Naga Bhasma is an ayurvedic proprietary medication, with Naga (calcined Lead) as the main component. It usually contains nanoparticles of lead sizing about 60 nm. Naga Bhasma is extensively used for the treatment of urinary incontinence, frequent urination, spleen enlargement, impotence, chronic constipation, heartburn and acidity caused by a hiatus hernia, ulcer, diabetes mellitus, leucorrhoea, rheumatoid arthritis, piles, malabsorption syndrome, non-healing wounds, etc.
Additionally, it is also used for providing relief from a ligament injury, haemorrhoids, skin diseases, expectorating cough, gonorrhoea, bronchitis, emaciation, whooping cough, epilepsy, vomiting, spitting blood, helminthiasis, etc. Naga Bhasma usually impacts on the following organs; namely, urinary bladder, testes, stomach, intestine, pancreas, bones, muscles, joints and ligaments.
Chemical Composition Of Naga Bhasma: PbS
How to Prepare Naga Bhasma?
The compound found in Naga Bhasma is mainly lead sulfide, which is usually mixed and processed with organic substances and a plethora of minerals and herbs. These incredible herbs include nirgundi leaves, adhatoda Vasica leaves, neem, turmeric powder, etc.
Ingredients:
Purified Lead
Pipal Tree (Ficus religiosa) bark
Calotropis Procera root
Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) Leaves
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Powder
Manahshila (Realgar; Arsenic disulphide- As2S2)
Chichiri (Plectranthus coesta)
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) leaves
Lime Water
Method:
Take the purified lead in a thick-bottomed container and heat it
Once the lead melts into liquid form, add manahshila to it drop by drop with constant stirring
The component then turns into a powder form
Put this powdered compound in an iron pot and subject it to high flame for 3-4 hours
Remove the pot from the flame and cool it down
Then, strain the mixture to remove impurities
Next, take this compound in a mortar and pestle and add lime juice and the other herbs one by one
Crush the ingredients in the powder for 5-6 hours
Place it under direct sunlight to remove moisture
Put the compound in an iron vessel and again subject it to high flame
The resultant product obtained after several hours is Naga Bhasma
Store the powdered formulation in amber-coloured, glass bottles for future use
Medicinal Properties Of Naga Bhasma
Naga Bhasma showcases the following medicinal properties:
- Anthelminthic (Vermifuge or anti-parasitic)
- Appetizer
- Digestive
- Carminative
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-diabetic
- Antioxidant
- Anti-gout
- Anti-lithiatic
Ayurvedic Indications
Ayurveda, the holistic science of herbal remedies has vastly mentioned the use of this time-tested herbo-mineral formulation multiple times in several ayurvedic scriptures and journals of Charaka Samhita, Sarangadhar Samhita and Susruta Samhita. It is primarily indicated for the following health conditions:
- Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms)
- Jantujit (treats worm infestation)
- Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
- Pachana (helps in digestion)
- Rochana (stimulates appetite)
- Amahara (treats indigestion)
- Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body)
- Vayasthapana (prevents ageing)
- Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)
- Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst)
- Shopajit (reduces swelling)
- Madhumeha (treats diabetes)
- Agnimandyahara (relieves indigestion)
- Klaibya (treats erectile dysfunction)
- Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body)
- Balya (improves strength)
- Napunsakata (treats impotency),
- Beejopghat (remedies decrease in sperm quantity)
- Kshayaj (treats excessive loss of
- Shukradhatu or reproductive tissue),
- Shukragatavata (treats premature ejaculation)
- Amavata (relieves arthritis)
- Sandhi Shula (treats arthritis)
- Kati prishtha Shula (treats pain in the spinal column and lower back)
- Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorder)
- Ashmari (treats urinary calculi)
- Mutrakrichra (treats dysuria)
- Dahahara (treats burning sensation)
- Mutraghata (treats urinary obstruction)
- Vajikaran (improves libido)
- Udara (treats ascites)
- Antravruddhi (treats Hernia)
- Arsha (treats haemorrhoids)
- Shonitasthapana (prevents bleeding)
- Pushtida (good for nutrition)
Health Benefits Of Naga Bhasma
Alleviates Urinary Disorders
Infused with dominant anti-inflammatory and diuretic qualities, Naga bhasma is an incredible remedy for treating urinary anomalies like painful micturition, urinary incontinence, and burning sensation while urinating. It upsurges the production of urine by shattering the stones in the urinary tract and thus delivers comfort from painful urination. The presence of mild diuretic or Mutral herbs used for processing the compound assists in the treatment of dysuria. The abundance of anti-microbial and anti-bacterial characteristics also prevents other urinary infections.
Remedies Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea also termed Sweta Pradara in Ayurveda is a condition that results in a discharge of thick, white mucus from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, this condition usually stems from an imbalance in the Vata Doshas. Ayurveda indicates Naga Bhasma, as a herbal remedy with a powerful astringent trait which plays a crucial role in the treatment of leucorrhea. It helps to regulate worsened Kapha and diminish the symptoms of leucorrhea. Apart from vaginal discharge, it also holds high significance in normalizing periods, dealing with postnatal maladies, and even providing relief from excessive abdominal pain/bleeding.
Regulates Diabetes
Diabetes a.k.a Madhumeha in Ayurveda is a condition that results in presence of too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose). Imbibed with numerous beneficial herbs, Naga Bhasma is an excellent formulation for managing high sugar levels by enhancing the metabolism due to its Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) traits and Kapha-Pitta normalizing doshas. The extraordinary anti-glycemic nature of bhasma plays a key role in ameliorating the blood sugar levels of the body. This herbomineral medicine triggers the pancreas and stimulates the production of a balanced amount of Insulin and also controls the metabolism of carbohydrates. This action readily assists the extra glucose circulating in the blood to get converted into glycogen which in turn wards off sudden spikes in the blood sugar level. It is an incredible ayurvedic formula that helps diabetic patients to retain control over the glucose levels in the blood naturally.
Also Read: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Remedies Constipation
Ayurveda, a centuries-old practice strongly recommends the use of this mineral-based powder in the treatment of constipation. It vigorously increases the secretion of bile by the liver, which in turn, works on the peristalsis movement of the intestines and liver, thereby allowing smooth passage of stool via the large intestine outside the body. It also plays a crucial role in diminishing mucous and excess fat content in the stools and impeding them from adhering to the intestinal walls and thereby letting their easy movement.
Cures Piles
Being a powerful laxative, this magic powder of lead is extensively used for preventing and treating piles or haemorrhoids. It vastly softens the stool and allows easy passage from the intestines. It lessens the strain on the lower portion of the intestines and thereby staving off anal fissure, bleeding or protuberance of a mass from the anus. It also enhances the strength of the intestines and helps in scouring the colon.
Averts Acidity And Gastritis
Excessive production of stomach acids may be extremely upsetting and lead to uneasiness throughout the day. Imbued with strong herbal ingredients, Naga bhasma is the ultimate antidote for acidity and gastritis. It effectively intercedes the secretion of hydrochloric acid and other acids in the stomach and maintains the appetite at an optimum level. It also diminishes burning in the throat, chest, stomach, and abdomen. Regular consumption of this ayurvedic formulation in prescribed doses remedies stomach acidity and other associated symptoms.
Augments Skin Health
Naga bhasma plays a significant role in treating various skin infections and issues. The abundance of antioxidants in this herbomineral formulation is extremely effective in eradicating harmful free oxidative radicals from the body and its antipruritic trait alleviates itching sensation that stems due to allergic conditions like patchy skin, scabies, acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn etc. Several studies indicate that Naga bhasma has potent anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic essence that are extensively used for pulling out bacteria from the body. The bioactive compounds present in this traditional lead medication not only deter worm infestation but also treat wounds and speed up healing.
Effect On Doshas:
This incredible ayurvedic formulation of lead mainly specifies all three Doshas; Vata Dosha, Kapha Dosha and Pitta Dosha.
Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Naga Bhasma Dosage
The effective therapeutic dosage of Naga Bhasma may vary from one person to another on account of their age, body strength, effects on appetite, the severity of the condition, and the potential of the patient. It is strictly suggested to consult with an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner before consuming the medication.
Adults: 125 mg, twice a day, after meals alongside honey, butter, mishri or milk cream or as directed by your physician
Naga Bhasma Side-effects:
This herbomineral formulation is extremely beneficial in treating numerous health woes in the prescribed amount as suggested by the ayurvedic practitioner or doctor. But an excess of it if taken for a longer duration without consulting the doctor, may cause chronic lead poisoning resulting in kidney damage.
Precautions
Naga Bhasma is strictly contraindicated in the case of pregnant women due to the unavailability of proper scientific evidence and the presence of lead which might lead to foetal abnormalities. Additionally, since the metallic powder might get secreted along with the breastmilk, it is best to avoid consuming it during the breastfeeding period as well.
Conclusion
Since archaic times, this potent formulation of purified Lead has been mentioned in several ayurvedic scriptures as an absolute remedy for numerous health aberrations. Infused with powerful carminative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, it treats urinary problems, and kidney anomalies, aids in digestion, remedies anal fistula and piles, regulates diabetes, manages leucorrhea and male impotency, relieves skin infections and many more.
