Abhrak: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More!

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:

• Silica: 20-30%
• Alumina: 33-37%
• Ferric Oxide: 30-35%
• Calcium Oxide: 10-15%
• Potash: 8 to 12%
• Magnesia: 5 to 6%
• Titanium dioxide: 2 to 2.5%
• Sodium oxide: NLT 0.5%
• Phosphate: NLT 0.5%
• Sulphur: NLT 0.5%

I read about an intriguing study that examined the efficacy of Abhrak Bhasma. Surprisingly, when fed to diabetic rats, it potentially boosted their body weight while decreasing their blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides as well. Further research might reveal its potential benefits for humans as well.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

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 

I would like to share another potential benefit of Abhrak Bhasma with you. It might have amazing anti-ageing properties! It is therefore employed in rejuvenating preparations and may support the natural ageing process.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Benefits of Abhrak:

1. 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 

2. 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  

3. 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 

4. 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 

5. Benefits of Abhrak for Treating Worm Infection  

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

6. 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 

7. 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  

8. 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

Guess what? I just discovered something super interesting about Abhrak Bhasma! It turns out this cool stuff has been used for ages to manage all sorts of things like bronchitis, bleeding disorders, coughs, and colds. Can you believe it might be like a natural remedy for major respiratory issues?

Dr. Smita Barode, BAMS

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. 

Also Read: Alum – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

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 

Also Read: Citronella – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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/ 

Also Read: Parijat – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

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