PREPARATION OF SOMARAJI TAILA

In Bhaishajya Kalpana, both Aushadha Kalpana and Ahara Kalpana are included. The fundamental preparations under Aushadha Kalpana are collectively termed Panchvidha Kashaya Kalpana. Since these formulations generally have a short shelf life, different methods are adopted to enhance their stability, therapeutic efficacy, and storage period. Such modified dosage forms are known as secondary Kalpana, which include Churna, Vati, Taila, Ghrita, Sandhan, and Avaleha Kalpana. Among them, Sneha Kalpana is one of the most widely used dosage forms in day-to-day Ayurvedic practice. The four types of Sneha Dravyas are Ghrita, Taila, Vasa, and Majja. Here, Sneha refers to fat or fatty substances, while Kalpana denotes the pharmaceutical process that transforms these substances into medicines. Somaraji Taila, referenced in Chakradatta, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, AFI, and Ayurveda Sara Sangraha, is regarded as a drug of choice in conditions such as Kustha, Pama, and Nilika. It is a polyherbal formulation prepared with ingredients like Bakuchi, Haridra, Daruharidra, Sarsapa, Kustha, Karanja, Chakramarda, Aragvadha, Sarsapa Taila, and cow’s urine. The present paper provides a review of the ingredients of Somaraji Taila along with their probable mode of action.