REVIEW ON SRI LANKAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE - SHARKARADI KALKA

Abstract

In Sri Lanka many herbal medicines are used for their various effects and their efficacy is traditionally acclaimed. Sharkaradi Kalka is an example for such herbal product with various benefits in Sri Lankan traditional medicine. Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine plays a major role in preventive and curing many disease conditions due to its therapeutic actions and less side effects. The combined herbo mineral formulas are being used frequently in present days. Sharkaradi Kalka is one of common formula that used for many disease conditions mainly of Kapha imbalances. It is a main component in Vatikaprakaranaya or Behth Guli Kalka Potha. According to the traditional texts books Sharkaradi Kaka has proven to be a Kapha pacifying medicine, due to this pharmacodynamic properties of Katu (Pungent), Thikta (Bitter) and Kashaya (Astringent), Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Thikshna (Sharp) accompanied by Ushna (Hot) Veerya and Katu (Pungent) Vipaka. Interest of herbal products contributes significantly towards human wellbeing of the global population and in future, studies on efficacy of traditional and Ayurvedic herbs should be used to establish their therapeutic benefits either alone or in combination with conventional therapies.