Karak Maida | Meda Lakdi Powder

What is Karak Maida?

Karak Maida is the dried, powdered bark of Litsea glutinosa, a tree of the laurel family found across India. In Ayurveda it is known as Medasaka. Because the powder becomes gluey when wet, it has traditionally been used as a binding base for external pastes, and in industry as the natural binder in agarbatti (incense sticks).

Karak Maida in other names

How to check genuine Maida Lakdi powder

• The water test: mix ½ teaspoon with a few drops of water. Genuine powder turns into a smooth, sticky, gel-like paste within a minute.
• Colour: pale beige to light brown, fine and even.
• Smell: mild and woody, with no sour or musty smell.

Traditional uses

• As a lep (paste): applied externally over sprains, bruises, swelling and aching joints in traditional home care.
• As a binder: mixed with other herbal powders to help pastes stick and hold.
• For digestion: the bark is astringent, and has traditionally been taken in small amounts for loose stools. Take it internally only on a practitioner's advice.
• In incense: the natural binding agent used in agarbatti making.

These are traditional uses, not medical claims. For injuries, pain or swelling that doesn't settle, see a doctor.

How to use Karak Maida

• Lep: mix 1–2 teaspoons of powder with warm water (or with haldi and warm water) into a thick paste. Apply to the area, leave until dry (about 30 minutes), then wash off with warm water.
• As a binder: add a small amount to other herbal powders when making a paste.
• Internal use: only on the advice of an Ayurvedic practitioner. Its binding nature can cause constipation.

Product details

Safety

For external use, do a patch test first on a small area of skin. Do not apply on open wounds. Take it internally only on a practitioner's advice, because it can cause constipation. Avoid internal use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Karak Maida? (Karak maida kya hota hai?)

Karak Maida, also called Maida Lakdi or Meda Lakdi, is the powdered bark of the Indian laurel tree, Litsea glutinosa. It becomes sticky with water and is traditionally used as a base for herbal pastes (lep).

What does Karak Maida look like? (Karak maida kaisa hota hai?)

It is a fine, pale beige to light brown powder with a mild woody smell. Mixed with water, it turns into a smooth, sticky paste.

What is Karak Maida used for? (Karak maida kya kaam aati hai?)

It is traditionally applied as a paste over sprains, bruises and aching joints, used as a binder in herbal pastes and incense sticks, and in small amounts as a traditional astringent for digestion.

What are the benefits of Karak Maida? (Karak maida ke fayde)

Its main traditional benefit is as a soothing, binding lep for external use on sprains, bruises and joint aches. These are traditional uses, not medical claims.

Is Karak Maida the same as maida flour?

No. Maida flour is refined wheat flour. Karak Maida (Maida Lakdi) is a tree-bark powder and is not a food flour.

How do I make a Maida Lakdi lep?

Mix 1–2 teaspoons of powder with warm water into a thick paste, apply to the area, leave it to dry for about 30 minutes, and wash off with warm water.

Can Karak Maida be eaten?

It has traditional internal uses, but take it only on an Ayurvedic practitioner's advice. Its binding nature can cause constipation.

How much does Karak Maida cost?

Dhanyawad Ayurved sells Karak Maida (Maida Lakdi powder) at ₹120 per 100g, with delivery across India.

Information reviewed by Vaidya Ravinder Arora (40+ years), Dhanyawad Ayurved Vatika, Dwarka, New Delhi. Traditional uses only; not medical advice.