Introduction:  

Abhrak Bhasma is an Ayurvedic mineral formulation that is obtained by systematic processing of Mica. Mineral ayurvedic products (Rasa Yoga) formulated by Ayurveda medicine, ‘Rasa Shastra’ are the base of Ayurvedic Metallurgy Mica consists of various metals in oxide form with different ratios of percentage based on the origin of metal.

Mica’s therapeutic applications vary concerning the composition of the mineral oxide based on the origin.¹

Abhrak Bhasma is prepared by treating biotite (Mica) with the juices of several plants that make it a powerful cellular regenerator. Abhrak Bhasma is an amorphous powder drug. It also contains silicates of iron, magnesium, and aluminium.² 

Chemical Composition of Abhrak: 

Therapeutic Uses of Abhrak:  

Abhrak Bhasma is like a heavenly medicine, and it destroys pitta (fire), vata (air), and disease ksaya (phthisis).¹ Abhrak Bhasma is widely used in pernicious anaemia, sickle cell anaemia, Bell’s palsy, hepatic dysfunction, leukaemia, sex debility, azoospermia, cystic fibrosis, post encephalic dysfunction, and cervical dysplasia.³ Since ancient times, Abhrak Bhasma was used as Ayurvedic medicine to cure various diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, cancer, hepatic dysfunction, diabetes, and so on.^1-3 

Benefits of Abhrak: 

Benefits of Abhrak in Managing Diabetes: 

• Abhrak Bhasma induces the secretion of insulin from the pancreas.
• Therefore, it is used in the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus.¹ 

Benefits of Abhrak in the Management of Breast Cancer and Leukaemia: 

Abhrak Bhasma has shown anti-cancer activity mostly in cases of breast cancer and leukaemia.¹  

Benefits of Abhrak in Managing Psychiatric Illnesses: 

• Abhrak Bhasma is also used as a nerve tonic to manage psychiatric illness.^1,2
• Abhrak rehabilitates the tissue precisely and aids in the healing of impaired nervous tissues.¹ 

Benefits of Abhrak as an Aphrodisiac:  

• Abhrak Bhasma has androgen increasing properties. Hence, it can be prescribed as an aphrodisiac.
• It has beneficial properties, enough to suffice as an anti-impotency drug for males.⁴ 

Benefits of Abhrak for Treating Worm Infection  

Abhrak Bhasma has been used in the treatment of helminthiasis.¹ 

Benefits of Abhrak for Managing Anaemia  

Abhrak Bhasma is a well-known hematinic, which has the tendency to increase the red blood cells count, which in turn enhances the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.¹ 

Benefits of Abhrak for Managing Major Diseases 

• Abhrak Bhasma has been used to manage chronic diarrhoea, stroke, and paralysis of one side of facial muscle.
• Abhrak Bhasma has also been used in dealing with hepatic dysfunction, bone marrow depletion, tuberculosis and myocardial ischaemia.
• It has shown benefits in managing sexual impotency, erectile dysfunction, splenic and urinary disorders, and increasing the sperm count.¹  

Benefits of Abhrak Due to Anti-viral Activity 

Abhrak Bhasma has been used in the treatment of immunodeficiency diseases such as human herpesvirus 4 and human immunodeficiency virus.¹ 

Also Read: Anjeer – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

How to Use Abhrak Bhasma?  

Abhrak Bhasma can be used: 

• As a fine powder that can be used with jaggery, honey, ghee, Triphala Kashaya, or ginger extract. 
• With coconut water, turmeric juice, or cow milk for better activity.¹ 

Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dose as per your needs. 

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Side Effects of Abhrak Bhasma:  

Abhrak Bhasma has shown side effects in case of overdosing.¹  

Precautions to Take With Abhrak Bhasma: 

Abhrak Bhasma in pregnancy:  

Abhrak Bhasma should be avoided in pregnancy as there is not much data available on its safety in this pregnancy.¹  

Abhrak Bhasma in children: 

For use in children, based on the need or requirement, the dose is recommended by the Ayurvedic physician.¹ 

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Frequently Asked Questions: 

1) How can I use Abhrak Bhasma? 

Abhrak Bhasma can be used in the form of powder, juice, extracts, and paste. The primary process involves mixing with the required liquid or semi-solid material.¹ 

2) Can I use Abhrak Bhasma for my arthritis?  

Abhrak Bhasma can be used along with tender coconut water or boiled cow milk for managing arthritis.¹ However, it should only be used on the advice of a doctor. 

3) Is Abhrak Bhasma good for the liver? 

Abhrak Bhasma shows hepatoprotective action.^1-3 

4) Can I use Abhrak Bhasma for managing acidity and reflux? 

Abhrak Bhasma powder, along with honey, can aid in managing acidity and reflux.¹ 

5) Can I use Abhrak Bhasma for anaemia? 

Abhrak Bhasma contains ferrous oxide, which can improve the absorption of iron in your body. Hence, using Abhrak Bhasma powder can improve your low haemoglobin counts.^1,2 Use it on the advice of your doctor. 

6) Where to store the Abhrak Bhasma powder? 

Abhrak Bhasma should be stored in an airtight container and away from the reach of children.¹ 

Also Read: Lodhra – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

References:  

1. Harish Gopinath and Murugesh Shivashankar. Herbo-metallic Indian nano-medicine Abhrak Bhasma (MICA): A periodical review. 2009 [cited 2022 Feb 25]; Available from: https://hero.epa.gov/hero/index.cfm/reference/details/reference_id/8341584 

2. Pal D, Sahu CK, Haldar A. Bhasma : The ancient Indian nanomedicine. J Adv Pharm Technol Res [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2022 Feb 25];5(1):4-12. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3960793/ 

3. Bhatia B, Kale PG. Analytical Evaluation of an Ayurvedic Formulation- Abhrak Bhasma. Globalresearchonline.net. [cited 2022 Feb 25]. Available from: https://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/v23-1/04.pdf  

4. Babita B, Purushottam K, Daoo J. The effects of Abhraka Bhasma on serum testosterone levels and epididymal sperm quality in heat-stroke Wistar rats [Internet]. Tjprc.org. [cited 2022 Feb 25]. Available from: http://www.tjprc.org/publishpapers/–1360678638-ABS%20The%20effect%20of%20abhraka.pdf 

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Disclaimer:

The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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