Kshara are alkaline substances obtained from the water soluble ash of the drugs of plant origin. They are hygroscopic in nature, possessing piercing and scraping properties, and are mainly used in the treatment of diseases such as fistula- in- ano, hemorrhoids, dysuria, renal stones, oedema, and tumours etc. There are a number of Kshara plants referred in classics of Ayurveda and are indicated in variety of disease conditions. However the number of Kshara used and their therapeutic area appears to be very minimal in the current Ayurvedic practice. An attempt has been made in this review to carefully compile various therapeutic administrations of different Kshara and their formulations mentioned in Astanga Hrudayam which is a revise concise and comprehensive classic of Ayurveda and being considered as a practical guide by Ayurvedic clinicians. There are 39 different Kshara plants found in A.H and 25 contexts where Kshara is used as an independent medicine. Among the formulations of Kshara, 5 compound Kshara formulations, 3 kshara predominant formulations along with other 12 Churna (powders), 3 Vati (tablets), 24 ghrita (medicated ghee), 3 lehya (medicated candies) used in various ailments like cough, asthama, abdominal tumors, irritable bowel syndrome, anaemia, goiter, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, hernia, skin diseases, certain diseases of ear, nose, oral cavity; pterigium and obesity etc. The exercise would give a comprehensive view on Kshara in Ayurvedic therapeutics as described in A.H.

Key words: Kshara; Alkali; Yava; Swarjika; Ayurveda.