Shankh Bhasm: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Introduction

Shankh bhasm is an Ayurvedic medicine obtained from a marine source. It is prepared from the ash of Shankha (Conch shell), a calcium-containing compound. It is used by Ayurvedic physicians to help with a variety of conditions. Shankh bhasm is also an ingredient in classical Ayurvedic formulations like Kaphaketu rasa, Chandrodaya varti, Chandrodaya vati, and Sutashekhar rasa¹.

Other names of shankh bhasm are Samudraja, Arnavabhava, Shankhak, Kambu, Kamboja, Kutijantah, Jalaja, Trirekha, Dirghanada, Pavanadhvani, Bahunada, Mahanada, Shankha, Sunaada, Sukhana, Haripriya Jalachar, Pitta, Dirghagosha, Varija, and Shodasavarta².

Chemical Composition of Shankh Bhasm

Shankh bhasm is composed of calcium carbonate. It contains calcium in high amounts².

Properties of Shankh Bhasm

The properties associated with shankh bhasma are given below.

• It may be used as an antidiarrhoeal agent³.  
• It may show cooling property
• It may show detoxifying property
• It may enhance the complexion
• It may show strengthening property
• It may show anti-acne properties¹.

Potential Uses of Shankh Bhasm

Shankh bhasma may show potential uses against many conditions such as mentioned below.

1. Potential Uses of Shankh Bhasm for Hyperacidity/Gastro-oesophagal Reflux Disease

The use of shankh bhasm purified with lemon juice may be recommended for managing gastro-esophagal reflux disease (GERD). It might help by negating the oxidative damage of stomach tissue, decreasing the secretions of the stomach, and providing protective benefits to the stomach. According to an animal study², shankh bhasm may also be effective in reducing stomach ulcers. You still need to contact your healthcare provider if you are suffering from any stomach problems. Using herbal remedies without a proper diagnosis may worsen the condition.

2. Potential Uses of Shankh Bhasm for Ulcerative Colitis

According to a study², oral intake of shankh bhasm showed potential effects in the management of ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the digestive tract). In addition, it could benefit the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. However, if you have ulcerative colitis, talk to your healthcare provider and follow the treatment. Avoid using herbal remedies as an alternative to standard medical treatment. 

3. Potential Uses of Shankh Bhasm for Bones

Shankh bhasm may be used as a good calcium source for our body². The bone mineral density is the measure of bone health. The bone mineral density determines whether the bones are healthy, strong, or weak. According to some studies, calcium supplements increase bone mineral density. This may indicate the potential benefits of shankh bhasma for bones. However, more studies are required to understand whether consuming more calcium from food or dietary supplements is beneficial in older adults when the bone loss is greater and the bones become weak⁴. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor before using shankh bhasm for bones.

4. Potential Uses of Shankh Bhasm for Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complication of late pregnancy, marked by symptoms like high blood pressure and a high amount of proteins in the urine. According to some studies, supplementing with calcium might reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia in pregnant women who consume too little calcium. Therefore, many doctors recommend calcium during pregnancy for women with low calcium intake. Shankh bhasm is a good source of calcium and may show similar benefits for the same^2,4. However, talk to your doctor before using shankh bhasm or any other herbs during pregnancy.

5. Potential Uses of Shankh Bhasm for Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a serious medical condition. Metabolic syndrome increases the chances of developing heart diseases, stroke, and diabetes. Shankh bhasm may be used as a good source of calcium. Some studies suggest that calcium intake might lower the chances of metabolic syndrome in women. However, more studies are needed to consolidate its use^2,4.

6. Other Potential Uses of Shankh Bhasm

Shankh bhasm may be effective in removing unwanted hair from the body. Shankh bhasm, containing Lomashatan Kalpa, showed depilation (hair removal) activity according to a study. A small study² conducted on 10 people showed a significant reduction in the number of hairs, hair thickness and length on oral use of shankh bhasm. Also, no side effects were reported on the skin after its usage. Larger studies would be needed to understand the exact benefits of shankh bhasma on human hair growth.

Studies show the benefits of the shankh bhasm in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of shankh bhasm on human health. 

In my opinion, incorporating Shankha Bhasma might be beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic diarrhoea. It may help in reducing loose stools and improving bowel regularity, providing relief from the uncomfortable condition⁶.

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

How to Use Shankh Bhasm?

Shankh Bhasm powder can be taken with water or lemon juice². It is advised to take shankh bhasm after consulting with your doctor.

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking shankh bhasm or herbal supplements. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

According to what I’ve observed, Shankha Bhasma is known to be beneficial for dealing with white spots in the eyes. It may help in addressing this condition and promote healthy and clear eyes⁷.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Side Effects of Shankh Bhasm

There are no reported major side effects of shankh bhasm in prescribed doses. Still, shankha bhasm is chemically composed of calcium carbonate, which may have specific side effects as listed below.

• Vomiting
• Stomach upset and pain
• Belching
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Metallic taste
• Loss of appetite
• Increased urination⁵

Before using shankh bhasm for its benefits on health, talk to your healthcare provider about the side effects and limitations associated with its use.

From what I’ve noticed, Shankha Bhasma might also have some benefits for the skin. It may be used by young adults to help soothe acne⁶.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Precautions to Take with Shankh Bhasm

Before taking shankh bhasm, you need to exercise the following precautions:

• To avoid interactions of shankh bhasm with other drugs, do not take shankh bhasm within 1-2 hours of taking other medicines⁵.
• Make sure to notify your physician or pharmacist if you are allergic to calcium.
• Make sure to notify your doctor if you have had kidney disease or stomach conditions.
• Children and the elderly should use shankh bhasm under the supervision of their doctors or health care providers.
• Make sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking shankh bhasm, call your doctor⁵.
  • Precaution for pregnant women: There is a lack of information on the safe use of shankh bhasm by pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid its use without consulting with a doctor.
  • Precaution for breastfeeding women: There are no reported data regarding the safe usage of shankh bhasm during breastfeeding. Therefore, breastfeeding women should avoid its use without notifying a health care provider.

If you want to use shankh bhasm for its health benefits, talk to your healthcare provider about the possible precautions associated with its use. It will help you make well-informed choices.

Also Read: Pudina (Mint): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Interactions with Other Drugs

Shank bhasm is an Ayurvedic medicine with various therapeutic benefits. Still, it should be taken with a doctor’s guidance as it can show interactions with other medications, such as:

• Shankh bhasm might interact with medications like digoxin (used for heart failure), etidronate (used for osteoporosis), phenytoin (used for epilepsy), tetracycline (used for infections), and vitamins. The calcium present in shankh bhasm decreases the effectiveness of other medicines⁵.

Also, if you are taking medicine for any health condition, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the possible interactions of the drug with other herbs and medicines. It will help you avoid unwanted herb-drug interactions.

Also Read: Chandraprabha Vati (Chandraprabha Gulika): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Chavan S, Tayade S, Gupta V, Deshmukh V, Sardeshmukh S. Pharmaceutical Standardization and Physicochemical Characterization of Traditional Ayurvedic Marine Drug: Incinerated Conch Shell (Shankha Bhasma). Marine Drugs [Internet]. 2018 Nov 15 [cited 2022 Apr 18];16(11). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266202/ 
2. Sachin A, Anjali Baijnath P, Sandip BR, Dipti DA, Rinku T, Professor A, et al. Pharmaceutical Characterization & Pharmacological Consideration Of Shankha Bhasma: An Ayurvedic Formulation. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal [Internet]. 2020; Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341592898_PHARMACEUTICAL_CHARACTERIZATION_PHARMACOLOGICAL_CONSIDERATION_OF_SHANKHA_BHASMA_AN_AYURVEDIC_FORMULATION 
3. Meena V, Bhushan S, Chaudhary A. Pharmaceutical Validation & Process Conceptualisation of Ancient Indian Calcium Preparation: Shankha Bhasma. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research [Internet]. 2019;10(10):4724. Available from: https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/pharmaceutical-validation-process-conceptualisation-of-ancient-indian-calcium-preparation-shankha-bhasma/
4. Calcium – Consumer [Internet]. [cited 2022 Apr 27]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/ 
5. Calcium Carbonate: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. [cited 2022 Apr 18]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601032.html 
6. Meena V, Bhushan S, Chaudhary A. Pharmaceutical validation & process conceptualisation of ancient Indian calcium preparation: Shankha Bhasma. Int J Pharm Sci & Res. 2019;10(10):4724–30. doi:10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.10(10).4724-30. Available from: https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/pharmaceutical-validation-process-conceptualisation-of-ancient-indian-calcium-preparation-shankha-bhasma/
7. Meena V, Bhushan S, Chaudhary A. Pharmaceutical validation & process conceptualisation of ancient Indian calcium preparation: Shankha Bhasma. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2019 Oct 1;10(10):4724–30. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336274456_PHARMACEUTICAL_VALIDATION_PROCESS_CONCEPTUALISATION_OF_ANCIENT_INDIAN_CALCIUM_PREPARATION_SHANKHA_BHASMA

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