# Bhallataka Taila

> Bhallataka Taila is a classical Ayurvedic taila, a medicated oil. Shodhana reduces vesicant urushiol while retaining therapeutic semecarpol. Transdermal absorption is rapid due to phenolic lipophilicity. Optimal Timing: As directed by qualified Vaidya — not for self-medication Shelf Life: 3 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines Storage: Store in amber glass bottles in a cool, dry place.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bhallataka Taila |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Snigdha, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Taila (medicated oil), Capsules (modern, with purified extract)

**Standard Dosage:** Externally as directed; internally only under strict medical supervision, 1-3 drops in milk, as per classical texts

**Bioavailability:** Oil base provides controlled delivery of active biflavonoids and phenolic compounds. Shodhana reduces vesicant urushiol while retaining therapeutic semecarpol. Transdermal absorption is rapid due to phenolic lipophilicity.

**Optimal Timing:** As directed by qualified Vaidya — not for self-medication

**Shelf Life:** 3 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines

**Storage:** Store in amber glass bottles in a cool, dry place. Handle with gloves — residual irritant potential. Clearly labeled with caution warnings. Temperature not exceeding 25°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Semecarpol, Bhilawanol, Anacardic acid, Biflavonoids ([amentoflavone](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#amentoflavone), tetrahydroamentoflavone)

**Quality Parameters:** Free phenol content (must be reduced to safe limits post-Shodhana), acid value, peroxide value, urushiol content (must be minimal/absent post-purification), HPTLC fingerprint, bhilawanol content, microbial limits, heavy metals, irritation/sensitization testing

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm milk (essential to buffer irritant potential for internal use)

### Synergistic Combinations

- Triphala [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/)|[Triphala](/herb/triphala/) Guggulu
- Kanchanara [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/)|Kanchanara Guggulu
- [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) Churna
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) Churna

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/bhallataka-taila/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.