Gandhaka Druti (गन्धकद्रुति) – An Ayurvedic Sulphur-Based Formulation

Gandhaka Druti (गन्धकद्रुति) – An Ayurvedic Sulphur-Based Formulation

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🔬 Introduction:

Gandhaka Druti is a classical Ayurvedic preparation where Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur) is dissolved or melted into a base liquid—usually a sneha drava (fat medium) or alkaline medium—to enhance its absorption and therapeutic action.

It is mainly used for:

• Skin disorders (Kushta)

• Wound healing (Vrana Ropana)

• Antimicrobial and antifungal action

• Chronic ulcers, eczema, psoriasis

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📜 Reference & Source:

While Gandhaka Druti is not found as a named formulation in Bṛhat-trayī, its preparation is often derived from Rasa Shastra texts like:

• Rasa Tarangini

• Rasa Ratna Samuccaya

• Ayurveda Sara Sangraha

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🔧 Ingredients (सामग्री):

Ingredient	Quantity	Role
Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur)	1 part	Antimicrobial, Rasayana
Tila Taila / Goghṛta / Lime water / Alkaline medium	4–8 parts	Solvent / Medium
Sometimes: Lime water (Churnodaka), Nimbu rasa, or Drava dravya (as per purpose)	—	Helps in liquefying and enhancing action

The medium varies depending on whether the druti is for external use, wound healing, or oral detoxification (usually external).

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🧪 Preparation (निर्माणविधिः):

1. Shodhana of Gandhaka is done using cow’s milk or ghee (नवनीत).

2. Take Shuddha Gandhaka in an iron ladle (Loha-Patra).

3. Heat gently over mild fire until it melts completely.

4. Add warm sneha dravya (ghee or oil) or alkaline solution (lime water) slowly and stir till a homogenous liquid is formed.

5. Cool and store in an airtight container.

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💊 Properties (गुणधर्म):

Property	Effect
Rasa	Tikta, Katu
Guna	Laghu, Ruksha
Veerya	Ushna
Vipaka	Katu
Doshakarma	Kapha-Pitta Shamaka (but may aggravate Pitta in excess use)

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⚕️ Therapeutic Uses (औषधोपयोगः):

Indication	Use
Kushtha (Skin Diseases)	Apply externally on patches, eczema, psoriasis
Vrana (Wounds)	As dressing agent to promote healing
Visarpa, Dadru	Local application
Fungal infections	Anti-fungal action
Chronic ulcers	Druti can be applied topically

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🧴 Dosage & Mode of Use:

Route	Usage
External (Bahya)	Apply a thin layer on affected skin, once/twice daily
Internal (rare & physician-guided only)	1–2 drops diluted, but generally avoided orally unless specifically prepared for internal use

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⚠️ Precautions:

• Avoid in pregnancy and sensitive skin conditions.

• Can cause burning or irritation if applied on open wounds without dilution.

• Always use purified sulphur.

• Perform a patch test before full application.

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✅ Modern View:

• Sulphur-based medications are recognized in dermatology for anti-scabies, anti-fungal, and keratolytic properties.

• Gandhaka Druti aligns with this, providing both antiseptic and healing actions.