Shankh Bhasma
Śaṅkha Bhasma
Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:18 · from Rasataraṅgiṇī Taraṅga 12: 2
Shankh Bhasma (Śaṅkha Bhasma) is a classical Ayurvedic calcined metal or mineral preparation (Bhasma) recorded in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I (18:18), which takes it from Rasataraṅgiṇī Taraṅga 12: 2. It is made from 2 ingredients. The Formulary gives a dose of 250 to 300 mg, taken with nimbū svarasa, triphalā kvātha. 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, 18:18, which takes the formula from Rasataraṅgiṇī Taraṅga 12: 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, 18:18 (e-book p. 640) |
| Classical source | Rasataraṅgiṇī Taraṅga 12: 2 |
| Ingredients | 2 |
| Dose (AFI) | 250 to 300 mg |
| Anupāna | Nimbū Svarasa, Triphalā Kvātha |
| 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 Shankh Bhasma
As listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:18. 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 | Śaṅkha | 1 Part |
| 2 | Kāṅjika | Q.S. for svedana |
Preparation notes
Small pieces of Śaṅkha are bundled in a piece of cloth. Svedana in Dolā Yantra With Kāṅjika is given for three hours. When cool, The Śaṅkha pieces are washed with warm water. Māraṇa (Rasataraṅgiṇī, Taraṅga 12: 17-19) ¨ÉÉeúhÉ 1. Śaṅkha- śuddha 1 Part Śodhita Śaṅkha is placed in Śaravā Sampuṭa. Sandhi Lepa is done and dried, and Gaja Puṭa is given. This process is repeated twice.Note : 1. Kumārī rasa or Nimbū rasa to be used for bhāvanā. 2. The Śaṅkha bhasma is kept in water for
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 Shankh Bhasma or any product prevents, treats or cures these conditions. Ask a Vaidya whether it suits you.
- Ajīrṇa — Dyspepsia
- Agnimāndya — Digestive impairment
- Grahaṇī — Malabsorption syndrome
- Amlapitta — Dyspepsia
- Pariṇāma Śūla — Duodenal ulcer
- Yakṛtplīhāvṛddhi — Enlargement of liver and spleen
- Viṣa — Poison
Dose and anupāna
Dose: 250 to 300 mg
Anupāna (the vehicle it is taken with): Nimbū Svarasa, Triphalā Kvātha
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 Shankh Bhasma
What is Shankh Bhasma?
Shankh Bhasma (Śaṅkha Bhasma) is a classical Ayurvedic calcined metal or mineral preparation (Bhasma) recorded in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I (18:18), which takes it from Rasataraṅgiṇī Taraṅga 12: 2. It is made from 2 ingredients. The Formulary gives a dose of 250 to 300 mg, taken with nimbū svarasa, triphalā kvātha. It contains processed metals or minerals and should be taken only under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
What are the ingredients of Shankh Bhasma?
According to the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:18, Shankh Bhasma contains 2 ingredients: Śaṅkha 1 Part, Kāṅjika.
What is the dose of Shankh Bhasma?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:18 gives a dose of 250 to 300 mg, taken with nimbū svarasa, triphalā kvātha. A physician may advise a different dose for your age, constitution and condition.
Which classical text is Shankh Bhasma from?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 18:18 takes the formula of Shankh Bhasma from Rasataraṅgiṇī Taraṅga 12: 2.
Is Shankh 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, 18:18. Always read the label of the product you use.
Is Shankh Bhasma sold on its own?
Prachyam Ayurveda does not sell Shankh Bhasma on its own. It is an ingredient of Vriddhi Vadhika Vati and Sutshekhar Ras.
Is Shankh Bhasma safe to take without a doctor?
No. Shankh 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 18:18, ŚAṅKHA BHASMA, e-book p. 640. Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
- Rasataraṅgiṇī Taraṅga 12: 2
The AFI lists this source as an acceptable variety.
