Shankh Bhasma

The seashells used to make Shankh Bhasma are an essential part of Ayurveda. They contain calcium, an element in Rasashastra, the part of Ayurveda that deals with metals and minerals. Ancient techniques turn the conch shell called Shankha in Sanskrit into Bhasma, a fine medicinal ash. You can use the Shankh Bhasma that you make to ease many health problems, especially those that affect your gut system.

The high calcium content and pitta balancing property of Shankh Bhasma makes it a powerful antacid and stomach aid. In addition to helping with heartburn, it lowers too much stomach acid and can generally improve digestion. In Ayurveda, Shankh Bhasma is also highly regarded for its ability to balance the three doshas, or forces, that control the body's natural functions. These are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The bhasma is especially good at keeping Pitta in balance. Pitta is the dosha that controls fire and heat in the body. When Pitta is out of balance, it can cause acid reflux and other stomach problems.

Shankh Bhasma is from the conch or sea shell. This shell is full of calcium and other nutrients. Several steps are taken with this shell to make the bhasma, a fine powder used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Shankha, the conch shell, is the main ingredient in Shankh Bhasma. This firm medicine ash is also known as Shankh powder and Shankh bhasm. Some formulations may add extra plant ingredients to make it more effective as a medicine.
 

The unprocessed conch shell is taken and wrapped in muslin cloth to form a Pottali. This Pottali was suspended in a vessel (Dolayantra) containing fresh lemon juice with the help of a ladle. The vessel was heated at a constant temperature for 12 hours. Throughout the procedure, additional Nimbu Swarasa was added as needed to keep the Pottali submerged. After 12 hours, the heat was turned off, allowing the setup to cool. Finally, the Pottali was removed, and the Shankha pieces were rinsed with warm water and set out to dry in sunlight. The purified conch shells are then incinerated in a furnace. The incinerated conch shell powder is mixed with aloe vera or lemon juice, blended into a disc, dried, and then incinerated again. The process of mixing, blending, drying, and incinerating is repeated multiple times to obtain the final shankha bhasma powder. This makes it an excellent antacid and calcium supplement.

Shankh Bhasma is an Ayurvedic mixture made from conch shell ash that is known to be good for your health, especially for problems with digestion and calcium. Primarily used in Ayurvedic medicine, it has many healing qualities that help overall health. With these common Shankha Bhasma uses, we can see how it can help with stomach problems, ease pain, and protect bone health.

1) Management of Acidity (Hyperacidity)

One primary use of Shankh Bhasm is to soothe  hyperacidity, in which the stomach makes too much acid, which can cause heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. A Pitta dosha that is overactive because of bad food choices, stress, or living an unhealthy life can cause these signs. Shankh Bhasma's alkalising properties help neutralise the extra stomach acid, which eases the pain that comes from acidity. Daily use can stop acid reflux and keep the digestive system healthy by balancing Pitta.

2) Management of Indigestion and Flatulence

Additionally, Shankh Bhasma is very good at healing indigestion and gas. If you don't digest your food properly, you can get indigestion, which can cause bloating, gas, and stomach pain. The remedy boosts the body's Agni (digestive fire), which helps in processing and stops food from building up, which usually leads to gas. Balancing Vata and Pitta helps eliminate the gas that has been stuck, relieving bloating and making the digestive system feel better.

3) Pain Relief in the Abdomen

Common causes of abdominal pain are indigestion, gas, or inadequate nutrition. Shankh Bhasma's Vatanuloman (Vata-balancing) qualities help ease abdominal pain by ensuring digestion goes smoothly and gas leaves the intestines. It helps reduce the fullness, stiffness, and sharp pains that come with digestive problems by calming Vata. According to Ayurveda, eating it regularly can help with stomach problems that return for a long time.

4) Management of Diarrhoea

Atisar in Ayurveda, diarrhoea is a situation that happens when the digestive fire is weak and toxins build up in the intestines. Shankh Bhasma helps control loose or watery stools by increasing the digestive fire and soaking up extra water in the bowels. Because it can restore digestive health, it works well for short-term and long-term diarrhoea.

5) Nausea and Vomiting Relief

People often feel sick and throw up when there is an imbalance in the digestive system or too much acid in the stomach. Shankh Bhasma helps balance Pitta, usually the cause of sickness, by soothing and stopping nausea. It calms the digestive system, which makes you less likely to throw up, and it returns balance to the stomach environment, which helps treat these uncomfortable symptoms.

6) Supplement for Calcium Deficiency

Shankh Bhasma is good for digestion and has a lot of calcium. Because of this, it is an excellent natural calcium supplement for people who don't get enough calcium. Ayurvedic doctors often recommend it to protect against diseases like osteoporosis, strengthen bones, and strengthen people overall. It is a bioavailable form of calcium that makes it easier for the body to absorb, and it's safer than synthetic calcium pills.

Using conch shells to make Shankh Bhasma, an Ayurvedic medicine, is good for your health, especially your bones and gut. Here are some of the Shankh Bhasma benefits for health:

1. Helps your digestive health

Shankh Bhasma is very good for making your gut system healthier. In Ayurveda, it supports Agni, the digestive heat, ensuring that food is broken down correctly and absorbed well. This helps keep stomach problems like gas, bloating, and pain at bay. By making digestion stronger, Shankh Bhasma helps the body break down food and receive essential nutrients, which is good for health in general.

2. Reduces Stomach Acid

One of the best things about Shankha Bhasma is that it can neutralise stomach acid that is too high. If you have acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD, this can help because it is alkaline and helps keep the pH levels in your stomach in balance. It lowers acidity, which reduces the chance of acid-related problems like stomach ulcers and gastritis. This makes it an essential treatment for people who have chronic hyperacidity.

3. Reducing Abdominal Pain

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gas, or indigestion can all cause stomach pain. Shankh Bhasma can help with this. It works by keeping the Vata and Pitta doshas in balance, which are often what's making you feel bad. Because it brings these doshas back into balance and improves digestion, Shankh Bhasma eases pain and calms the stomach.

4. Helps keep bones healthy

It is an excellent way to keep your bones healthy because Shankh Bhasma is full of calcium. If you use it regularly and talk to an Ayurvedic practitioner about it, it can help keep bone diseases like osteoporosis at bay and strengthen your bones and teeth. The natural calcium in Shankh Bhasma is highly soluble, so the body can easily absorb it. This makes sure that the body gets enough calcium for healthy bones.

5. Pitta Dosha is balanced

Shankh Bhasma is excellent for keeping Pitta dosha in check. Pitta dosha controls the body's heat and metabolism. Too much Pitta can cause problems like high acidity, heartburn, and inflammation. Because it cools and calms Pitta, Shankh Bhasma helps ease symptoms like acid reflux, gastritis, and burning feelings. Maintaining the right level of Pitta is very important for people with digestive problems because of heat and acidity.

6. Vata Balancing

Shankh Bhasma helps balance Pitta dosha and Vata dosha, which is in charge of movement and gas in the body. Its Vatanuloman properties remove gas properly, lowering bloating and pain. By improving digestion and getting rid of extra air in the digestive tract, Shankh Bhasma helps keep the digestive system calm and in balance.

7. Helps with inflammation

Because it is cooling and soothing, Shankha Bhasma can help reduce swelling in the stomach and bowels. This is especially helpful for conditions like gastritis or ulcers, where too much heat and irritation in the digestive system cause swelling. By soothing and cooling the walls of the stomach, Shankh Bhasma eases pain and speeds up the healing of sore tissues.

8. Eye Health

The eye is considered the abode of Alochaka Pitta (a type of pitta dosha), and shankha bhasma, along with other formulations, may help ease inflammation and infections in the eyes through its pitta-balancing property. 

• Ayurvedic doctors typically recommend taking 125 to 250 mg of Shankh Bhasma twice daily.
• Following the dosage per the doctor's guidance is advised for best results.
• Combining Shankh Bhasma with honey, ghee, or other herbal mixtures can enhance its effectiveness.

• Because Shankh Bhasma is high in calcium, you should not use it if you have had kidney stones.
• Talk to your doctor before using it if you are pregnant.
• People with heart problems should talk to a doctor before using Shankh Bhasma.

• Shankh Bhasma is an ayurvedic solid medicine for stomach problems.
• It helps with acid reflux, stomach pain, and IBS symptoms.
• Shankh Bhasma is suitable for your bones and gut health because it is alkaline and high in calcium.
• Before using Shankh Bhasma, always talk to a doctor to avoid side effects or problems.

Shankh Bhasma is recognised for its effectiveness in alleviating digestive issues such as acidity, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort. With its natural cooling and alkalising effects, it helps restore balance in the stomach and promotes better gut health. Rich in calcium and other beneficial minerals, it not only soothes the digestive tract but also supports overall wellness. When taken under proper guidance, Shankh Bhasma can be a valuable addition to natural digestive care, offering relief and long-term benefits rooted in traditional Ayurvedic wisdom.