Lehya (Avaleha) is a semi-solid Ayurvedic formulation made with herbal extracts, jaggery, or honey for easy consumption and efficacy.
Definition Lehya (Avaleha)
- Lehya (also called avaleha or confection) is a semi-solid preparation made by boiling the decoction of herbs with a sweet base (jaggery, sugar, honey) until it achieves a thick, paste-like consistency.
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Preparation Steps
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Herbal Decoction:
- Herbs are boiled in water to obtain a concentrated extract (similar to Kashaya).
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Addition of Sweetening and Binding Agents:
- Jaggery, sugar, or honey is added to the decoction, and the mixture is cooked further. Ghee or oil may sometimes be added to enhance palatability and medicinal properties.
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Concentration:
- The mixture is heated till it attains a particular thickness or consistency (when a drop placed in water forms a soft ball, for instance).
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Cooling and Addition of Final Ingredients:
- After partial cooling, volatile or heat-sensitive substances (e.g., aromatic herbs, spices) may be added.
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Shaping/Packaging:
- The semisolid mass can be stored in wide-mouthed containers.
Standardization
- Consistency (determined by water content).
- Microbial Limits: Must be free of pathogenic organisms, given higher moisture than powders.
- Assay of Key Constituents: Ensures therapeutic potency.
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