Jahar Mohra Pishti & Bhasma, also commonly termed Nagapashana Bhasma or Zahar Mohra Bhasma is an ayurvedic mineral-based proprietary medication formulated using the purified Jahar Mohra Stone, which is also called Serpentine. Although the Jahar Mohra Pishti and Bhasma are formulated using different methods, both bestow the body with similar benefits. This powdered formulation furnishes strength to the heart, brain and intestine and is usually indicated in cases of fever, rickets, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness of the heart, palpitation, high blood pressure and burning sensation in the body. It is also used as a strong prophylactic during infectious diseases.
What Is Jahar Mohra?
Jahar Mohra is the Sanskrit name for Serpentine stone. The stone is not a single mineral but rather a compound composed of Magnesium Silicate. The unpurified serpentine stone is harmful to human consumption. Hence, to make it eatable for the treatment of various conditions, Ayurveda specifies certain detoxification methods to purify it and make it harmless for human consumption. The processes involved in the purification of Jahar Mohra Pishti include Shodhana and Mardana and for Bhasma preparation one more step is required after the first two steps, known as Marana.
Chemical Composition of Jahar Mohra (Serpentine)
Jahar Mohra (Serpentine) is composed of magnesium silicates. In addition to magnesium silicates, it may also contain some amounts of silicates of iron, zinc, aluminium, and manganese.
The general formula of Serpentine is:
(Mg,Fe,Ni,Al,Zn,Mn)2-3(Si,Al,Fe)2O5(OH)4
Jahar Mohra (Serpentine) has two main varieties, namely:
Antigorite: (Mg, Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4
Chrysolite: Mg3Si2O5(OH)4
How Are Jahar Mohra Pishti And Bhasma Prepared?
Ingredients:
Jahat Mohra Stones
Cow’s Milk or Triphala Decoction (for both pishti and bhasma)
Rose water or Chandanadi Ark (for pishti)
Method:
For Pishti:
Shodhana (Purification or Detoxification): Heat the Jahar Mohra or Serpentine stones until they become super-hot and red and then directly throw them into Cow’s milk or Triphala Decoction (which is kept at normal temperature). Repeat this process 21 times to completely purify the stones
Mardana (Grinding): Grind the fine powder in a mortar pestle with Rose water or Chandanadi Ark for several days
For Bhasma:
The Shodhana step for Bhasma preparation is the same as that of Pishti
Mardana: Unlike the pishti, in the case of Bhasma, grind the fine powder obtained after Shodhana continuously with Cow’s milk for 6 hours to get a thick paste-like consistency
Make small cakes using the thick paste and dry them
Marana: After drying the small cakes completely, put them into earthen pots and subject the pots to direct heat to obtain fine, loose powder or Bhasma
Medicinal Properties Of Jahar Mohra Pishti
- Antidiarrheal
- Antiemetic
- Anti-hypertensive
- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-toxic
- Antacid
- Digestive Stimulant
- Appetizer
- Febrifuge
- Antidote for scorpion stings
- Antidote for snake bites
Ayurvedic Indications Of Jahar Mohra Pishti And Bhasma
Ayurveda, the holistic science of herbal remedies, has widely mentioned the use of this time-tested herbo-mineral ayurvedic formulation multiple times in several ayurvedic scriptures and journals of Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Raj Nighantu. It is primarily indicated for the following health conditions:
- Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms)
- Hridaya (treats heart problems)
- Jantujit (treats worm infestation)
- Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
- Pachana (helps in digestion)
- Rochana (stimulates appetite)
- Amahara (treats indigestion)
- Jvara (useful for fever)
- Pandu (treats anaemia)
- Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)
- Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst)
- Shopajit (reduces swelling)
- Ruchi (improves taste)
- Agnimandyahara (relieves indigestion)
- Sonisthapana (treats bleeding)
- Gulmajit (useful in abdominal tumours)
- Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body)
- Vayasthapana (prevents ageing)
- Balya (improves muscle strength)
- Pushtida (gives nutrition)
Health Benefits Of Jahar Mohra Pishti
Treats Diarrhoea
Imbued with potent anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-diarrhoeal traits, Jahar Mohra Pishti & Bhasma is extensively used for removing bacteria and worms from the intestines that induce diarrhoea and other intestinal infections. When consumed alongside Nagarmotha (i.e., Cyperus rotundus) and Sonth (i.e., Zingiber officinalis), or Dhania (coriander) powder or Amla powder, it can be used for treating a form of diarrhoea known as Ama Atisara i.e., acute diarrhoea where the bowel is slimy, sticky, full of mucus and emits a foul and pungent odour. This mineral formulation not only removes toxins from the body but also effectively reduces the frequency of stools in adults, infants and children.
Promotes Digestion
Jahar Mohra Pishti & Bhasma is known for its excellent digestive and carminative qualities. Not only does it effectively counterbalance the excess acid produced in the stomach and delivers immediate relief from acidity and heartburn but also improves digestion and reduces constipation, flatulence, bloating and other gastrointestinal woes. It also increases the appetite by enhancing the Agni or digestive fire within the stomach and facilitates better absorption of nutrients in the body.
Also Read: Indigestion: Best Home Remedies To Treat Your Stomach Woes Naturally
Enhances Cardiac Functioning
Jahar Mohra Pishti & Bhasma is one such incredible herbo-mineral formulation that has been studied to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Having innate antioxidant traits, it readily calms the cardiac system, by relaxing the mind, which is extremely beneficial for patients suffering from arrhythmias and palpitations. It is also advantageous in fortifying the heart muscles, diminishing the cholesterol levels in the blood and deterring the accumulation of lipids within the heart and blood capillaries, which in turn reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, heart blocks, strokes, blood clots, etc.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Jahar Mohra Pishti & Bhasma acts as a natural antihypertensive agent and plays a key role in normalizing blood pressure levels and keeping them under check. It is highly significant in both high blood pressure and low blood pressure conditions. By promoting heart functions, it increases cardiovascular endurance which readily brings the blood pressure to a stable level and maintains balanced blood pressure readings.
Remedies Menorrhagia
A normal menstrual cycle usually continues for 3-5 days, but in case the menstrual flow stretches beyond this, then this condition is medically termed Menorrhagia. Also termed Raktapradara in Ayurveda, the condition is manifested in the form of heavy menstrual bleeding accompanied by extreme abdominal pain, weakness and fatigue. According to Ayurvedic scriptures, this menstrual abnormality also known as Asrigdara mainly ensues due to an exacerbated Pitta dosha within the body. Jahar Mohra Pishti & Bhasma having Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) qualities harmonize the abnormal Pitta Doshas and remedy menorrhagia effectively.
Also Read: Menstrual Worries: 5 Different Period Problems And Their Ayurvedic Remedies
Effect On Doshas:
Jahar Mohra Pishti, a magical powdered formulation of serpentine stone pacifies all three doshas mainly; the Kapha (earth and water), Pitta (fire and air) doshas, and the Vata (air) doshas. This formulation shows a positive impact on the cardiovascular and digestive system and its action or prabhab mainly works on the heart, stomach and intestines.
Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Dosage Of Jahar Mohra Pishthi And Bhasma
The effectual therapeutic dosage of Jahar Mohra Pishti and Bhasma may vary from one individual to another on basis of their age, body strength, effects on digestion, the severity of the diseased condition, and physical attributes of the patient. It is firmly suggested to consult an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner as he or she would check the patient’s indications, and past medical conditions and prescribe a remedial dose for the condition.
Adults: 125 to 250 mg, along with honey or water, twice a day, or as suggested by the health care provider.
Note: The maximum dosage of both powders should not exceed more than 500 mg.
Side Effects Of Jahar Mohra Pishti And Bhasma
Both Jahar Mohra Pishti And Bhasma are quite beneficial in proper therapeutic dosage and do not have any reported side effects. However, if the formulation is taken in excess quantity, it can lower the blood pressure below the normal range and cause digestive trouble.
Precautions
Since there is no credible information regarding the consumption of Jahar Mohra Pishti and Bhasma by pregnant women and lactating moms, it is strictly suggested to avoid using this mineral-based formulation without the advice of their treating doctor.
Conclusion
Jahar Mohra Pishti and Bhasma has been mentioned in several ayurvedic scriptures as an ultimate remedy for numerous digestive and cardiac anomalies owing to their enormous health benefits. This incredible mineral-based formulation is classified as a rejuvenator and helps in ensuring better digestion, enhancing heart functions, regulating blood pressure, relieving diarrhoea, and thus fortifying overall stamina and body immunity.
