Perspectives of Lavana in Charaka samhita: a review

Salt plays an important role in maintaining normal physiology of the human body health. Salts are referred as Lavana in Ayurveda that are vital ingredients in food and in medicine as well. Traditionally, Ayurveda classics distinguish several varieties of Lavanas. Specific salts have been described along with respective properties and actions. Charaka samhita, a familiar text for medical treatment, has advocated varieties of Lavanas and their applications in multiple pathological conditions. However, the information is found scattered across the classical texts. The current review is an attempt to screen this classical treatise and to compile information pertaining to utilization of various Lavanas for medicinal and other purposes referred. Screening through the classic revealed description of about 16 different Lavanas and about 250 compound formulations with salt as a component, inferring that different types of salts have specific action on health and/or disease. Judicious consumption of Lavana is repeatedly advised, and it is said that Lavanas produce good results when used properly (aapaatbhdra prayogasamsaadgunyaat), whereas injudicious use may cause exacerbation of various doshas leading to the manifestation of diseases. Though an important component of life cycle, salts are to be used in limited quantities judiciously.