Kalka; 7 Definition(s)

Introduction

Kalka means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy)

Kalka is the fine paste of macerated fresh plant material. (see the Paribhāṣā-prabandha: an Āyurvedic treatise on medical terminology by Jagannāthaprasāda Śukla).

context information

Rasashastra (रसशास्त्र, rasaśāstra) is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Ayurveda (science of life)

Kalka (Paste): Fresh herbs grounded in to fine or coarse paste is Kalka. If the plant does not yield appreciable quantities of juice, kalka is prepared. It has quite an amount of fiber and therefore useful in digestive disorders because it stays longer in the gut. Bhūmyāmalaki (Phyllanthus niruri) is a weed plant that is freshly collected and made into kalka to use in the patients suffering from viral hepatitis.

Kalka or ‘wet bolus’ is made by crushing the herbs and plants to make a paste. It is usually used for external applications and if taken internal, the recommended dosage is 1 karsha (12g). For example, Nimba-kalka, Rasona-kalka.

Kalka (Paste): A fresh drug or a dry drug is converted into a paste by rubbing it on a stone with little quantity of water. Fresh or dry drugs are first cleaned with water. In case of dry drug, it is powdered first and filtered with a cloth and mixed with appropriate quantity of water and then rubbed in pestle and mortar and made into a paste. In case of fresh drugs, they are first chopped into fine pieces, pounded and macerated in mortar and pestle until the paste becomes fine.

Kalka can be used both internally and externally. Kala is also used in preparation of oils to add specific color, fragrance and medicinal properties. Dose for internal use is 5-10 gm. Eg. Paste of Nimba (Neem) can be prepared and administered in intestinal worm infestations.

context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Kalka is a medical term used in Ayurveda meaning "paste".

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

kalka (कल्क).—n S Medicaments reduced (by levigation, pounding, bruising, boiling &c.) to a slimy consistence.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Kalka (कल्क).—a. [kal-ka Uṇ.3.4]

1) Sinful, wicked.

-lkaḥ, -lkam 1 The viscous sediment deposited by oily substances when ground.

2) A kind of tenacious paste; गौरसर्षपकल्केन (gaurasarṣapakalkena) (snapanam) Y.1.277. An unguent paste; कल्काश्चूर्णकषायांश्च स्नानानि विविधानि च (kalkāścūrṇakaṣāyāṃśca snānāni vividhāni ca) Rām.2.91.74; a paste used as plaster or cement also called Yoga (mixture).

3) (Hence) Dirt, filth (in general).

4) Ordure, fæces.

5) Meanness, deceit, hypocrisy; Śi.19.98.

6) Sin. तपो न कल्कोऽध्ययनं न कल्कः स्वाभाविको वेदविधिर्न कल्कः । प्रसह्य वित्ताहरणं न कल्कस्तान्येव भावोपहतानि कल्कः (tapo na kalko'dhyayanaṃ na kalkaḥ svābhāviko vedavidhirna kalkaḥ | prasahya vittāharaṇaṃ na kalkastānyeva bhāvopahatāni kalkaḥ) (dīnadaṇḍareṣā) Mb.1.1.275.

7) Levigated powder; तां लोभ्रकल्केन हृताङ्गतैलाम् (tāṃ lobhrakalkena hṛtāṅgatailām) Ku.7.9.

8) Incense.

9) The wax of the ear.

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