Yavakshάra.

This article, as well as the next one called sarjikάkhara, is mentioned by Susruta, and has been used in medicine from a very remote period. Yavakshάra is prepared by reducing to ashes the green spikes of the barley (Hordeum hexastichum), dissolving the ashes in water, straining the solution through thick cloth, and evaporating it over the fire. The resulting salt is a clear amorphous powder with a saline and partly acid taste. Chemically it is carbonate of potash with some impurities. Yavakshάra is described as stomachic, laxative and diuretic. It is used in urinary diseases, dyspepsia, enlarged spleen and other enlargements of the abdominal viscera. A decoction of chebulic myrobalan and rohitaka bark is given with the addition of carbonate of potash and long pepper in enlarged spleen and liver, and in tumours in the abdomen called gulma.1 In strangury or painful micturition, carbonate of potash with sugar is considered a very efficacious remedy.2 It enters into the composition of numerous saline medicines.