Ask Ayurveda

FREE!Ask Ayurvedic Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 43M : 11S
background-image
Click Here
background image
Skin and Hair Disorders
Question #2945
1 year ago
546

Gandhaka - #2945

Joshua

I’ve been experiencing skin issues like constant itching and redness, and someone recommended gandhaka as a possible remedy. From what I understand, gandhaka is sulfur used in Ayurveda for skin problems. I’d like to know more about how it works and whether it could help with my condition. The itching is worse at night and sometimes turns into small red patches. I’ve tried antihistamines, but the relief is temporary. I read online that gandhaka can purify the blood and treat various skin conditions. Is that true? Does gandhaka come in tablet form, or is it applied directly to the skin? If you’ve used gandhaka, how effective was it for your skin problems? Are there any side effects I should be aware of, like dryness or irritation? Also, is it safe to combine gandhaka with other Ayurvedic medicines or creams? I’m particularly curious about whether gandhaka needs a specific diet for better results. If you’ve had experience with gandhaka, please share how it worked for you and any tips for using it.

FREE
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

Gandhaka (sulfur) is used in Ayurveda for its detoxifying and blood-purifying properties, often prescribed for skin conditions like eczema, acne, and itching. It helps balance the Pitta dosha, which is associated with skin inflammation and redness. It can be taken internally (in tablet or powder form) or used topically in the form of creams or pastes, depending on the condition.

For your symptoms, gandhaka might help by reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing. However, it can sometimes cause dryness or irritation, especially when used in high doses or without proper moisturizing. It’s often used alongside other Ayurvedic herbs to support digestion and skin health.

Diet: A cooling and Pitta-balancing diet is recommended (avoid spicy, oily, or acidic foods). Be cautious when combining gandhaka with other medicines, as it may interact with some herbs. Always consult your Ayurvedic practitioner for guidance on the correct dosage and combination.

In terms of effectiveness, users generally report gradual improvements, though it may take a few weeks for noticeable results.

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Alright, let’s talk about gandhaka. It’s true that gandhaka, which is essentially purified sulfur, is used in Ayurveda, especially for skin conditions related to itching, redness, and we also say pach (patches)! It is believed to help purify the blood, strengthening skin health, and restoring balance to conditions caused by imbalanced Pitta or even Kapha doshas.

Now does it actually work… well, in terms of application, it comes in various forms. You can find gandhaka in tablet form, and sometimes in topical creams or powders, depending on what your prakriti demands. Internal use like tablets could be more appropriate if the root issue involves a blood related imbalance (as Ayurveda suggests), while topical application might address the symptoms directly. You should always start with lower doses of internal use - around 125mg or like 250mg but best see a qualified practitioner for precise dosage!

About the diet, yes it’s definitely a good idea to follow a Pitta-pacifying diet alongside. Just might mean avoiding spicy foods, reducing sour or salty treats, and maybe loading up on more cooling foods like cucumber, coconut water. Good hydration is key! There’s a general rule in Ayurveda that pacifying the doshas and supporting gut health improves skincare regimen effectiveness.

On the safety side, gandhaka has been historically safe with some precautions. Overuse or inappropriate application could lead to dryness or irritation but that is rare when supervised. And combining gandhaka with other Ayurvedic treatments is generally fine but consult with a knowledgeable practitioner to ensure compatibility. Everyone’s skin reacts differently.

Oh, and remember, it’s important to keep stress in check too. Ayurveda sees a strong mind-body connection, so relaxation practices like meditation or yoga will not hurt one bit! And hey, if your itching gets unbearable, supplements home remedies should not replace immediate med care—better to err on the side of caution.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. M.Sushma
I am Dr. Sushma M and yeah, I’ve been in Ayurveda for over 20 yrs now—honestly still learning from it every day. I mostly work with preventive care, diet logic, and prakriti-based guidance. I mean, why wait for full-blown disease when your body’s been whispering for years, right? I’m kinda obsessed with that early correction part—spotting vata-pitta-kapha imbalances before they spiral into something deeper. Most ppl don’t realize how much power food timing, digestion rhythm, & basic routine actually have… until they shift it. Alongside all that classical Ayurveda, I also use energy medicine & color therapy—those subtle layers matter too, esp when someone’s dealing with long-term fatigue or emotional heaviness. These things help reconnect not just the body, but the inner self too. Some ppl are skeptical at first—but when you treat *beyond* the doshas, they feel it. And I don’t force anything… I just kinda match what fits their nature. I usually take time understanding a person’s prakriti—not just from pulse or skin or tongue—but how they react to stress, sleep patterns, their relationship with food. That whole package tells the story. I don’t do textbook treatment lines—I build a plan that adjusts *with* the person, not on top of them. Over the years, watching patients slowly return to their baseline harmony—that's what keeps me in it. I’ve seen folks come in feeling lost in symptoms no one explained… and then walk out weeks later understanding their body better than they ever did. That, to me, is healing. Not chasing symptoms, but restoring rhythm. I believe true care doesn’t look rushed, or mechanical. It listens, observes, tweaks gently. That's the kind of Ayurveda I try to practice—not loud, but deeply rooted.
5
922 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
476 reviews
Dr. Sumit Tasgaonkar
I am Dr. Sumit S. Tasgaonkar — a BAMS doc who also went on to complete MS in Ayurveda surgery, along with CGO and PGDEMS. Kinda feels like I’m always learning. And maybe that’s what keeps me grounded — balancing classical Ayurvedic wisdom with real-time medical emergencies or even modern diagnostic tools. I don’t see these systems as opposites... for me, they compliment each other when you look closely enough. My work mostly revolves around chronic diseases, metabolic issues, lifestyle mess (and there’s plenty of it these days), and women’s health conditions — PCOS, hormonal imbalance, gynec stuff that needs long-term attention. I use Panchakarma, herbal meds, diet correction, sometimes just shifting someone’s daily habits does more than we expect. But it’s never one-size-fits-all. I take a lot of time getting to the root cause — dosha imbalance, agni disturbance, whatever is underneath the visible stuff. Patients dealing with arthritis, stress, skin flareups, digestion trouble — I’ve seen all of that and more. And every case teaches something new. I’m super keen on tracking progress too. Like we keep tweaking, adjusting as per prakriti and vikriti, not just protocol-for-all. And honestly, the most satisfying part? when patients tell me they feel like themselves again. I started Tasgaonkar Medical Foundation with a big dream of bringing authentic Ayurveda to more people, esp. rural areas where choices are limited. We still keep prices fair and try not to compromise on classical principles. Accessibility doesn’t mean diluting the science — that’s always been important to me. What I really want is to see more people actually understand their health. Not just pop pills or mask symptoms. I wanna give them the tools — through knowledge, through food, through breath — to live lighter and healthier. And ya, sometimes it’s messy, sometimes you doubt, sometimes you adjust everything mid-plan... but that's Ayurveda too. Listening, observing, and flowing with the body, not against it.
5
1 reviews
Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi
I am working right now as a Consultant Ayurvedic Ano-Rectal Surgeon at Bhrigu Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital in Nalgonda—and yeah, that name’s quite something, but what really keeps me here is the kind of cases we get. My main focus is managing ano-rectal disorders like piles (Arsha), fistula-in-ano (Bhagandara), fissure-in-ano (Parikartika), pilonidal sinus, and rectal polyps. These are often more complex than they look at first, and they get misdiagnosed or overtreated in a lotta places. That’s where our classical tools come in—Ksharasutra therapy, Agnikarma, and a few other para-surgical techniques we follow from the Samhitas...they’ve been lifesavers honestly. My work here pushes me to keep refining surgical precision while also sticking to the Ayurvedic core. I do rely on modern diagnostics when needed, but I won’t replace the value of a well-done Nadi Pariksha or assessing dosha-vikruti in depth. Most of my patients come with pain, fear, and usually after a couple of rounds of either incomplete surgeries or just being fed painkillers n antibiotics. And I totally get that frustration. That’s why I combine surgery with a whole support plan—Ayurvedic meds, diet changes, lifestyle tweaks that actually match their prakriti. Not generic stuff off a handout. Over time, I’ve seen that when people follow the whole protocol, not just the procedure part, the recurrence drops a lot. I’m quite particular about follow-up and wound care too, ‘cause we’re dealing with delicate areas here and ignoring post-op can ruin outcomes. Oh and yeah—I care a lot about educating folks too. I talk to patients in OPD, sometimes give community talks, just to tell people they do have safer options than cutting everything out under GA! I still study Shalya Tantra like it’s a living document. I try to stay updated with whatever credible advancements are happening in Ayurvedic surgery, but I filter what’s fluff and what’s actually useful. At the end of the day, my aim is to offer respectful, outcome-based care that lets patients walk out without shame or fear. That’s really what keeps me grounded in this field.
5
927 reviews
Dr. Neha Gupta
I am working in Ayurveda from a little over 2 years now, and sometimes I feel like each day pushes me deeper into understanding how metabolic disorders or skin issues or PCOD actually behave in differnt bodies. I rely a lot on evidence-based Ayurvedic practice, coz I like seeing a clear logic behind the diagnosis, even if I get stuck for a moment trying to figure out small details that dont fit right away. I dealt with many gastrointestinal problems too—things like bloating, indigetion or long-standing gut issues—and I try to look at them through the root-cause lens, not just the surface level symptoms. My way is kind of simple but also not simple, you know… I focus on Nidana, dosha imbalance, daily routines, stress pattterns, all that, and from there I build a treatment plan that actually feels personal to the patient instead of a readymade chart. Most people come to me wanting quick results but I keep reminding them gently that healing need time, and lifestyle modification matters more than they think. I follow a patient-first way of working… maybe I say it too often, but I really do sit with each person, asking small questions, checking prakriti-vikriti stuff, making sure they feel heard before I even suggest herbs or diet shifts. Sometimes I get a bit carried away with explaining the why behind treatments, but I feel it helps them trust the process. And that trust, plus the right Ayurvedic plan, usually leads to steady improvement in metabolic disorders, skin diseases, PCOD patterns and GI concerns. I keep trying to balance classical wisdom with a modern view, even if the flow gets a bit messy in my head at times. But overall my goal stays the same—helping people reach long-term wellness, not just a short break from symptoms.
0 reviews
Dr. Sumi. S
I am an Ayurvedic doc trained mainly in Shalakya Tantra—basically, I work a lot with issues of the eyes, ears, nose, oral cavity, head... all that ENT zone. It’s a really specific branch of Ayurveda, and I’ve kind of grown to appreciate how much it covers. I deal with all kinds of conditions like Netra Abhishyanda (kinda like conjunctivitis), Timira and Kacha (early or full-on cataract), Adhimantha (glaucoma stuff), Karna Srava (ear discharge), Pratishyaya (chronic colds n sinus), Mukhapaka (mouth ulcers), and even dental stuff like Dantaharsha (teeth sensitivity) or Shirashool (headaches & migraines). I use a mix of classic therapies—Tarpana, Nasya, Aschyotana, Karna Purana, even Gandusha and Dhoomapana when it fits. Depends on prakriti, the season, and where the person’s really struggling. Rasayana therapy and internal meds are there too of course but I don’t just throw them in blindly... every plan’s got to make sense to that individual. It’s kind of like detective work half the time. But honestly, my clinical work hasn't been just about Shalakya. I’ve got around two yrs of broader OPD experience where I’ve also handled chronic stuff like diabetes, thyroid issues, arthritis flares, PCOS, IBS-type gut problems, and some hormonal imbalances in women too. I kind of like digging into the layers of a case where stress is playing a role. Or when modern bloodwork says one thing, but the symptoms are telling me something else entirely. I use pathology insights but don’t let reports override what the patient's body is clearly saying. That balance—between classical Ayurvedic drishtis and modern diagnostic tools—is what I’m always aiming for. I also try to explain things to patients in a way they’ll get it. Because unless they’re on board and actually involved, no healing really works long-term, right? It’s not all picture-perfect. Sometimes I still re-read my Samhitas when I'm stuck or double check new case patterns. And sometimes my notes are a mess :) But I do try to keep learning and adapting while still keeping the core of Ayurveda intact.
5
83 reviews
Dr. Batu
Ayurvedic doctor
0 reviews
Dr. Sara Garg
I am someone who believes Ayurveda isn’t just some old system — it’s alive, and actually still works when you use it the way it's meant to be used. My practice mostly revolves around proper Ayurvedic diagnosis (rogi & roga pariksha types), Panchakarma therapies, and ya also a lot of work with herbal medicine — not just prescribing but sometimes preparing stuff myself when needed. I really like that hands-on part actually, like knowing where the herbs came from and how they're processed... changes everything. One of the things I pay a lot of attention to is how a person's lifestyle is playing into their condition. Food, sleep, bowel habits, even small emotional patterns that people don't even realize are affecting their digestion or immunity — I look at all of it before jumping to treatment. Dietary therapy isn’t just telling people to eat less fried food lol. It’s more about timing, combinations, seasonal influence, and what suits their prakriti. That kind of detail takes time, and sometimes patients don’t get why it matters at first.. but slowly it clicks. Panchakarma — I do it when I feel it's needed. Doesn’t suit everyone all the time, but in the right case, it really clears the stuck layers. But again, it's not magic — people need to prep properly and follow instructions. That's where strong communication matters. I make it a point to explain everything without dumping too much Sanskrit unless they’re curious. I also try to keep things simple, like I don’t want patients feeling intimidated or overwhelmed with 10 things at once. We go step by step — sometimes slow, sometimes quick depending on the case. There’s no “one protocol fits all” in Ayurveda and frankly I get bored doing same thing again and again. Whether it’s a fever that won’t go or long-term fatigue or gut mess — I usually go deep into what's behind it. Surface-level fixes don’t last. I rather take the time than rush into wrong herbs. It’s more work, ya, but makes a diff in long run.
5
106 reviews
Dr. Jatin Kumar Sharma
I am a BAMS graduate and currently running my own clinic, where I see patients on a regular basis and try to give them honest, practical care. My daily work involves understanding different health concerns, listening properly to what the patient is going through, and then planning treatment in a way that actually fits their routine. I believe treatment should not feel confusing or rushed, and sometimes even small changes make a big difference. Running my own clinic has taught me a lot about responsibility and consistency. Some days are busy, some are slow, but every patient brings a different challenge and learning. I focus mainly on Ayurvedic treatment methods, lifestyle correction and long-term health balance, rather than quick fixes. There are times when progress takes longer, but I stay patient and keep working with the person step by step. I try to keep my approach simple, practical and honest. For me, real success is when a patient feels better in daily life, sleeps better, eats better and slowly regains balance. That is what keeps me going and improving every day.
5
51 reviews
Dr. Snehal Tasgaonkar
I am an Ayurvedic physician with around 7 yrs clinical experience, though honestly—feels like I’ve lived double that in patient hours. I studied from a govt. medical college (reputed one) where I got deep into classical Ayurvedic texts n clinical logic. I treat everything from chronic stuff like arthritis, IBS, eczema... to more sudden conditions that just pop up outta nowhere. I try to approach each case by digging into the *why*, not just the *what*. I mean—anyone can treat pain, but if you don’t catch the doshic imbalance or metabolic root, it just comes bak right? I use Nadi Pariksha a lot, but also other classical signs to map prakriti-vikruti, dhatu status n agni condition... you know the drill. I like making people *understand* their own health too. Doesn’t make sense to hand meds without giving them tools to prevent a relapse. My Panchakarma training’s been a core part of my work. I do Abhyanga, Swedana, Basti etc regularly—not just detox but also as restorative therapy. Actually seen cases where patients came in exhausted, foggy... and post-Shodhana, they're just lit up. That part never gets old. Also I always tie diet & lifestyle changes into treatment. It’s non-negotiable for me, bcs long-term balance needs daily changes, not just clinic visits. I like using classical formulations but I stay practical too—if someone's not ready for full-scale protocol, I try building smaller habits. I believe healing’s not just abt treating symptoms—it’s abt helping the body reset, then stay there. I’m constantly refining what I do, trying to blend timeless Ayurvedic theory with real-time practical needs of today’s patients. Doesn’t always go perfect lol, but most times we see real shifts. That’s what keeps me going.
5
238 reviews
Dr. Rajan soni
I am working in Ayurveda field from some time now, started out as a general physician at Chauhan Ayurveda Hospital in Noida. That place taught me a lot—how to handle different types of patients in OPD, those daily cases like fever, digestion issues, body pain... but also chronic stuff which keeps coming back. After that I moved to Instant Aushadhalya—an online Ayurveda hospital setup. Whole different space. Consultations online ain’t easy at first—no pulse reading, no direct Nadi check—but you learn to ask the right things, look at patient’s tone, habit patterns, timing of symptoms... and yeah it actually works, sometimes even better than in person. Right now I’m working as an Ayurveda consultant at Digvijayam Clinic where I’m focusing more on individualised care. Most ppl come here with stress-related problems, digestion issues, joint pain, that kind of mix. I go by classic diagnosis principles like prakriti analysis, dosha imbalance and all, but also mix in what I learned from modern side—like understanding their lifestyle triggers, screen time, sleep cycles, food gaps n stress patterns. I don’t rush into panchakarma or heavy medicines unless it’s needed... prefer starting with simple herbs, diet change, basic daily routine correction. If things demand, then I go stepwise into Shodhan therapies. My goal is to not just “treat” but to help ppl know what’s happening in their body and why its reacting like that. That awareness kinda becomes half the cure already. Not everything is perfect. Sometimes ppl don’t follow what you say, sometimes results are slow, and yeah that gets to you. But this path feels honest. It’s slow, grounded, and meaningful.
5
33 reviews

Latest reviews

Ava
14 hours ago
Thanks for the advice! Triphala sounds easy to try and love that you included how to take it. Much appreciate your help!
Thanks for the advice! Triphala sounds easy to try and love that you included how to take it. Much appreciate your help!
Gabriella
14 hours ago
thanks for clearing that up! i was about to spend $$$ on useless stuff. Your answer saved me time and money 👍 appreciate it!
thanks for clearing that up! i was about to spend $$$ on useless stuff. Your answer saved me time and money 👍 appreciate it!
Robert
14 hours ago
Truly appreciate the clarity in your answer. So relieved to have some safe alternatives for meditation during dialysis. Thanks a ton!
Truly appreciate the clarity in your answer. So relieved to have some safe alternatives for meditation during dialysis. Thanks a ton!
Yara
14 hours ago
Thanks so much for the advice! The detailed treatment suggestions are super helpful. Fingers crossed it'll make a difference. 😊
Thanks so much for the advice! The detailed treatment suggestions are super helpful. Fingers crossed it'll make a difference. 😊