneficial in treating severe skin conditions like eczema, which causes redness, dryness, and flakiness of the skin.