Rice Water (Tandulodaka) Ayurvedic Preparation Method, Uses

Water used for washing rice is one of the simplest remedies of Ayurveda. Take rice, add water,  leave it for sometime, macerate and filter. Simple. But there are few minute things to consider.  

Type of rice

Any rice is fine to use. Broken rice is also fine.
Red rice is better.  One year old rice is very good. White rice is no problem. 
Rice should be uncooked (raw), preferably unpolished, not steamed, de-husked. 

Water: Potable water, cold water, boiled and cooled water is fine to use.
Vessel: Mud vessel is the best choice.

Procedure

Take 10 grams of rice. Add 60 ml or 80 ml of water. Keep it closed in a mud pot for 2 – 6 hours. Then macerate the rice in the water for 2 – 3 minutes. Filter and use.

Ayurvedic reference

It is called Tandulodaka. It is explained as a derivative dosage form of cold infusion (Hima Kalpana / Sheeta Kalpana).
Bhaishajya Ratnavali 8/32

Uses of rice water

It is a natural plant fertilizer. If you have the habit of washing rice before using it for cooking, then rather than throwing away the water, use it for watering plants.

Skin moisturizer:
People apply it on skin for its nutritive, moisturizing, re-hydrating benefits. Consider washing your face after coming home from office with rice water.

Ayurvedic medicinal uses of rice washed water:
It is used as a co-drink (Anupana) in many Ayurvedic medicines. Have a look at the medicines and their benefits below and you will be able to understand the qualities of rice water by yourself.
Brihat Gangadhara Churna – Used for the treatment of diarrhea.
Praval Bhasma – Calx of the Coral – used in the treatment of dysuria (difficulty in urination).
Pushyanuga Churna – used for the treatment of Leucorrhoea, Menstrual disorder, Excessive menstrual bleeding.

Remedies with rice water

Flies bite: Fine paste of tulasi leaves ground with tandulodaka (rice washed water) if administered, It pacifies toxic effects caused by all kinds of flies – Vaidya Sara Sangraha.

Sandalwood powder is mixed with honey and consumed with Tandulodaka (rice water) for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery.

To relieve burning sensation: 
Amla, aloe vera, ash gourd, Bhringaraja, cumin seeds, cotton leaves, Giloy, Jamun leaves, Ivy gourd leaves – any or all of these is made into paste by rubbing with rice water. To this equal amount of butter and sandalwood pastes are added, mixed thoroughly. . Application of this fine paste all over the body cures the burning sensation (caused due to the mercurial medicines). Basavarajeeyamm 25th Chapter.

The fruit and bark of Vatsaka (Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall.) is added with Ativisa—Aconitum heterophyllum and honey. Intake of this along with rice-water (tandulodaka) cures Paittika atisara -dysentery associated with Pitta Dosha. (Charaka Atisara Chikitsa)

Powder of Murva – Marsedenia tenacissima along with rice- water (Tandulodaka) and honey is used for the treatment of excessive thirst, dry mouth. (Charaka Chardi Chikitsa)

Rice Washed Water – A Coolant Drink With Immense Benefits – Tandulodaka

Ativishadi yoga (pitta atisara) – paste of ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), indrayava (seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica) and the bark of the same plant made in honey should be given along with tandulodaka (rice wash)

Kiratadi churna – powder of Kiratatikta (Swertia chirayata), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Vatsaka (seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica) and Rasanjana (extract of Berberis aristata) mixed in honey and made into a paste is administered with Tandulodaka (rice wash)

Purification of Yavakshara:
Yavakshara is rubbed well with tandulodaka in a khalvayantra and subjected to severe sunshine for 1 ghatika. This yield purified yavakshara. (Basavarajeeyam, 25)

Qualities, storage

Summary of qualities of rice washed water:
Coolant, useful in difficulty in urination, burning sensation, diarrhea, bleeding disorders, heavy periods.

How long can it be stored?
Just for 6 – 8 hours.
Dose:
Up to 50 ml once or twice per day.

Synonyms, contraindications

Synonyms:
Tandula Jala
Tandulodagam, Tandulodakam
Tandulodak

Who should not take it?
People in extreme cold weather
People with severe type of Asthma and severe cough.