Lakṣā (Laccifer lacca / Kerria lacca)

Common Names: Lac, Lakh, Shellac, Lac Resin
Sanskrit Synonyms: Lakṣā, Lakṣikā, Lakṣikā-rasa, Lakṣikā-drava, Lakṣā-rasa
Family: Coccidae (Lac insect family)
Part Used: Niryāsa (Resinous secretion of the insect), processed form (Lakṣā rasa)

Ayurvedic Pharmacology (Dravya Guṇa)

• Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet), Kaṣāya (Astringent)

• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Rukṣa (Dry)

• Virya (Potency): Śīta (Cooling)

• Vipāka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (Sweet)

• Karma (Actions):
  Raktasthambhaka (Hemostatic), Sandhānika (Promotes healing and union of fractures), Vranaropaka (Wound-healing), Raktaprasādana (Purifies blood), Pittahara (Pacifies Pitta), Śothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Śukra-vardhaka (Rejuvenates reproductive tissue), Varnya (Improves complexion), Asthi-saṃdhānika (Promotes bone strength)

Doshic Action

Pacifies Pitta and Kapha doṣas; mildly balances Vāta.
Acts on Raktavaha, Asthivaha, and Māṃsavaha srotas — supporting blood, tissue healing, and bone regeneration.

Therapeutic Indications

Lakṣā is a classical Raktasthambhaka and Vranaropaka dravya used in wound healing, bone repair, bleeding disorders, and gynecological conditions.
It is especially beneficial in conditions involving blood loss, bone weakness, and delayed healing.

It is beneficial in:

• Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders, nasal or uterine bleeding)

• Asthibhaṅga (Bone fracture, delayed union)

• Vrana (Ulcers, wounds, burns)

• Yoni roga (Gynecological disorders – excessive bleeding, leucorrhea)

• Pāṇḍu (Anemia, weakness)

• Śotha (Inflammation, swelling)

• Kṣaya (General debility, tissue loss)

• Dāha (Burning sensation, Pitta aggravation)

• Prameha (Urinary disorders)

Traditionally used as a Raktasthambhaka dravya in trauma care and Asthi-saṃdhāna chikitsā (bone healing therapy).

Pharmacological Insights

Laccifer lacca resin contains resin acids, laccaic acid, shellolic acid, and tannins, which exhibit hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing effects.
Modern studies highlight its tissue-repair, blood-coagulating, and bone-strengthening properties, aligning with its classical Sandhānika and Vranaropaka actions.

Formulations & Classical Preparations

• Lakṣā Guggulu – For bone fractures, arthritis, and joint strength

• Lakṣādi Taila – For external application in fractures and wound healing

• Lakṣādi Ghṛta – For bone, tissue, and reproductive health

• Lakṣā Chūrṇa / Avaleha – For uterine bleeding, wounds, and anemia

• Lakṣā Vati / Yoga – For bleeding disorders and recovery tonics

Anupāna & Dose

• Cūrṇa (Powder): 1–3 g with milk or ghee

• Ghṛta / Avaleha: 1–2 teaspoons twice daily

• Taila (External): For massage or bandhana (application over fracture site)
  (Use under supervision of an Ayurvedic physician.)

Special Notes

• Lakṣā is derived from the secretion of the Lac insect (Laccifer lacca) that inhabits trees like Butea monosperma and Schleichera oleosa.

• Its name stems from the Sanskrit word for “one lakh,” signifying abundance and the large colonies of insects producing the resin.

• Highly recommended in Asthi-saṃdhānika (bone repair) therapies — strengthening bone callus formation and aiding fracture healing.

• Also acts as a gentle tonic for female reproductive health and post-delivery recovery.

• Ideal for Pitta-Kapha disorders, bleeding, and inflammatory wounds.

Classical References

• Charaka Samhita – Sutra Sthana (Raktasthambhaka & Sandhānika Mahākāśaya)

• Sushruta Samhita – Sutra Sthana 38 (Vanaushadhi Adhyaya; Vrana Chikitsa)

• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Haritakyādi Varga

• Astanga Hridaya – Chikitsa Sthana (Asthibhaṅga & Raktapitta Chikitsa)

• Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Oshadhi Varga