What is Kushta?

Kushta is a peculiar form of medication that belongs to the Unani System of Medicine. It is prepared by burning some drugs on direct heat. Sometimes, the ingredients are burnt using an indirect heat. This unique method of preparation increases the effectiveness of the final product. The term, Kushta, means ‘killed’.

Also, these medicines can be readily absorbed by the body compared to the other forms of medications. The beneficial effect of these medicines can be noticed much earlier than the other products. Several Unani medications can be prepared using this method some of which are Kushta Abrak Safed, Kushta Abrak Siyah, and Kushta Faulad.

Method of Preparation of Kushta Medications

Different medications belonging to this category are made in their own unique way through the preparation of each includes the process of heating the ingredients. To begin with, some of the ingredients are mixed together. The ingredients can be in the form of a powder or even semi-solid mucilage. The ingredients are poured into a clay pot. The pot is sealed with GILE HIKMAT (earth or mud). Then, the pot is heated by keeping it on the heat produced by a 10 to 12 kg of dung cake. This will help to soften the leaf of the Abrak or Talcum if it is one of the ingredients of the formula. Later, the mixture is allowed to cool down. The material is taken out from the clay pot and grounded well to make a powder. Then, the powder is kept in water and allowed to decant. This process is repeated at least thrice to obtain the final product.