Shankh Bhasma

The name Shankh Bhasma reflects what it is made from and how it is made: Shankha is the Sanskrit word for conch shell, and Bhasma refers to the fine calcined preparation produced by purification and repeated incineration. In Rasashastra, the branch of Ayurveda dealing with minerals and metals, Shankha is classified under Sudha Varga, the calcium-rich group of substances, alongside materials such as pearl oyster shell and coral (Chavan et al., 2018). Ayurvedic references including Rasa Tarangini and Rasa Ratna Samuccaya describe its purification with sour media such as lemon juice, followed by repeated incineration, to convert the raw shell into a fine, calcined preparation (Chavan et al., 2018).

Shankh Bhasma is traditionally described as having a Sheeta (cooling) Virya (potency), with Kshariya (alkaline) and Grahi (absorbent) properties. In Ayurvedic practice, it is traditionally used to pacify Pitta and is also associated with balancing Vata. However, Rasa (taste) and Vipaka (post-digestive effect) are not consistently defined for mineral Bhasmas in the sources available for this audit.

Shankh Bhasma is known by a small number of spelling variants and descriptive names, as set out below.

• Hindi: Shankh Bhasma
• English: Conch Shell Ash, Conch Shell Calx, Conch Ash, or Chank Ash
• Sanskrit: Shankha Bhasma
• Tamil: Sangu Bhasmam / Chanku Bhasmam
• Telugu: Shankha Bhasmam / Senkham Bhasmam
• Malayalam: Shankha Bhasmam / Sankhabhasmam
• Kannada: Shankha Bhasma
• Marathi, Gujarati & Punjabi: Shankh Bhasma
• Bengali: Shankho Bhasma
• Oriya/Odia: Sankha Bhasma

Shankh Bhasma has a single main ingredient, prepared through a traditional multi-step process.

• Purified conch shell (Shankha) - the sole starting material
• Lemon juice (Nimbu Swarasa) - used to purify the shell before incineration
• Aloe vera juice - traditionally used during the repeated incineration steps

The raw conch shell is wrapped in cloth and simmered in diluted lemon juice for several hours, then rinsed and dried. The purified shell is incinerated in a furnace, mixed with aloe vera juice, shaped into discs, dried and incinerated again, with this cycle repeated several times, converting the shell to a fine calcium carbonate preparation (Chavan et al., 2018).

Pharmaceutical analysis of finished Shankh Bhasma has identified the following:

• Calcium carbonate in calcite form, with elemental calcium accounting for roughly 39 to 41% w/w of the finished bhasma
• Trace magnesium, generally around 0.03 to 0.04% w/w
• Heavy metals (mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead) within permissible pharmacopoeial limits in the batches tested

These findings come from a pharmaceutical standardisation study of incinerated conch shell (Chavan et al., 2018), which analysed the finished product using X-ray diffraction and related laboratory methods; it is a quality-control and characterisation study, not a clinical trial.

Shankh Bhasma is traditionally credited with the following properties:

• Antacid: may help neutralise stomach acid due to its calcium carbonate content
• Alkalising (Kshariya): traditionally used to help correct excess acidity in the stomach
• Cooling (Sheeta Virya): traditionally believed to pacify Pitta, which Ayurveda links to heat and acid-related symptoms
• Absorbent (Grahi): traditionally used to help firm loose stools
• Calcium supplementing: provides calcium as part of the preparation

These traditional properties, and the associated classical indications for hyperacidity, poor appetite and abdominal discomfort, are summarised from classical Ayurvedic literature in Chavan et al. (2018). Laboratory and animal studies on Shankh Bhasma report antacid and gastric-protective activity; clinical trial evidence in humans is limited.

Shankh Bhasma is traditionally used to support digestive comfort, particularly for occasional acidity, heartburn, gas and bloating. As a calcium-containing preparation, it may also contribute to dietary calcium intake and support bone health. These benefits are mainly based on its composition and traditional Ayurvedic use, and it is not a treatment for diagnosed digestive or bone conditions.

1. Easing Excess Stomach Acid

Shankh Bhasma's calcium carbonate content may help neutralise excess stomach acid, which may help with the discomfort of heartburn and hyperacidity. It provides symptomatic relief only and does not treat an underlying condition such as GERD; persistent or worsening symptoms need medical assessment.

2. Supporting Digestion

In Ayurveda, Shankh Bhasma is traditionally used to support Agni, the digestive fire, which is associated with more comfortable digestion and may help reduce gas and bloating. This is a traditional use rather than a proven clinical effect.

3. Easing Abdominal Discomfort

By traditionally helping to balance Vata and Pitta, Shankh Bhasma is associated with easing mild abdominal discomfort linked to gas or indigestion. It does not treat the underlying cause of ongoing or severe abdominal pain, which needs medical assessment.

4. Supporting Bone Health

Shankh Bhasma is a source of calcium and may contribute to calcium intake, and is traditionally used alongside dietary measures to support bone health. It is not a treatment for osteoporosis or other bone conditions, which need medical diagnosis and management.

5. Balancing Pitta

Shankh Bhasma's cooling quality is traditionally used to help pacify aggravated Pitta, which Ayurveda associates with excess heat, acidity and irritation in the digestive tract.

6. Balancing Vata

Shankh Bhasma is traditionally used to support digestion and help reduce gas-related discomfort, which is traditionally associated with less bloating and trapped wind when Vata is out of balance.

Beyond its core health benefits, Shankh Bhasma is traditionally used by Ayurvedic practitioners in the following situations.

1. Short-Term Use During an Acid Flare-Up

Shankh Bhasma is traditionally taken during episodes of heartburn or acid reflux, often brought on by spicy food, stress or skipped meals, rather than as a continuous daily preparation.

2. Alongside Management of Mild Diarrhoea

Shankh Bhasma is traditionally used as part of Ayurvedic management of mild, short-term diarrhoea associated with digestive upset. It is not a substitute for oral rehydration solutions or medical care in severe or persistent diarrhoea, which can cause dehydration.

3. Settling Nausea Linked to Excess Acid

When nausea is linked to excess stomach acid, Shankh Bhasma is traditionally used to help settle the stomach, generally alongside dietary changes such as smaller, lighter meals.

4. As a Dietary Calcium Source

Some Ayurvedic practitioners use Shankh Bhasma as a calcium-containing preparation for people whose diet is low in calcium, generally as a longer-term addition under supervision rather than for acute digestive symptoms.

The following precautions should be read before starting Shankh Bhasma in any form.

• Avoid it if you have a history of kidney stones or high blood calcium levels, since Shankh Bhasma is rich in calcium.
• Speak to your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• People with heart conditions should speak to their doctor before use, since abnormal calcium levels may affect heart rhythm in some circumstances.
• Shankh Bhasma is made from conch shell, a marine mollusc. Anyone with a known mollusc or shellfish allergy should avoid it and speak to a doctor first.
• Do not use Shankh Bhasma to self-treat ongoing or severe digestive symptoms; see your doctor if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools.

Note: This information is general and does not replace advice from your registered medical practitioner.

Shankh Bhasma can be taken in the following ways, depending on the form used.

Using Shankh Bhasma Powder

Take the powder as advised by your doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner. It is traditionally mixed with honey or ghee to make it easier to take, generally after meals.

Taking Shankh Bhasma Tablets

Swallow the tablet with water, generally after meals, at the dose and frequency recommended by your doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner.

Herbs Traditionally Used With Shankh Bhasma

Shankh Bhasma is traditionally combined with other ingredients in several Ayurvedic formulations, shown below.

Dosage should always be confirmed with a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner, since it can vary with age, health status and the reason for use. General guidance is given below.

Adults

Typically 250 mg, taken as advised by a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner.

Elderly Adults

Older adults are generally advised to use Shankh Bhasma only under medical supervision, since age-related changes in kidney function can affect how the body handles extra calcium.

Teenagers

There is limited published information on Shankh Bhasma dosing in teenagers. Use only under the direct guidance of a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner.

Children

Shankh Bhasma is not recommended for children unless specifically advised and supervised by a doctor or Ayurvedic paediatric specialist.

Note: The dosage given here is for general information only. Always consult your doctor before adding Shankh Bhasma to your routine, particularly if you have kidney stones, high blood calcium, or a heart condition.

Shankh Bhasma may cause side effects, particularly when used in excessive amounts or without appropriate supervision. The following side effects may occur.

1. Nausea and Vomiting

Taking more than the advised amount can cause nausea or vomiting. Stop use and seek medical advice if this happens.

2. Stomach Pain

Some people may experience stomach pain with excess use. Stop use and speak to a doctor if symptoms occur or persist.

3. Raised Blood Calcium

Because Shankh Bhasma is high in calcium, prolonged or excessive use may raise blood calcium levels, which can affect the kidneys and heart. This risk may be higher in people who already have kidney stones or high blood calcium.

Shankh Bhasma's calcium content means it may interact with certain medicines (Chavan et al., 2018). Always tell your doctor about any herbal or Ayurvedic products you are taking, including Shankh Bhasma.

Thyroid medicine

Calcium can reduce the absorption of thyroid medicines such as levothyroxine. Leave a gap of at least four hours between taking Shankh Bhasma and levothyroxine.

Certain antibiotics

Calcium can bind to some antibiotics, including tetracyclines and certain quinolones, and reduce their absorption. These medicines should be taken at a different time from Shankh Bhasma; ask your doctor or pharmacist about the appropriate interval.

Iron supplements

Taking calcium at the same time as iron supplements may reduce iron absorption. Space these apart during the day where possible.

Storage of Shankh Bhasma

Store Shankh Bhasma powder or tablets in a cool, dry place, in a tightly sealed container, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children. Check the pack for an expiry date and do not use the product after this date.

• Shankh Bhasma is a classical Ayurvedic mineral formulation made from purified, incinerated conch shell, traditionally used to support digestion and for hyperacidity.
• It is traditionally associated with cooling, alkalising and absorbent properties that are linked to easing symptoms such as acid reflux, indigestion and mild abdominal discomfort.
• It is a source of calcium and is sometimes used as a calcium-containing preparation, generally under practitioner guidance.
• Overuse can raise blood calcium and cause nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, and it should be used with caution in kidney stone disease, high blood calcium, heart conditions, pregnancy and in people with a shellfish or mollusc allergy.
• Always confirm the dose and suitability with a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner before starting.