Shankh Bhasma
Shankh Bhasma
Shankh Bhasma (Conch or Sea Shell) is an ayurvedic medicine used to manage conditions like acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)[1]. It possesses antacid properties which offer relief from symptoms like heartburn and chest pain. Shankha (Conch) is mentioned in Rasashastra as a mineral under Sudha Varga (Calcium group) category. Shankh Bhasma is one of the important Bhasmas used in daily practice by Ayurvedic physicians.
Shankh Bhasma due to its multiple properties provides aid in indigestion, flatulence, and abdominal pain. It may also help with diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, burping, and gastritis. Some practitioners also suggest its use as a calcium supplement[2].
According to Ayurveda, Shankh Bhasma has Kshar (alkaline) property which helps neutralize the produced excessive acid. It may also provide instant relief to the burning sensation in the stomach because of its Sita (cold) nature. Shankh Bhasma also aids in reducing abdominal pain by improving digestion. Along with that, it has Vatanuloman (Vata balancing) properties which help reduce common symptoms of IBS, like gas and bloating. It also helps control watery motions, commonly known as diarrhea, due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Shankh Bhasma is available in powder form. Shankh Bhasma is generally given in combination with other ayurvedic medicine in the form of a mixture. The mixture is usually advised to be taken with honey to get quick relief from digestive problems. Avoid self-medication or taking Shankh Bhasma in excess.
Shankh Bhasma is generally well tolerated by most people and does not have any major side effects when taken in the recommended dose. In some cases, it may cause vomiting and nausea. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the doctor before using Shankh Bhasma.
Shankh Bhasma due to its multiple properties provides aid in indigestion, flatulence, and abdominal pain. It may also help with diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, burping, and gastritis. Some practitioners also suggest its use as a calcium supplement[2].
According to Ayurveda, Shankh Bhasma has Kshar (alkaline) property which helps neutralize the produced excessive acid. It may also provide instant relief to the burning sensation in the stomach because of its Sita (cold) nature. Shankh Bhasma also aids in reducing abdominal pain by improving digestion. Along with that, it has Vatanuloman (Vata balancing) properties which help reduce common symptoms of IBS, like gas and bloating. It also helps control watery motions, commonly known as diarrhea, due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Shankh Bhasma is available in powder form. Shankh Bhasma is generally given in combination with other ayurvedic medicine in the form of a mixture. The mixture is usually advised to be taken with honey to get quick relief from digestive problems. Avoid self-medication or taking Shankh Bhasma in excess.
Shankh Bhasma is generally well tolerated by most people and does not have any major side effects when taken in the recommended dose. In some cases, it may cause vomiting and nausea. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the doctor before using Shankh Bhasma.
What are the synonyms of Shankh Bhasma?
Shankh Bhasma, Shankha Bhasma
What is the source of Shankh Bhasma?
Metal & Mineral based
Benefits of Shankh Bhasma
1. Acidity
Acidity means an increased level of acid in the stomach. This happens when the food is left undigested or when Ama is formed inside the body which results in the aggravation of Pitta dosha. An aggravated Pitta impairs the digestive fire leading to improper digestion of food and production of Ama. This Ama gets accumulated in the digestive channels and causes hyperacidity. This also leads to the condition of a burning sensation in the chest which is known as heartburn. Shankh Bhasma may help reduce acidity and give instant relief to the burning sensation in the stomach because of its Sita (cold) nature.
2. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Pain is often called ‘stomach’ pain or a ‘stomach’ ache. It can come in many forms and may range from cramps, stabbing pains to constant, dull abdominal aching. According to Ayurveda, Abdominal Pain happens due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Vata gets aggravated inside the body, resulting in a feeling of fullness followed by flatulence and pain. Sometimes abdominal pain might also occur due to indigestion. Shankh Bhasma helps reduce abdominal pain by correcting digestion, and it also helps release gas because of its Vatanuloman (Vata balancing) property.
3. IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the digestive system, mostly the large intestine. It may cause symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, or constipation. According to Ayurveda, it is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Shankh Bhasma helps improve Pachak Agni which helps to reduce gas or bloating because of its Vata balancing nature. Regular intake of Shankh Bhasma can also aid in controlling the frequency of motion due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition in which one may experience loose, watery stools with increased frequency. Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is caused due to improper food intake, impure water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors can aggravate the Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid from various tissues from the body into the intestine. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Shankh Bhasma helps to reduce diarrhea by increasing digestive fire and controlling water motion due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Acidity means an increased level of acid in the stomach. This happens when the food is left undigested or when Ama is formed inside the body which results in the aggravation of Pitta dosha. An aggravated Pitta impairs the digestive fire leading to improper digestion of food and production of Ama. This Ama gets accumulated in the digestive channels and causes hyperacidity. This also leads to the condition of a burning sensation in the chest which is known as heartburn. Shankh Bhasma may help reduce acidity and give instant relief to the burning sensation in the stomach because of its Sita (cold) nature.
2. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Pain is often called ‘stomach’ pain or a ‘stomach’ ache. It can come in many forms and may range from cramps, stabbing pains to constant, dull abdominal aching. According to Ayurveda, Abdominal Pain happens due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Vata gets aggravated inside the body, resulting in a feeling of fullness followed by flatulence and pain. Sometimes abdominal pain might also occur due to indigestion. Shankh Bhasma helps reduce abdominal pain by correcting digestion, and it also helps release gas because of its Vatanuloman (Vata balancing) property.
3. IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the digestive system, mostly the large intestine. It may cause symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, or constipation. According to Ayurveda, it is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Shankh Bhasma helps improve Pachak Agni which helps to reduce gas or bloating because of its Vata balancing nature. Regular intake of Shankh Bhasma can also aid in controlling the frequency of motion due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition in which one may experience loose, watery stools with increased frequency. Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is caused due to improper food intake, impure water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors can aggravate the Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid from various tissues from the body into the intestine. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Shankh Bhasma helps to reduce diarrhea by increasing digestive fire and controlling water motion due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Precautions when using Shankh Bhasma
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Shankh Bhasma Should be avoided if someone has a history of renal stone since it is a calcium-rich formulation. It may cause further complications in patients suffering from renal calculi.
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Enough evidence is not available to suggest its use while breastfeeding. Kindly consult your doctor before using it.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Patients on medication for hypertension should consult their doctor before using
Shankh Bhasma
Shankh Bhasma
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Enough evidence is not available to suggest its use in the case of pregnancy. Kindly consult your doctor before using it.
FAQs about Shankh Bhasma precautions
Recommended Dosage of Shankh Bhasma
- Shankh Bhasma Powder - 125-250mg twice a day or as directed by the physician.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Shankha Bhasma is an Ayurvedic medicine prepared from purified Conch shells. It is widely used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients. It may be helpful in hyperacidity, loss of appetite, irritable bowel syndrome, and pain in the abdomen[1].
Modern Science View
The core ingredient of Shankh Bhasma, conch shell, has Sita(cooling), Kshariya ( alkaline), and Grahi (adsorbent) properties which may help improve skin conditions[1].
Modern Science View
Enough evidence is not available to suggest the use of Shankh Bhasma for hair removal.
Modern Science View
Shankh Bhasma has Vishahara (detoxifying) and Varnya (complexion-enhancing) properties which may help in treating conditions like acne[1]. However, do consult a doctor before using Shankh Bhasma for acne.
Modern Science View
Some Ayurvedic physicians recommended Shankha Bhasma along with other Ayurvedic ingredients for improving speech disorders. However, enough scientific evidence is not available to suggest the use of Shankh Bhasma alone in managing speech disorders.
Modern Science View
Shankh Bhasma is a mineral formulation that may help in the treatment of peptic ulcers[3].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Shankh Bhasma can help to quick healing of peptic ulcers because of its Sita(cold) and Ropan(healing) properties
Ayurvedic View
People on medication for diabetes should consult a doctor before taking Shankh Bhasma. Self-medication should be avoided.
Modern Science View
Shankh Bhasma is generally well tolerated when taken as advised by the doctor. However, in some cases, it may cause adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Modern Science View
Yes, Shankh Bhasma can be used as a calcium supplement[2].
Ayurvedic View
Shankh Bhasma should be taken for the duration prescribed by the doctor only. If you wish to use it for a longer duration, consult the doctor.
Ayurvedic View
There are no special instructions to be followed while taking Shankh Bhasma unless advised by the doctor. Generally, with ayurvedic medicines, it is advised to reduce the intake of spicy food, junk food, and aerated drinks.
References
- Ranade M and Chary DL. Comparison of two purification products of shankha bhasma: A prospective randomized control trial. J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2013 Jan-Jun; 4(1): 160–162.
- Meena V, Bhushan S and Chaudhary A. PHARMACEUTICAL VALIDATION & PROCESS CONCEPTUALISATION OF ANCIENT INDIAN CALCIUM PREPARATION: SHANKHA BHASMA. Meena et al., IJPSR, 2019; Vol. 10(10): 4724-4730.
- asheed SP and Shivashankar M. Synthesis and characterization of Shanku Bhasma-an antiulcer herbomineral formulation. IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 263 (2017) 022026
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.