Cravings for non-food items like slate pencils are clinically known as Pica. From both an Ayurvedic and modern medical perspective, this is usually your body’s way of signaling a nutritional deficiency. In Ayurveda, this condition is often associated with Mrid Bhakshana Janya Pandu (Anemia caused by eating earth/clay). It is primarily a Vata-Pitta imbalance. Vata Imbalance: The dryness and “earthy” quality of slate pencils attract a Vated-disturbed mind, often leading to insomnia (Anidra) if the craving isn’t met. Agni (Digestive Fire): A weak Agni leads to the formation of Ama (toxins), which confuses the body’s natural instincts, causing it to crave indigestible substances instead of nutrients. Modern Medical Note These cravings are most commonly a sign of Iron Deficiency Anemia or Zinc deficiency. When your mineral levels are low, the brain triggers “earth-eating” urges. Since it is affecting your sleep, checking your hemoglobin levels is highly recommended. To address the underlying anemia and improve digestion. 1. Drakshadi Kwath (Tablet/Kadha) Dose: 15 ml mixed with 45 ml lukewarm water, twice daily before food. Purpose: Enriches blood and pacifies Pitta/Vata. 2. Dadimadi Ghritam Dose: 1 teaspoon with warm water on an empty stomach in the morning. Purpose: Specifically indicated for Mrid Bhakshana (clay eating) and improving iron absorption. 3. Lohasinduram Dose: 125 mg to 250 mg twice daily after food with honey. Purpose: Direct iron supplementation to stop the cravings at the root.
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1000+ verified doctorsWhy do I have strong cravings for slate pencils at night and can't sleep without them? - #53474
I'm getting carvings on slate pencils. At night I'm getting heavy cravings on slatepencils. If I not eat slatepencils at night i didn't get sleep.
How long have you been experiencing these cravings?:
- Less than 1 weekHow would you describe the intensity of your cravings?:
- Very strong — overwhelming needDo you experience any other symptoms when you have these cravings?:
- NoneHave you noticed any specific triggers for your cravings?:
- Certain times of dayHow is your overall appetite and eating habits?:
- Regular meals, no issuesHow would you rate your sleep quality without slate pencils?:
- Difficulty falling asleepHave you tried any remedies or treatments to address these cravings?:
- No, this is the first time seeking helpDoctors' responses
What you’re describing sounds like pica, a condition where a person develops strong cravings for non-food items (like slate pencils, chalk, मिट्टी/soil, ice, etc.). –related condition is Iron deficiency anemia, which is strongly linked with unusual cravings like chalk, clay, or pencils. –Slate pencils can contain: Clay, silica, chalk-like compounds Possible chemical additives or contaminants Eating them regularly can lead to: Stomach pain or constipation Intestinal blockage (in rare cases) Worsening nutritional imbalance —So your body is developing a dependence loop at night, which is why you can’t sleep without it. This is treatable, but you should not keep reinforcing it -------- firstly do the following tests– CBC (complete blood count) Serum ferritin (iron stores) Iron + B12 + zinc levels -These tests will quickly show if a deficiency is driving this. -------Rx- Medicines 1) Navayasa Lauha – 250 mg, 1 tab twice daily after food 2) Ashwagandha churna – 3 g at night with warm milk 3) Triphala tab 1 tab at bedtime with warm water 4) Draksharishta – 15 ml with equal water, twice daily after food – Diet Dates, pomegranate, beetroot, milk, ghee Avoid junk food + long fasting at night – follow up with reports as soon as possible
Yeh habit slate pencil khane ki (pica) kehlati hai, mostly calcium/iron deficiency + stress ki wajah se hoti hai. Isko ignore mat karein. Praval Pishti (calcium support) Dose: 125–250 mg, din me 2 baar shahad ya dudh ke sath Mandur Bhasma / Punarnava Mandur (iron) Dose: 250 mg, din me 2 baar khane ke baad Kaam: iron deficiency aur craving kam karega Ashwagandha churna Dose: 1/2 tsp, raat ko dudh ke sath Kaam: craving + sleep improve Raat ko 1 glass warm milk + 1 tsp ghee Til (sesame), gud, dates khaye (natural calcium/iron) Slate pencil bilkul band kare (pet aur kidney ko nuksan hota hai) Hb (hemoglobin) aur calcium test karwa lein Agar 2–3 week me craving kam na ho → doctor consult
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