Definition of Churna
Churna (powder) is a fine powder of herbs or a combination of multiple powdered ingredients.
Preparation Steps
Selection and Cleaning
High-quality, contaminant-free herbs are chosen, then cleaned to remove extraneous matter.
Drying
Herbs are dried (sun-drying, shade-drying, or mechanical drying) to safe moisture levels.
Pulverization/Grinding
Dried herbs are coarsely crushed and then finely powdered, often passed through sieves of specific mesh size (commonly 80 or 100 mesh).
Blending
Multiple powders are blended homogeneously if it is a polyherbal formulation.
Storage
Stored in airtight containers to protect from moisture, microbial growth, and photo-degradation.
Standardization
Particle Size: A consistent fineness ensures uniform mixing and dosage.
Moisture Content: Typically, should be minimal to prevent mold and degradation.
Active Marker Compounds: Where relevant, tested to confirm potency.
