Tankankhar is a purified form of borax, chemically known as Sodium biborate (Sodium tetraborate). It is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine after proper purification (Shodhana). Tankankhar is valued for its alkaline, antiseptic, and expectorant properties and is commonly used in respiratory disorders, digestive issues, and certain gynecological conditions.
Common Names
- English: Borax / Purified Borax
- Sanskrit: Tankana
- Hindi: Tankan / Suhaga
- Gujarati: Tankan Khar
- Tamil: Vengaram
- Telugu: Veligaram
- Unani: Tinkar
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Respiratory Health: Acts as an expectorant, helping in conditions like cough, asthma, and bronchitis. Supports the loosening and effective removal of phlegm from the respiratory tract.
- Digestive Support: Works as a digestive stimulant and helps relieve indigestion and abdominal discomfort. Used in small doses for flatulence and colic pain.
- Gynecological Uses: Traditionally used for menstrual disorders and as a mild uterine stimulant. Applied in certain formulations for leucorrhoea.
- Antiseptic and Antimicrobial Action: Exhibits antiseptic properties, useful in wound cleaning and oral infections. Used in formulations for mouth ulcers and throat infections.
- Skin and External Applications: Applied externally in certain conditions like skin infections and itching.
References
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Government of India.
- Rasatarangini – Sadananda Sharma, Chapter on Tankana.
- The Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials & Industrial Products, CSIR, New Delhi.
- Indian Pharmacopoeia, Government of India.
- Nadkarni, K.M. (2009). Indian Materia Medica. Popular Prakashan.
- European Pharmacopoeia, Council of Europe.
- O'Neil, M.J. (2013). The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, 15th Edition.
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