Lauh Bhasma
Loha Bhasma
Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:14 · from Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 20: 11-12
Lauh Bhasma (Loha Bhasma) is a classical Ayurvedic calcined metal or mineral preparation (Bhasma) recorded in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I (18:14), which takes it from Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 20: 11-12. It is made from 9 ingredients. The Formulary gives a dose of 120 to 250 mg 120 to 250 mg, taken with honey, ghee, trikaṭu cūrṇa, triphalā cūrṇa, harīdrā rasa. 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, 18:14, which takes the formula from Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 20: 11-12. 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, 18:14 (e-book p. 624) |
| Classical source | Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 20: 11-12 |
| Ingredients | 9 |
| Dose (AFI) | 120 to 250 mg 120 to 250 mg |
| Anupāna | Honey, Ghee, Trikaṭu Cūrṇa, Triphalā Cūrṇa, Harīdrā Rasa |
| 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 Lauh Bhasma
As listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:14. 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 | Loha cūrṇa (Lauha) | 1 Part |
| 2 | Takra | Q.S. for nirvāpaṇa |
| 3 | Kāṅjika | Q.S. for nirvāpaṇa |
| 4 | Gomūtra | Q.S. for nirvāpaṇa |
| 5 | Loha curna (Lauha) - śuddha | 1 Part |
| 6 | Varā (Triphalā) kṣāya (P.) | Q.S. for niṣecana 1 Part |
| 7 | Gomūtra | Q.S. for niṣecana 1 Part |
| 8 | Loha cūrṇa (Lauha) | 1 Part |
| 9 | Triphalā - kvātha (P.) | 1 Part |
Preparation notes
Triphalā Kvātha is prepared by adding two parts of water and reducing it to 1/4 part of water. Loha is mixed with Triphalā Kvātha and kept under sun till the fluid gets evaporated. This should be repeated 7 times. Sthālī Pāka (Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 20: 26-28) 1. Lauha - bhanu pakva 1 Part 2. Varā (Triphalā) (P.) 3 Parts 3. Water for decoction 48 Parts reduced to 6 Parts Loha Cūrṇa processed with Bhānupāka is washed with water and kept in a Sthālī and Triphalā Kvātha is added and heated on Tīvrāgni till the moisture evaporates. Puṭapāka (Māraṇa) (Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 20 : 31 To 39 and 52) 1. Loha (Lauha) - śuddha 1 Part 2. Triphalā (P.) 1 Part 3. Water for decoction 2 Parts reduced to 1/4 part of water Loha Cūrṇa processed with Sthālī Pāka is washed with water and mixed with Triphalā Kvātha and ground well. Thin flat cakrikās are prepared, dried and placed in Śarāva Sampuṭa.The Sandhī is sealed, dried and subjected to Gaja Puṭa. Amṛtīkaraṇa (Āyurvedaprakāśa, Adhyāya 3: 280-280 1/2) 1. Ayoraja (Lauha) bhasma 1 Part 2. Triphalā (P.) 1 Part 3. Water for decoction 8 Parts reduced to 2 Parts Triphalā Kvātha is added to Lauha Bhasma and heated for six hours or till the fluid evaporates
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 Lauh Bhasma or any product prevents, treats or cures these conditions. Ask a Vaidya whether it suits you.
- Atīsāra — Diarrhoea
- Śūla — Colicky Pain
- Amlapitta — Dyspepsia
- Udararoga — Ascites
- Kāmalā — Jaundice
- Pāṇḍu — Anaemia
- Kṛmi — Helminthiasis/Worm infestation
- Medodoṣa — Disorder of adipose tissue
- Prameha — Urinary disorders
- Plīhā Roga — Splenic disease
- Śotha — Inflammation
- Śvāsa — Dyspnoea/Asthma
- Kuṣṭha — Diseases of skin
Dose and anupāna
Dose: 120 to 250 mg 120 to 250 mg
Anupāna (the vehicle it is taken with): Honey, Ghee, Trikaṭu Cūrṇa, Triphalā Cūrṇa, Harīdrā Rasa
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 Lauh Bhasma
What is Lauh Bhasma?
Lauh Bhasma (Loha Bhasma) is a classical Ayurvedic calcined metal or mineral preparation (Bhasma) recorded in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I (18:14), which takes it from Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 20: 11-12. It is made from 9 ingredients. The Formulary gives a dose of 120 to 250 mg 120 to 250 mg, taken with honey, ghee, trikaṭu cūrṇa, triphalā cūrṇa, harīdrā rasa. It contains processed metals or minerals and should be taken only under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
What are the ingredients of Lauh Bhasma?
According to the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:14, Lauh Bhasma contains 9 ingredients: Loha cūrṇa 1 Part, Takra, Kāṅjika, Gomūtra, Loha curna - śuddha 1 Part, Varā (Triphalā) kṣāya, Gomūtra, Loha cūrṇa 1 Part, Triphalā - kvātha 1 Part.
What is the dose of Lauh Bhasma?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:14 gives a dose of 120 to 250 mg 120 to 250 mg, taken with honey, ghee, trikaṭu cūrṇa, triphalā cūrṇa, harīdrā rasa. A physician may advise a different dose for your age, constitution and condition.
Which classical text is Lauh Bhasma from?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:14 takes the formula of Lauh Bhasma from Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 20: 11-12.
Is Lauh 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, 18:14. Always read the label of the product you use.
Is Lauh Bhasma sold on its own?
Prachyam Ayurveda does not sell Lauh Bhasma on its own. It is an ingredient of Chandraprabha Vati, Vriddhi Vadhika Vati, Prabhakar Vati, Arogya Vardhani Vati, Mahavat Vidhwansan Ras, Ekangveer Ras, Maha Yograj Guggul, Arshkuthar Rasa, Kumariasava and Nasht Pushpantak Rrasa.
Is Lauh Bhasma safe to take without a doctor?
No. Lauh 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 18:14, LOHA BHASMA, e-book p. 624. Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
- Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 20: 11-12
The AFI lists this source as an acceptable variety.
