Naag Bhasma
Nāga Bhasma
Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:7 · from Acceptible Variety : Rasataraṅgiṇi, Taranga 19: 2
Naag Bhasma (Nāga Bhasma) is a classical Ayurvedic calcined metal or mineral preparation (Bhasma) recorded in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I (18:7), which takes it from Acceptible Variety : Rasataraṅgiṇi, Taranga 19: 2. It is made from 6 ingredients. The Formulary gives a dose of 62.5 to 125 mg, taken with haridrā svarasa, jambu 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, 18:7, which takes the formula from Acceptible Variety : Rasataraṅgiṇi, Taranga 19: 2. 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, 18:7 (e-book p. 609) |
| Classical source | Acceptible Variety : Rasataraṅgiṇi, Taranga 19: 2 |
| Ingredients | 6 |
| Dose (AFI) | 62.5 to 125 mg |
| Anupāna | Haridrā Svarasa, Jambu 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 Naag Bhasma
As listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:7. 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 | Nāga | Q.S. |
| 2 | Taila (Tila) (Sd.) | Q.S. for nirvapaṇa |
| 3 | Takra | Q.S. for nirvapaṇa |
| 4 | Gomūtra | Q.S. for nirvapaṇa |
| 5 | Kāñjika | Q.S. for nirvapaṇa |
| 6 | Kulattha - kaṣāya (Sd.) | Q.S. for nirvapaṇa |
Preparation notes
The Nāga is melted in an iron pan. It is poured into an iron pot containing taila, etc. in sufficient quantity. The pot should be covered with a heavy stone having a hole in the centre and the melted Nāga is poured through this hole. Jāraṇa (Śārṅgadharasaṃhitā, Madhyamakhaṇḍa, Adhyaya 11 : 37-38.) VÉÉeúhÉ 1. Nāga (Śodhita) 1 Part 2. Aśvattha tvak cūrṇa (St.Bk.) for Prakṣepa 1/4 Part 3. Ciñcā tvak cūrṇa (St.Bk.) for Prakṣepa 1/4 Part This process of Jāraṇa is similar to Trivaṅga Jāraṇa. Māraṇa (Śārṅgadharasaṃhitā, Madhyamakhaṇḍa, Adhyāya 11: 38-39) ¨ÉÉeúhÉ 1. Jārita Nāga 1 Part 2. Manaḥśilā 1 Part 3. Kāñjika Q.S for mardana In practice, one fourth of Manaḥśilā is added from second Puta onwards instead of equal quantity. Equal quantity of Manaḥśilā is added to Jārita Nāga and ground well with Kāṅjika. Small cakrikas are prepared, dried and kept in Śarāva Sampuṭa. Arddha Gaja Puṭa is given. This process is repeated 60 times. The last ten Puṭas should be
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 Naag Bhasma or any product prevents, treats or cures these conditions. Ask a Vaidya whether it suits you.
- Atīsāra — Diarrhoea
- Grahaṇī — Malabsorption syndrome
- Gulma — Abdominal lump
- Arśa — Haemorrhoids
- Prameha — Urinary disorders
Dose and anupāna
Dose: 62.5 to 125 mg
Anupāna (the vehicle it is taken with): Haridrā Svarasa, Jambu 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 Naag Bhasma
What is Naag Bhasma?
Naag Bhasma (Nāga Bhasma) is a classical Ayurvedic calcined metal or mineral preparation (Bhasma) recorded in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I (18:7), which takes it from Acceptible Variety : Rasataraṅgiṇi, Taranga 19: 2. It is made from 6 ingredients. The Formulary gives a dose of 62.5 to 125 mg, taken with haridrā svarasa, jambu 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 Naag Bhasma?
According to the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:7, Naag Bhasma contains 6 ingredients: Nāga, Taila, Takra, Gomūtra, Kāñjika, Kulattha - kaṣāya.
What is the dose of Naag Bhasma?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:7 gives a dose of 62.5 to 125 mg, taken with haridrā svarasa, jambu svarasa. A physician may advise a different dose for your age, constitution and condition.
Which classical text is Naag Bhasma from?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:7 takes the formula of Naag Bhasma from Acceptible Variety : Rasataraṅgiṇi, Taranga 19: 2.
Is Naag 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, 18:7. Always read the label of the product you use.
Is Naag Bhasma sold on its own?
Prachyam Ayurveda does not sell Naag Bhasma on its own. It is an ingredient of Mahavat Vidhwansan Ras, Ekangveer Ras and Maha Yograj Guggul.
Is Naag Bhasma safe to take without a doctor?
No. Naag 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 18:7, NāGA BHASMA, e-book p. 609. Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
- Acceptible Variety : Rasataraṅgiṇi, Taranga 19: 2
