Sutshekhar Ras

Sutshekhar Ras (Sutashekhara Rasa) is recorded in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali in the chapter on Amlapitta and is included in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India. It is one of the most prescribed Rasa (herbo-mineral) tablets for acidity in Ayurvedic practice. What it contains: purified Parada (mercury) and Gandhaka (sulphur), Tamra (copper) and Shankha (conch shell) Bhasmas, purified Tankana (borax), Trikatu, purified Dhattura seed, Bilva, cinnamon, Tejpatra, cardamom, Nagakeshara and Kachura, ground in Bhringaraja juice in the classical method. The table below lists each one. How Ayurveda understands it: Amlapitta is described as aggravated Pitta with weak digestion producing sourness, heat and burning that rises upward, sometimes with nausea, vomiting and headache. Shankha Bhasma is a classical antacid; Tamra Bhasma and Kajjali are traditionally used for their deep action on Pitta and nausea; and the aromatic spices settle the stomach. Bilva helps the gut. How to take it: as on the label, 1–2 tablets twice a day after meals with water, milk or a Pitta-calming vehicle, only as prescribed. Physicians often start with 1 tablet. Safety and red flags: because it contains mercury, copper and purified Dhattura, the label carries the caution "to be taken under medical supervision". Heartburn with difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, weight loss, chest pain on exertion, or a sudden severe headache need a doctor. These uses are traditional and have not been tested in large trials.

Classical reference: Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Amlapitta Chikitsa Prakarana).

Adults: 1–2 tablets twice a day after meals with water or milk, as on the label, only as prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician; physicians often start with 1 tablet, for a limited course. Never exceed the prescribed dose.

Label caution: to be taken under medical supervision. Contains purified mercury (Parada), copper (Tamra Bhasma), purified Dhattura and borax. Not for pregnancy, breastfeeding or children. Avoid with kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, enlarged prostate or heart rhythm problems. Do not exceed the dose, take long term or combine with other mineral medicines. Heartburn with vomiting blood, black stools, weight loss or chest pain on exertion needs a doctor. Keep out of reach of children.

What is Sutshekhar Ras used for?

Sutshekhar Ras is traditionally used in Ayurveda for Amlapitta (acidity, heartburn and sour belching), nausea and vomiting, upper abdominal pain, and headaches linked to heat and acidity. It is a herbo-mineral tablet containing purified mercury, copper, conch-shell Bhasma and purified Dhattura, prescribed under a physician's supervision for limited courses.

Is Sutshekhar Ras good for acidity and gastritis?

It is one of the most prescribed Ayurvedic tablets for Amlapitta, acidity and heartburn, and practitioners also use it for gastritis-type pain and nausea. Frequent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools or weight loss need a doctor to rule out ulcers and other conditions. Do not stop prescribed acid-reducing medicines yourself.

Can Sutshekhar Ras help with migraine or headache?

Classical texts use it for Pittaja Shiroroga, headache linked to heat, acidity and nausea, and some practitioners use it for migraine with acidity. A sudden, severe or "worst ever" headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, or with weakness or confusion is an emergency. Recurring migraines should be assessed by a doctor.

Is Sutshekhar Ras safe? Does it contain mercury?

Yes, it contains purified mercury and sulphur, copper and conch-shell Bhasmas and purified Dhattura, prepared by classical purification. Its label carries the caution "to be taken under medical supervision". Taken at the prescribed dose for limited courses under a qualified physician it is widely used; self-medication or long use is not safe.

How do I take Sutshekhar Ras?

The label dose for adults is 1–2 tablets twice a day after meals with water or milk; physicians often start with 1 tablet. Take it only as prescribed, for a limited course, and avoid spicy, sour, fermented and fried food, tea, coffee and alcohol while taking it.

What are the side effects of Sutshekhar Ras?

Possible effects include dry mouth, constipation, mild drowsiness (from Dhattura) or a metallic taste. Stop it and seek care for blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, confusion, difficulty passing urine, vomiting or mouth ulcers. Never combine it with other mineral medicines unless prescribed together.

Is Sutshekhar Ras a classical formulation?

Yes. Sutashekhara Rasa is recorded in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali in the Amlapitta chapter and is included in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India. The classical recipe grinds Kajjali, Tamra and Shankha Bhasmas, Tankana and 11 herbs in Bhringaraja juice. Prachyam's pack follows this recipe.