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Is eating slate pencil harmful if I have pigmentation on my face for a year?
General Medicine
Consultation #55907
107 days ago
241

Is eating slate pencil harmful if I have pigmentation on my face for a year? - #55907

Client_6d1dc3
$3

I like eating slate pencil is it harmful,I have pigmentaion problem on my both side face from past one year

How often do you consume slate pencil?:

- Rarely

When did you first notice the pigmentation on your face?:

- 6-12 months ago

What areas of your face are affected by pigmentation?:

- Cheeks

Have you experienced any other skin changes or symptoms?:

- No other symptoms

Do you have any known allergies or sensitivities?:

- Not sure

How would you describe your overall diet?:

- Balanced and nutritious

Have you sought any treatments for your pigmentation?:

- No, this is my first concern

Doctors' responses

Dr. Sara Garg
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
107 days ago
5

craving for slate pencil indicates imbalance of Vata-Pitta and weak digestion (Agnimandya). It may also be associated with low iron or mineral deficiency. Eating slate pencil can harm digestion and skin health. Your facial pigmentation is likely related to increased Pitta and Rakta dushti. With proper diet, digestion correction, and Ayurvedic treatment, both problems can improve gradually. —rx 1) Tab Pigmento – 1 tab twice daily after food 2) Syrup Livomyn – 2 tsp twice daily after food 3) Avipattikar Churna – 1 tsp at bedtime with warm water 4) Kumkumadi Tailam – apply gently on pigmentation at night —If possible, check hemoglobin and iron levels once, because craving for non-food items can sometimes be associated with deficiency. ----General advice: Avoid slate pencil completely. Drink more water and include beetroot, pomegranate, sesame, dates, and green vegetables. Avoid excess spicy, fried, and packaged foods. Use sunscreen regularly and avoid direct sunlight.


0 replies
Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi
Master of Surgery in Ayurveda
107 days ago
5

Eating slate pencil is harmful. It can cause anemia, stomach problems, and kidney damage. Stop it completely and check iron levels. For pigmentation Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam 15 ml twice daily before food Khadirarishta 15 ml after meals twice daily Kumkumadi tailam apply at night Use sunscreen daily Avoid junk, spicy food, and tea excess. Eat greens, beetroot, dates.


0 replies
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
106 days ago
5

Hello Yes Eating slate pencil is not safe even if you take it occasionally only. This habit is related with pica in which person craves for non food item substances like chalk, slate pencil, mud etc 🔹Long term effect of eating Slate pencil -Digestive disturbance -Constipation -Electrolyte imbalance -Mineral imbalance -Stomach discomfort -Worm infection -poor absorption of nutrients of food 🔹Craving for slate pencil indicates -Iron deficiency Anemia -deficiency of calcium -Nutritional imbalance So its better to check for -CBC for hb -Sr calcium -Iron. Profile -Vitamin D and B12 🔹About Facial pigmentation Pigmentation in both cheeks can be due to -Sun Exposure -hormonal imbalance -Stress -Nutritional deficiencies 🔹Ayurvedic plan of treatment for pigmentation Internal Medication Saribayasavam 20 ml twice daily after food Externally apply kumkumadi taila 🔹For reducing craving for slate pencil Start taking more of -Dates -Raisins -Sesame -Green leafy vegetables -pomegranate If you feel craving have a roasted pumpkin seeds Hope you found this helpful Wishing you a good health 😊 Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate


0 replies
Dr. Shashank Aggarwal
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
107 days ago
4.99

Yes, eating slate pencil (a form of geophagia) is considered harmful in Ayurveda and modern health science. understanding: Slate pencil is non-food, earth-based substance. Its intake disturbs Agni (digestive fire) and increases Ama (toxins) in the body. This can lead to: Blood impurity (Rakta dushti) Digestive imbalance Skin disorders like pigmentation, dullness, and uneven complexion Your facial pigmentation on both cheeks may be linked to internal toxin buildup, weak digestion, or aggravated Pitta in the skin channels. Important concern: Regular craving for slate pencil may also indicate: Mineral deficiency (iron, zinc) Psychological craving (pica habit) Ayurvedic guidance: To support skin health and reduce pigmentation: Improve digestion with light, warm, fresh food Drink Triphala water at night Use Aloe vera juice or Amalaki (Amla) for blood purification Avoid slate pencil completely (it worsens skin condition) conclusion: Stopping slate pencil is very important. It will help reduce internal toxicity and gradually improve skin pigmentation when combined with proper digestion and blood-cleansing support.


0 replies
Dr. Harsh Khandelwal
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
104 days ago
5

​1. The Craving: Mrittika Bhaksana (Slate Pencil Craving) ​In Ayurveda, the habit of eating clay, chalk, or slate pencils is termed Mrittika Bhaksana. ••​The Root Cause: This craving is rarely just a “habit.” It is a strong biological signal that your body is suffering from a nutritional deficiency, most commonly Iron Deficiency Anemia (Pandu Roga). Modern medicine calls this Pica. ••​Why it is harmful: Slate pencils are made from soft clay or sedimentary rocks. Eating them damages the mucosal lining of your stomach and intestines, severely impairs nutrient absorption, can cause intestinal blockages, creates kidney stones, and introduces toxins and heavy metals into your system. ​2. The Connection to Facial Pigmentation (Vyanga) ​You mentioned the pigmentation started a year ago, which likely aligns with the progression of this habit or the underlying deficiency. In Ayurveda, localized facial pigmentation is known as Vyanga (melasma/chloasma). ••​Here is how eating slate pencils leads to pigmentation: •​Vitiation of Doshas: Regular intake of mrittika (earthy substances) vitiates all three Doshas, predominantly Vata and Pitta. ​Blood Contamination: The impaired digestive fire produces Ama (toxins), which enters the blood stream (Rakta Dhatu). ••​Bhrajaka Pitta Disturbance: The sub-type of Pitta responsible for skin color and complexion is Bhrajaka Pitta. When vitiated Vata and contaminated Rakta lodge in the skin of the face, they dry up and destroy the local tissue, manifesting as dark, patchy pigmentation (Vyanga). ••​Anemic Lack of Glow: Severe anemia deprives the facial skin of oxygenated blood, making it prone to stubborn hyperpigmentation. ​Recommended Ayurvedic Management Line of Treatment ​To fix the skin, we must first fix the internal systemic imbalance. Treating the face topically while continuing to eat slate pencils will not yield results. ​Step 1: Complete Cessation & Correcting Deficiency ••​Stop the Habit: You must completely stop consuming slate pencils. ​Address Anemia (Pandu Chikitsa): To stop the craving naturally, we must raise your iron levels. Classic formulations like Punarnava Mandoor or Dhatri Lauha are highly effective under supervision, as they treat anemia without causing constipation. ••​Deepana & Pachana (Igniting Digestion): To clear the accumulated clay toxins from your gut, formulations like Trikatu Churna or Chitrakadi Vati help restore Agni. ​Step 2: Blood Purification (Raktaprasadana) ​To treat the Vyanga (pigmentation) from within, the blood needs to be purified. ••​Mahamanjisthadi Kwath or Sarivadyasava: Excellent Ayurvedic blood purifiers that pacify Bhrajaka Pitta and clear facial blemishes. ​Step 3: Topical Application (Lepa) ​Once internal cleansing begins, local applications can accelerate healing: ••​Kumkumadi Tailam: Apply 3–4 drops of pure Kumkumadi oil to the affected areas at night and massage gently. It is renowned for restoring natural skin tone. ••​Jatiphala (Nutmeg) Lepa: Rub nutmeg with a little milk or water on a stone board to make a smooth paste. Apply it precisely on the pigmented areas, leave it for 15–20 minutes, and wash off.


0 replies
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
88 days ago
5

Hello, Yes having slate pencil is very harmful stop having that In Ayurveda, melasma = vyanga, mainly due to pitta imbalance + stress + heat + toxins (ama) Chronic cases like yours usually need internal + external + lifestyle correction together, not just creams Your case very important -severe + long duration-> deep pigmentation -stress trigger-> major root cause -oily/acne skin-> pitta + kapha imbalance -laser failure-> skin barrier likely irritated So treatment must focus on -pitta cooling most important -liver detox -stress control -gentle skin repair (Not aggressive) Internal medication Take for 3-4 months minimum 1) Mahamanjisthadi kashaya= 15ml + warm water twice daily before meals =best for pigmentation + blood purification 2) Khadirarishtam= 15ml after meals with warm water =helps acne + oily skin + detox 3) Gandhak rasayana= 1 tab twice daily after meals =for skin glow + acne + inflammation 4) Avipattikar churna= 1 tsp with warm water at bedtime =controls pitta + acidity very important in melasma These medicines are commonly used in Ayurveda to reduce pigmentation and balance doshas External applications 1) Kumkumadi taila= 3-4 drops gentle massage at night =improves pigmentation gradually 2) Nalpamradi taila= morning before bath or light leave on =brightenig+ cooling Avoid over layering both-> your current full regimen is likely worsening it Weekly detox (very important) Once weekly= face lepa (simple) -Multani mitti + turmeric + rose water =helps oil + pigmentation If possible (best result) -panchakarma like virechana =chronic melasma often needs detox Diet (this will decide your result so very important to follow) -take amla juice daily -coconut water -ghee -leafy vegetables Avoid -spicy, fried, junk , bakery -tea,coffee excess -late nights -heat producing foods Because melasma is strongly linked to internal heat (pitta) Stress control (most critical in your case) You already identified trigger=stress Do daily -10 min Anulom vilom -10 min walking/sunlight (morning only) Even studies show lifestyle and stress reduction improves melasma outcomes What you must STOP -frequent lasers/peels (already failed) -too many skincare products -steroid creams if using Expected results -4-6 weeks-> mild lightening -3 months-> visible improvement -6 months-> significant control But relapse can happen if stress returns Your case is not a simple cosmetic issue anymore It’s a systemic imbalance (pitta + stress + liver) Ayurveda can help you control and reduce But only if you follow diet + stress + medicines together Do follow Hope this might be helpful Thank you


0 replies

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