Abhrak Bhasma
Abhraka Bhasma
Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:1 · from Acceptable Variety)Āyurvedaprakāśa, Adhyāya 2: 97-98
Abhrak Bhasma (Abhraka Bhasma) is a classical Ayurvedic calcined metal or mineral preparation (Bhasma) recorded in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I (18:1), which takes it from Acceptable Variety)Āyurvedaprakāśa, Adhyāya 2: 97-98. It is made from 2 ingredients. The Formulary gives a dose of 125 mg to 375 mg, taken with honey, ghee, triphalā kvātha, guḍūcī svarasa, ārdraka svarasa. It contains processed metals or minerals and should be taken only under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
Please note: The ingredients, their proportions and the uses of a classical formulation can differ depending on the Samhita, Nighantu or formulary a manufacturer follows. This page follows the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:1, which takes the formula from Acceptable Variety)Āyurvedaprakāśa, Adhyāya 2: 97-98. A product you buy may follow a different text, so always read its label, and ask a Vaidya before use.
| Dosage form | Bhasma — calcined metal or mineral preparation |
|---|---|
| Formulary | Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:1 (e-book p. 591) |
| Classical source | Acceptable Variety)Āyurvedaprakāśa, Adhyāya 2: 97-98 |
| Ingredients | 2 |
| Dose (AFI) | 125 mg to 375 mg |
| Anupāna | Honey, ghee, Triphalā Kvātha, Guḍūcī Svarasa, Ārdraka Svarasa. |
| Supervision | Only under a registered Ayurvedic physician |
What is a Bhasma?
A metal or mineral is first purified (śodhana), then repeatedly ground with herbal juices and heated (māraṇa) until it becomes a fine ash.
Materials used in purification and incineration of Abhrak Bhasma
As listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:1. Plant-part codes follow the Formulary: Rt. root, Rz. rhizome, Fr. fruit, Lf. leaf, St. stem, St.Bk. stem bark, Ht.Wd. heartwood, Sd. seed, Pl. whole plant, P. pericarp, Exd. exudate.
| # | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vajrābhra (Abhraka) | Q.S |
| 2 | Godugdha or Varā (Triphal) kvātha (P.) | Q.S for nirvapana |
Preparation notes
The Vajrābhraka is heated to red hot in an iron pan and put in godugdha or Triphalā Kvātha. This process is repeated seven times. Thereafter, it is pulverized for further processing Dhānyābhra (Āyurvedaprakāśa, Adhyāya 2 : 113-1141/2) vÉÉxªÉÉ§É 1. Abhra (Abhraka) - śuddha 1 Part 2. Śali (Dhānya) (Fr.) 1/4 Part 3. Nīra (Kāñjika) Q.S The Śodhita Abhraka is bundled in a jute or woollen bag with 1/4 quantity of paddy. This bundle is immersed in Kāñjika for 3 days. There after, the bundle is rubbed and squeezed in the liquid itself so that only abhraka particles e Māraṇa (A) (Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 10: 39-42) 1. Dhānyābhraka (Abhraka) Q.S 2. Ravi kṣīra (Arka) (L.) Q.S for mardhana Or Ravi mūla rasa (arka) (Rt.) Or Ravi dala rasa (Arka) (Lf.) 3. Nyagrodhamūla kvātha (Rt.) Q.S for mardhana 4. Rambhā (Kadalī) rasa (Rz.) Q.S for mardhana The Dhānyābhra is ground Well in ingredient No. 2 for one day. Thin and flat cakrikas are made and dried under the sun. These cakrikas are kept in a Śarāva Sampuṭa and Sandhi Lepa is done. Thereafter gaja Puṭa is given. This proce Māraṇa (B) ((Śatapuṭī Vidhāna) Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 10: 43-45) 1. Abhra (Abhraka) Q.S 2. Ravi - kṣīra (Arka) (L.) Q.S for mard
From the Formulary. Classical medicines must be made by a licensed manufacturer; this is not a home recipe.
Indications listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India
These are the classical indications as the Formulary records them, with its English renderings, given for information. They are not a claim that Abhrak Bhasma or any product prevents, treats or cures these conditions. Ask a Vaidya whether it suits you.
- Agnimāndya — Digestive impairment
- Grahaṇī — Malabsorption syndrome
- Kapharoga — Disease due to Kapha doṣa
- Śvāsa — Dyspnoea/Asthma
- Jvara — Fever
- Raktapitta — Bleeding disorder
- Kāsa — Cough
- Prameha — Urinary disorders
- Pāṇḍu — Anaemia
- Keśa Patana — Falling of hair
- Tvagroga — Skin disease
- Jarā — Senility/Progeriasis
- Napuṃsakatā — Impotency
- Kuṣṭha — Diseases of skin
- Plīhā — Splenic disease
- Udara — Diseases of abdomen / enlargement of abdomen
- Granthi — Cyst
- Viṣa — Poison
- Kṛmi — Helminthiasis/Worm infestation
- Used as Rasāyana — Nutrient to body and mind with adapto-immuno-neuro-endocrino-modulator properties
Dose and anupāna
Dose: 125 mg to 375 mg
Anupāna (the vehicle it is taken with): Honey, ghee, Triphalā Kvātha, Guḍūcī Svarasa, Ārdraka Svarasa.
The Formulary's dose is a general one. Your physician may advise a different dose for your age, constitution and condition.
Safety
- Contains metals or minerals processed by classical methods. Take only under the supervision of a registered Ayurvedic physician, in the dose and for the duration they advise.
- Not for use in pregnancy, while breastfeeding or in children unless a physician specifically advises it.
- Buy only from a licensed manufacturer that tests each batch for heavy metals.
- Tell your physician about every other medicine you take. Do not stop or change prescribed medication on your own.
If you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to a hospital.
Common questions about Abhrak Bhasma
What is Abhrak Bhasma?
Abhrak Bhasma (Abhraka Bhasma) is a classical Ayurvedic calcined metal or mineral preparation (Bhasma) recorded in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I (18:1), which takes it from Acceptable Variety)Āyurvedaprakāśa, Adhyāya 2: 97-98. It is made from 2 ingredients. The Formulary gives a dose of 125 mg to 375 mg, taken with honey, ghee, triphalā kvātha, guḍūcī svarasa, ārdraka svarasa. It contains processed metals or minerals and should be taken only under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
What are the ingredients of Abhrak Bhasma?
According to the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:1, Abhrak Bhasma contains 2 ingredients: Vajrābhra (Abhraka), Godugdha or Varā (Triphal) kvātha.
What is the dose of Abhrak Bhasma?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:1 gives a dose of 125 mg to 375 mg, taken with honey, ghee, triphalā kvātha, guḍūcī svarasa, ārdraka svarasa. A physician may advise a different dose for your age, constitution and condition.
Which classical text is Abhrak Bhasma from?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:1 takes the formula of Abhrak Bhasma from Acceptable Variety)Āyurvedaprakāśa, Adhyāya 2: 97-98.
Is Abhrak Bhasma made the same way in every Ayurvedic text?
Not always. The ingredients, their proportions and the uses of a classical formulation can differ depending on the Samhita, Nighantu or formulary a manufacturer follows. This page follows the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:1. Always read the label of the product you use.
Is Abhrak Bhasma sold on its own?
Prachyam Ayurveda does not sell Abhrak Bhasma on its own. It is an ingredient of Prabhakar Vati, Arogya Vardhani Vati, Mahavat Vidhwansan Ras, Ekangveer Ras, Maha Yograj Guggul and Nasht Pushpantak Rrasa.
Is Abhrak Bhasma safe to take without a doctor?
No. Abhrak Bhasma contains metals or minerals processed by classical methods. Take it only under the supervision of a registered Ayurvedic physician, in the prescribed dose and duration, and not in pregnancy or for children unless the physician advises it.
References
- The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I — monograph 18:1, ABHRAKA BHASMA, e-book p. 591. Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
- Acceptable Variety)Āyurvedaprakāśa, Adhyāya 2: 97-98
The AFI lists this source as an acceptable variety.
