Experiential learning : Kshara Preparation
On 8 Nov 2024, Dr Ravishankar Pervaje and Dr Ramesh Bhat visited I-AIM Healthcare Centre, the sister clinical partner of TDU. They demonstrated the preparation of Kshara. Our MSc Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) students participated in this workshop. This event was used as a learning opportunity. Students were asked to observe and reflect on this preparation from two perspectives: protocol writing and procedural analysis.
One of the major gaps in Ayurveda is the lack of standardized protocols for classical drug formulations. This can be tackled by improving our ability to document procedures that have been standardised by expert vaidyas. Dr Pervaje is known for the quality of his kshara preparation and we used this opportunity to document the procedure that he has standardised.
Like any good recipe, Kshara preparation follows a certain process. What could be the scientific reason for this? We dissected the process and arrived at hypotheses for what might be going on in a particular step. As expected, we were left with more questions than what we started. Where possible, we thought about how these questions could be answered with scientific equipment available today.
We hope you enjoy this assignment that was part of our “TD Discussions” course. Please encourage our students by leaving your comments. The student texts are lightly edited, allowing for the work to be showcased in their own words.
I will also take this opportunity to underscore the importance of mutual learning that our MSc Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) course presents. For me personally, this was the first time that I got deeply involved in an ayurvedic medicinal preparation and I am grateful to my students for teaching me more about it.
Megha,
Feb 2025
1. **About the Plants Used for Kshara** - Dr. Ameen
2. **Ash Preparation** - Dr. Samhita
3. **Boiling and Filtration** - Dr. Ankita
4. **Limestone Addition** - Dr. Ranjini
5. **Enhancing the Potency of Preparation** - Dr. Shamaa
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