Tamra Bhasma: Uses, Benefits, Ingredients, Method, Dosage, Precautions And Side Effects

In the ancient Indian system of medicine, Tamra Bhasma stands as a testament to the profound wisdom and therapeutic prowess of traditional herbal alchemy. This copper-based Ayurvedic formulation is primarily used to treat liver illnesses, anaemia, obesity, spleen and liver enlargement, tumours, cancer, hiccups, abdominal distention, acidity with indigestion, and several other ailments listed in the therapeutic indications section. Derived from copper, Tamra Bhasma undergoes a meticulous process of purification and calcination to unleash its potent healing properties. From its diverse uses and benefits to its preparation method, dosage guidelines, and precautions, let's embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of Tamra Bhasma.
tamra bhasma

Also Read: Mandur Bhasma: Benefits, Ingredients, Method, Dosage And Side Effects

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What Is Tamra Bhasma?

Tamra Bhasma, also known as Tamra Sindura or Copper Ash, is a classical Ayurvedic preparation primarily derived from copper. In Ayurveda, copper is revered for its medicinal properties and is believed to possess potent rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Through the process of Shodhana (purification) and Marana (calcination), copper transforms Tamra Bhasma, rendering it bioavailable and safe for therapeutic use.

How To Prepare Tamra Bhasma?

Ingredients: 

High-quality copper

Aloe vera

Lemon juice

Method:

Take high-quality copper in a mortar and pestle.

Process it with herbal juices including aloe vera and lemon juice for purification (Shodhana) to remove impurities and toxins.

Subject the purified mixture to calcination (Marana) in controlled temperature conditions to get fine copper ash or Tamra Bhasma.

Chemical Composition Of Tamra Bhasma

The primary composition of Tamra Bhasma is Elemental copper (Cu).

Tamra Bhasma Ayurvedic Indications

Ayurveda, the holistic science of herbal treatments, has extensively acknowledged the usage of this time-tested substance in numerous Ayurvedic texts and journals, and it has advised its use in the following conditions:

  • Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body)
  • Balya (improves muscle strength)
  • Deepana (enhances stomach fire) 
  • Pachana (helps in digestion) 
  • Rochana (stimulates appetite
  • Vamana (prevents nausea and vomiting)
  • Vayasthapana (prevents ageing)
  • Jvara (useful for fever)
  • Anulomana (improves breathing)
  • Kasahara (Relieves cough)
  • Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties)  
  • Amahara (treats indigestion)
  • Gulmajit (useful in abdominal tumours)  
  • Kantya (relieves sore throat)
  • Garbhaprada (treats infertility)
  • Vamanopaga (treats emesis) 
  • Sangrahini (treats diarrhoea)
  • Kustha (treats skin disorders)

Tamra Bhasma Medicinal Properties

Tamra Bhasma is sanctified with the following therapeutic qualities:

  • Antacid
  • Expectorant
  • Hematogenic 
  • Lowers bilirubin
  • Fat Burner
  • Mild laxative 
  • Digestive Stimulant
  • Emmenagogue
  • Zinc antagonist

Extraordinary Health Benefits Of Tamra Bhasma

Prevents Intestinal Anomalies

Tamra Bhasma's significant anti-inflammatory and purgative qualities aggressively inhibit the harmful bacterium Helicobacter pylori, preventing it from developing in the stomach. Because of its powerful laxative and peristaltic properties, it successfully avoids constipation and piles by softening the stool and allowing it to move smoothly through the body. Thanks to its potent digestive characteristics, the mineral formulation aids in the breakdown of food particles in the stomach and intestine, and encourages the secretion of digestive juices in the stomach, which in turn promotes the absorption of critical nutrients through the intestines. Not only does it help to expel stomach gas while lowering abdominal distension, bloating, and gaseous pains, but it is also very important in treating a variety of gastrointestinal illnesses like ulcerative colitis, GERD, acidity, indigestion, heartburn, etc.

Also Read: Digestive Disorders: 7 Ways To Improve Gut Health

Relieves Respiratory Troubles

Tamra Bhasma is regarded as a one-stop solution for all types of respiratory problems. Because of its inherent anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic qualities, the herbo-mineral powder is highly effective in treating common cold, cough, and flu symptoms. It also thins and loosens rheum deposits in the chest and nasal cavities, which improves breathing and helps the body eliminate mucus. It can also help remedy bronchitis and asthma. Daily ingestion of this mineral mixture in recommended dosages strengthens lung tissues and improves lung health.

Remedies Anemia 

Tamra Bhasma is a one-time treatment and preventative measure for iron deficiency or microcytic anaemia. Furthermore, it is vital for treating anaemia's numerous symptoms, such as general fatigue, physical weakness, yellow skin discolouration, vertigo, lethargy, shortness of breath, dizziness, swelling, and headache.

Severe anaemia causes fast and irregular pulses and heartbeats. The application of Tamra Bhasma in conjunction with Arjuna powder helps to alleviate this discomfort while also strengthening the heart muscles and their function.

Also Read: Anemia: 5 Awesome Natural Remedies To Boost Your Iron Levels

Combats Gynecological Problems

Iron deficiency anaemia can cause a variety of gynaecological problems. Because of its robust emmenagogue activity, Tamra Bhasma is effective in treating amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) as well as providing substantial relief from stomach pains caused by dysmenorrhea. In the latter situation, the advised amount of Tamra Bhasma serves as both an antispasmodic and an iron supplement.

Improves Skin Health

Ayurveda recognizes Tamra Bhasma as a well-known one-step cure for a variety of skin disorders since it is rich in antioxidants, antimicrobials, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Because of its blood-purifying characteristics, which aid in the removal of toxins from the blood, it is also effective in treating a wide range of skin ailments. It not only protects the skin from oxidative radical damage caused by damaging UVA and UVB radiation, but it also lowers the chance of developing ageing symptoms such as wrinkles, blemishes, spots, fine lines, and dark circles. It is also effective in treating allergic disorders such as acne, pimples, zits, psoriasis, scabies, eczema, and many more. It can even repair fractured heels.

Tamra Bhasma Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter), Amal (Sour), Kashaya (Astringent)

Guna (Main Quality): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Tikshna (Sharp)

Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)

Vipaka (Resultant): Katu (Pungent)
dosage

Tamra Bhasma Dosha Karma

Tamra Bhasma mostly lowers Kapha Dosha. It detoxifies the Pitta Dosha. Its cholagogue activity encourages the correct passage of Pitta Dosha. This action also pacifies abnormal Pitta Dosha.

Tamra Bhasma Dosage:

The dosage of Tamra Bhasma may vary depending on individual constitution, age, and the specific condition being treated. It is typically administered under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. 

Adult (safest dosage) - 1-2 mg, mixed with honey, ghee, or water, once or twice daily after meals.

Tamra Bhasma Adjuvants

Tamra Bhasma is beneficial in the following disorders when combined with specific adjuvants:

Diseases Adjuvants

Constipation - Honey and then eat wheat germ or barley germ

Acidity with indigestion - Jaggery, munakka and honey

Urticaria - Turmeric, black pepper and honey or babchi seeds

Spleen or liver enlargement - Long pepper and honey or punarnava powder or Punarnavarishta

Hiccup - Lemon Juice, long pepper powder or pistacia chinensis

Irritable bowel syndrome with mucus discharge - Dried ginger and honey

Loose stools with mucus discharge - Long pepper and amla powder or dried ginger and buttermilk

Burning sensation in liver - Pomegranate juice

Loss of appetite or Indigestion - Long pepper and honey or ginger juice and honey

Gall bladder stones - Bitter gourd leaves juice

Tamra Bhasma Side Effects:

While Tamra Bhasma offers numerous health benefits, it should be used with caution and under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician. The overdose or improper administration of Tamra Bhasma may lead to:

  • Vertigo
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Nose bleed
  • High blood pressure
  • Anal fissure
  • Mouth ulcer
  • Diarrhea
  • Bleeding disorders

Tamra Bhasma Contraindications

Tamra bhasma should not be used in the following cases:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Excessive uterine bleeding
  • Nosebleed
  • Anal fissure
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Kidney (renal) failure or kidney impairment
  • Diarrhoea without mucus discharge
  • Sunburn

Tamra Bhasma Precautions

The high content of copper in Tamra Bhasma makes it improper to be used by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, as it can induce contractions during pregnancy and even get secreted through breast milk in lactating women.

Conclusion:

Tamra Bhasma stands as a testament to the rich heritage and profound wisdom of Ayurveda, offering holistic healing for a wide range of health conditions. From digestive disorders and anaemia to respiratory ailments and menstrual irregularities, Tamra Bhasma holds promise as a potent therapeutic agent. However, its use should be approached with caution, and guidance from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is essential to ensure safe and effective outcomes.

References:

1. Review of research works done on Tamra Bhasma [Incinerated Copper] at Institute for Post-Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar

Authors: Swapnil Y. Chaudhari, Chandrashekhar Y. Jagtap,1 R. Galib,2 Prashant B. Bedarkar,3 Biswajyoti Patgiri,4 and Pradeep Kumar Prajapati5

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3764875/#:~:text=Clinical%20findings,between%2065%20and%20250%20mg.

2. Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study of Tamra Bhasma (Incinerated Copper) prepared from Ashodhita (Unpurified) and Shodhita (Purified) Tamra in Rats

Authors: C. Y. Jagtap,* B. K. Ashok, B. J. Patgiri, P. K. Prajapati, and B. Ravishankar

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783753/