Loha Bhasma

Much like every Ayurvedic medicine, Loha Bhasma benefits the body holistically, functioning to manage health conditions such as anaemia, fever, male sexual dysfunction, eye problems, and other ailments related to iron deficiency. It is also credited with neutralising toxic substances in the body since it doesn’t get metabolised or produce metabolites harmful to the body.

Sources of Loha Bhasma

Making Loha Bhasma requires sourcing and processing different materials through specific pharmaceutical techniques, namely Bhanupaka, Sthalipaka, and Putapaka. The processes usually involve filtering, washing, and powdering.

The primary sources of Loha Bhasma are:

• Kanta Loha: Magnetite iron is known for its purity and efficacy. Due to its magnetic properties, among other perks, it is the preferred material for Loha Bhasma. However, due to its unavailability, Teekshna is used alternatively.
• Teekshna Loha:  A robust and malleable material from wrought iron turnings known for its strength.

• Lauha Bhasma
• Calcined iron
• Iron calx
• Teekshan Lauh Bhasma
• Kanta loha Bhasma

Loha Bhasma isn’t made independent of other ingredients. Some mixtures contribute their bits to the enormous wellness potential of Loha Bhasma. These traditionally used ingredients include:

• Iron
• Triphala Churna
• Cow urine

Loha Bhasma boasts many components that make it very beneficial to the body. They include:

• Iron content: Loha Bhasma has iron content, which helps manage iron-deficiency anaemia and improve haemoglobin levels.
• Blood circulation: It aids blood circulation, helping prevent weakness and fatigue.
• Bioavailability: Calcined iron in Loha Bhasma is easily absorbed into the body to reap its excellent benefits.
• Safety: Loha Bhasma's purification process makes it very safe for consumption in different forms.

How is Loha Bhasma Made?

The preparation of Loha Bhasma involves the following processes to obtain therapeutically bioavailable purified iron calx. It can be prepared through various methods; one such method is this:

1. Samanya Shodhana (Normal Purification): Raw iron is heated until red hot and then immersed in various herbal media like sesame oil, buttermilk, cow's urine, rice gruel, and horse gram decoction, repeated for seven times in each medium.
2. Vishesha Shodhana (Special Purification): This purified loha is subjected to further purified by immersing in Triphala kwatha (a decoction prepared with Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki). This process is again repeated seven times.
3. Bhanupaka (Sun Exposure): This specially purified loha is mixed with Triphala kwatha, and dried under the sun for up to 3 days. This step is repeated seven times.
4. Sthalipaka (Heating in Iron Pan): In this step again a triphala kwatha was taken 3 times that of loha and then the loha is placed in an iron pan with triphala kwatha for intense heating, allowing the water to evaporate. This process is repeated seven times.
5. Putapaka (Calcination): The final stage involves triturating the lauha with freshly prepared Triphala kwatha and forming pellets or “chukrikas”. These pellets are heated in an earthen pot (Sarava samputikarana) inside a furnace at temperatures up to 650°C, a process repeated 20 times to achieve the desired Loha Bhasma quality. If this process is repeated for 100 times it is called Loha Bhasma Shataputi, which is therapeutically higher in quality.

Widely celebrated for its many health benefits, the famous iron formulation in Ayurvedic medicine is rich in components that provide abundant health-enriching minerals to the body. These benefits include:

1. Anaemia Management

The foremost benefit of Loha Bhasma is its effectiveness in managing anaemia, especially the one caused by iron deficiency. It serves as a haemoglobin booster to the body, helping to restore unhealthy red blood cells that circulate oxygen in the blood. The symptoms of anaemia, which Loha Bhasma helps alleviate, include pale skin, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc. Loha Bhasma isn’t used in isolation for this purpose; it is usually recommended to be taken with other herbs.

2. Fatigue Treatment

Still around iron, iron is strongly linked to energy in the body. A deficient production or availability within the body often leads to chronic weakness. Loha Bhasma, through its oxygen-aiding benefit, helps to transport oxygen around the body, which translates into strength for affected individuals. In Ayurveda, weakness is known as Klama and is attributed to the lack of balance in Kapha Dosha, and an essential mineral, primarily iron. Loha Bhasma helps provide the required levels in the body. For individuals who have just undergone surgery or athletes who constantly expend lots of energy, Loha Bhasma is helpful in quickly recovering strength.

3. Strengthens Immunity

Loha Bhasma enables the production of immune cells, known as lymphocytes, which help fight off diseases. This helps attack invading viruses and bacteria known as pathogens. They work by providing antibodies and activating immune cells, leading to the eventual destruction of the pathogens. By doing so, Loha Bhasma helps prevent diseases and remedy prevalent ones.

4. Aids Healthy Digestion

Agni, known as digestive fire, oversees digestion in Ayurvedic medicine. According to Ayurveda, a weak digestive fire leads to many gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and bloating. Loha Bhasma helps prevent agnimandya, another term for digestive defects in Ayurveda.

5. Maintains Liver Health

Due to the hepatoprotective function of Loha Bhasma, it helps to keep the liver functioning at its optimal state while also preventing its damage. It helps in the management of liver-related diseases such as fatty liver, liver enlargement, jaundice, and others when taken in the right dosage for appropriate conditions. The Ayurvedic medicine Lauha Bhasma, also known as Loha Bhasma, was used due to its hematinic effect, aiding the easy assimilation of iron from food and processing body waste.

6. Promotes Cognitive Health

Loha Bhasma possesses memory rejuvenation benefits. Adequate iron in the body is linked with excellent cognitive functioning, memory, focus, and retention. This benefit is also connected to the ability of Loha Bhasma to supply the body, including the brain, with oxygen. This leads to better neurological function. By taking away stress and anxiety, the brain can remain in its optimal functioning state.

7. Improves Women’s Health

Blood loss occurs during menstruation. Loha Bhasma helps to replenish lost iron in the body, thereby reducing the adverse effects of this blood loss. Also, pregnant women may use Loha Bhasma to ensure the foetus and the mother remain nourished with adequate iron levels. However, caution must be exercised before consuming Loha Bhasma during pregnancy. It should only be taken under medical supervision and make sure to take advice from the physician regarding brand quality.

8. Aids Healthy Skin

Due to its blood purifying properties, Loha Bhasma can be used as a supportive formula in acne and eczema care. It may also help promote rejuvenated and clear skin. 

9. Side Effects of Loha Bhasma

Due to body type differences, certain drugs, although highly considered to be healthy, may react differently for some people. Improper use of Loha Bhasma may cause side effects such as nausea, black stools, flatulence, eructation, constipation, or vomiting. Rarely, skin rashes may occur.

Loha Bhasma mainly comes in powder form and is widely used for managing various health conditions. It’s also added to many Ayurvedic remedies to enhance their effectiveness. Here’s a look at some common uses and forms of Loha Bhasma.

1. Loha Bhasma Powder for Anaemia and Other Ailments

Loha Bhasma powder is known for helping with anaemia, a condition where the body lacks healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. It boosts haemoglobin levels and improves blood circulation, making it a valuable remedy. People often take it with honey, water, or ghee, commonly combined with Triphala or Amalaki for added benefits.

2. Herbal Tablets for Easy Usage

In situations where regular usage is necessary, whether due to prolonged anaemia or consistent fatigue, tablet forms make administration of the drugs very easy for people. The concentration in these tablets is usually suitable for boosting overall immune health when taken as supplements and tackling other ailments. It can be a perfect ayurvedic medicine for hemoglobin increase.

3. For Skin Health

Loha Bhasma can be used to improve skin conditions like eczema and pigmentation. 

4. Digestion Aid

The powder form of Loha Bhasma, when mixed with other digestive mixtures, aids metabolism and helps combat digestion-related health concerns such as poor appetite and low nutrient absorption.

• Avoid self-medication. Endeavour to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before commencing treatment.
• Religiously follow the prescribed dosage.
• While it is generally advised not to self-medicate with this ayurvedic medicine, this holds even more relevance to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• People with kidney or liver disorders cal history need to be cautious while taking Loha Bhasma.
• Take Loha Bhasma independent of other iron supplements to avoid the excessive presence of this mineral in the body unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• In case of nausea or dark-coloured stools, discontinue use immediately.

The severity of the health condition would ultimately determine the dosage. Generally, here’s what a dosage of Loha Bhasma should look like;

• General dosage: 125 mg to 250 mg once or twice a day.
• It should be taken with honey or ghee, as an Ayurvedic practitioner recommends.
• Dosage may vary based on individual health conditions.

• Loha Bhasma is an Ayurvedic iron-based remedy used to help with skin issues, digestive troubles, respiratory conditions, and anaemia.
• It's safe to use and easily absorbed by the body, thanks to the careful process of preparing it from iron oxide.
• It can help improve women's cognitive health, blood circulation, immunity, digestion, and liver health.
• Constipation, nausea, and black stools are all possible side effects, so it is advisable to only under medical supervision.
• The recommended dose is between 125 and 250 mg, usually taken with honey or ghee as directed.
• Disclaimer: The information provided about Loha bhasma is based on traditional Ayurvedic texts and should not be considered as medical advice. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic professional before using Loha bhasma, especially if you are taking prescription medications or have an existing medical condition. 

Conclusion

Loha Bhasma is valued for its wide-ranging health benefits, particularly in addressing iron deficiency and related disorders. Its traditional preparation ensures potency and bioavailability, making it effective in improving hemoglobin levels, enhancing digestion, supporting respiratory health, and promoting overall vitality. As with any potent Ayurvedic remedy, it should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner to ensure safe and appropriate dosage. When taken correctly, Loha Bhasma can be a powerful addition to holistic wellness practices rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom.