In Ayurveda, purified ochre (Gairika) is used for both internal and topical applications, primarily for its ability to balance the pitta and kapha doshas. Its benefits include soothing skin conditions like sunburns and acne, promoting wound healing, and helping to reduce inflammation and excess body heat. Internally, it is used in specific formulations for issues like hyperacidity and menorrhagia due to its astringent properties.
Topical benefits 
• Soothes skin irritations: Provides relief from sunburn, heat rashes, and other skin irritations due to its cooling and astringent properties. 
• Reduces inflammation: Helps calm inflamed skin and can be used on oozing wounds and ulcers. 
• Promotes wound healing: Aids in the healing of minor cuts and wounds by supporting tissue repair. 
• Balances body heat: Helps regulate body heat, making it useful in hot weather. 
• Improves skin tone: Can help diminish dark spots and promote a more even skin tone. [1, 2, 3, 6]  
Internal benefits 
• Balances Pitta and Kapha: Helps balance these doshas, which are associated with heat, inflammation, and other conditions. 
• Aids digestive health: Can support digestive health and may help address issues like hyperacidity and ulcers. 
• Controls heavy menstrual bleeding: Has astringent and styptic properties that help control bleeding in cases of adolescent menorrhagia. 
• Purifies and detoxifies: Used in certain complex formulations to help purge toxins from the body.
Important considerations 
• Purification is essential: Ochre must be properly purified according to traditional methods before use, both internally and externally. 
• Qualified guidance is needed: It is important to use ochre under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, especially for internal consumption. 
• Use specific formulations: For internal use, ochre is typically an ingredient in complex, prepared formulations rather than being consumed on its own.