Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only

The Ayurvedic Formulary of India discusses Yavanala or Sorghum which is a closely related millet often used as a proxy. In Ayurveda Yavanala is primarily used to prepare a medicinal ash known as Yavanala Bhasma. This alkaline preparation possesses hot and penetrating qualities making it a potent remedy for breaking down kidney stones and treating painful urination. It is therapeutically indicated for urinary calculi abdominal lumps known as Gulma and disorders caused by Vata aggravation. By clearing obstructions in the urinary tract and pacifying Vata and Kapha doshas Yavanala Bhasma serves as an effective lithotriptic agent and digestive aid when taken under medical supervision.
Yavanala is a coarse grain belonging to the grass family. In classical Ayurveda, it is recognized not just as a food source but as a medicinal ingredient when processed into an alkaline ash (Bhasma). It is particularly valued for its ability to break down calculi (stones) and clear obstructions in the urinary tract.
Yavanala is a tall, grass-like plant cultivated for its grain. While used as a staple food in many parts of India, its medicinal importance in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India lies in the preparation of Yavanāla Bhasma (ash). This preparation is a potent alkali used to treat stubborn urinary and abdominal disorders.
(Based on its indications and alkali preparation):
According to the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Yavanala (specifically Yavanala Bhasma) is indicated for:
(General guidance for Yavanala Bhasma as per Ayurvedic Formulary of India):
The World Health Organization provides frameworks on food safety, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention relevant to staple grains like corn.
Dietary guidelines
Whole grain recommendations
https://www.who.int/health-topics/nutrition
The Food and Agriculture Organization publishes global data and research on maize production, food security, and crop utilization worldwide.
https://www.fao.org/maize
Whole grains, including maize (corn), and health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal: British Journal of Nutrition (2016)
Looks at whole grain intake (including corn) and cardiometabolic risk
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27806585
Nutritional and phytochemical analysis of maize: health benefits and applications
Journal: Food Chemistry (2017)
Highlights carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin), fiber, vitamins, antioxidants
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814617314235
Lutein and Zeaxanthin in corn: effects on macular pigment and visual performance
Journal: Journal of Nutrition (2013)
Corn as a dietary source of carotenoids beneficial to eye health
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23343632
Glycemic responses to maize-based foods (maize meal, corn flakes) in humans
Journal: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Corn’s carbohydrate impact on blood glucose compared to refined carbs
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20407411
Maize bran and resistant starch: fermentation and gut microbiota modulation
Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2018)
Explores maize fiber’s influence on gut health
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
The medicinal ash (Bhasma) is taken for a specific therapeutic period to treat stones or dysuria, not as a daily nutritional supplement.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is typically taken with water, often recommended before or after meals depending on the specific Vata disorder.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India specifies Water (Jala) as the vehicle (Anupana) for Yavanala Bhasma.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only

The Ayurvedic Formulary of India discusses Yavanala or Sorghum which is a closely related millet often used as a proxy. In Ayurveda Yavanala is primarily used to prepare a medicinal ash known as Yavanala Bhasma. This alkaline preparation possesses hot and penetrating qualities making it a potent remedy for breaking down kidney stones and treating painful urination. It is therapeutically indicated for urinary calculi abdominal lumps known as Gulma and disorders caused by Vata aggravation. By clearing obstructions in the urinary tract and pacifying Vata and Kapha doshas Yavanala Bhasma serves as an effective lithotriptic agent and digestive aid when taken under medical supervision.
Yavanala is a coarse grain belonging to the grass family. In classical Ayurveda, it is recognized not just as a food source but as a medicinal ingredient when processed into an alkaline ash (Bhasma). It is particularly valued for its ability to break down calculi (stones) and clear obstructions in the urinary tract.
Yavanala is a tall, grass-like plant cultivated for its grain. While used as a staple food in many parts of India, its medicinal importance in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India lies in the preparation of Yavanāla Bhasma (ash). This preparation is a potent alkali used to treat stubborn urinary and abdominal disorders.
(Based on its indications and alkali preparation):
According to the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Yavanala (specifically Yavanala Bhasma) is indicated for:
(General guidance for Yavanala Bhasma as per Ayurvedic Formulary of India):
The World Health Organization provides frameworks on food safety, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention relevant to staple grains like corn.
Dietary guidelines
Whole grain recommendations
https://www.who.int/health-topics/nutrition
The Food and Agriculture Organization publishes global data and research on maize production, food security, and crop utilization worldwide.
https://www.fao.org/maize
Whole grains, including maize (corn), and health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal: British Journal of Nutrition (2016)
Looks at whole grain intake (including corn) and cardiometabolic risk
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27806585
Nutritional and phytochemical analysis of maize: health benefits and applications
Journal: Food Chemistry (2017)
Highlights carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin), fiber, vitamins, antioxidants
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814617314235
Lutein and Zeaxanthin in corn: effects on macular pigment and visual performance
Journal: Journal of Nutrition (2013)
Corn as a dietary source of carotenoids beneficial to eye health
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23343632
Glycemic responses to maize-based foods (maize meal, corn flakes) in humans
Journal: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Corn’s carbohydrate impact on blood glucose compared to refined carbs
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20407411
Maize bran and resistant starch: fermentation and gut microbiota modulation
Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2018)
Explores maize fiber’s influence on gut health
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
The medicinal ash (Bhasma) is taken for a specific therapeutic period to treat stones or dysuria, not as a daily nutritional supplement.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is typically taken with water, often recommended before or after meals depending on the specific Vata disorder.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India specifies Water (Jala) as the vehicle (Anupana) for Yavanala Bhasma.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem