Kapardak Bhasma: A Comprehensive Review and use

cowrie shells


Kapardak Bhasma: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Kapardak Bhasma, also known as Kapardika Bhasma, is an Ayurvedic calcined preparation obtained from cowrie shells (Cypraea moneta Linn.). It is a well-documented mineral formulation used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating various ailments, particularly digestive disorders, respiratory conditions, and metabolic imbalances. Kapardak Bhasma is classified under Sudha Varga, a group of medicinal substances derived from marine sources.

Sources and Identification

Kapardak (cowrie shell) is a small, glossy, convoluted shell found in marine environments. It comes in various sizes and colors and has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. According to classical Ayurvedic texts, Kapardak is categorized into three varieties based on weight:

  • Sardha Niska (4.5 gm) – Superior quality

  • Niska (3 gm) – Medium quality

  • Padona Niska (2.5 gm) – Inferior quality

Preparation of Kapardak Bhasma

The preparation of Kapardak Bhasma involves Shodhana (purification), Marana (incineration), and Bhavana (trituration) processes to enhance its therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity.

1. Shodhana (Purification Process)

Shodhana is essential to remove impurities and improve the bioavailability of Kapardak.

  • The cowrie shells are washed and placed in a Dola Yantra (a traditional apparatus used for purification).

  • They are boiled in Kanji (fermented rice water) for three hours.

  • The purified shells are then dried and powdered.

2. Marana (Incineration Process)

This step involves repeated heating cycles to convert the purified material into a fine, therapeutically active Bhasma.

  • The purified Kapardak is levigated with Aloe vera juice (Kumari Swarasa).

  • It is then made into small pellets (Chakrikas) and dried.

  • The dried pellets are placed in an earthen vessel (Sharava Samputa), sealed with mud, and subjected to controlled heating in a Gaja Puta (traditional furnace using cow dung cakes).

  • This process is repeated three times to ensure complete transformation into Bhasma.

Standardization and Quality Control

Kapardak Bhasma is subjected to various analytical tests to confirm its purity and efficacy:

  1. Organoleptic Properties:

    • Color: Whitish

    • Odor: No specific smell

    • Taste: Tasteless

    • Texture: Soft and fine

  2. Physico-Chemical Analysis:

    • pH: 10.5–11.0 (slightly alkaline)

    • Total Ash: 95.5–96.6%

    • Water Soluble Ash: 3.8–4.1%

    • Acid Insoluble Ash: 1.1–1.4%

    • Calcium Content: 43.02–44.31%

  3. Classical Bhasma Tests:

    • Rekhapurnatva (fineness test) – Should enter the fine lines of fingers.

    • Varitara (floating test) – Should float on water.

    • Nirdhooma (smokeless test) – Should burn without producing smoke.

Therapeutic Uses

Kapardak Bhasma is widely used in Ayurveda for its digestive, respiratory, and metabolic benefits:

  1. Gastrointestinal Disorders:

    • Indigestion, dyspepsia

    • Hyperacidity and gastritis

    • Diarrhea and dysentery

    • Jaundice and liver disorders

  2. Respiratory Disorders:

    • Chronic cough and asthma

    • Bronchitis and allergic reactions

  3. Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders:

    • Hyperthyroidism

    • Osteoporosis and calcium deficiency

  4. Skin and External Applications:

    • Used in ointments for ulcers and skin infections.

Dosage and Administration

  • Dose: 125 mg to 250 mg twice a day

  • Adjuvants: Honey, ghee, or warm water

  • Precautions: Should be taken under medical supervision to avoid overuse.

Conclusion

Kapardak Bhasma is a well-researched Ayurvedic formulation known for its wide range of therapeutic applications. Its standardization and quality control ensure efficacy and safety in treatment. Modern analytical techniques have further validated its medicinal properties, making it a crucial component in Ayurvedic pharmacology.

References

  • Ayurveda Classical Texts

  • Research Articles on Kapardak Bhasma Standardization

  • Studies on Physico-Chemical Properties of Kapardak Bhasma

https://eijppr.com/storage/models/article/I8Xe5FO6tUJNrBWSSXJnyk7EqKqE5nwJ4cBEZ2VWVDzFSqKnWfnoCJHeBuSa/pharmaceutical-study-of-kapardika-bhasma.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330508050_Pharmaceutical_standardization_of_Kapardika_Bhasma_prepared_by_three_different_varieties

Key Benefits:
  • This formulation acts as a digestive stimulant and has antacid properties that can reduce acid in the stomach and improve digestion
  • It acts as an anodyne that can reduce the effect of pain caused due to various disorders in the body
  • This product has antispasmodic properties that can reduce abdominal pain and cramps affecting the gastrointestinal, biliary or genitourinary tract
  • It also has carminative properties that can reduce gas from the stomach or intestines to relieve flatulence or abdominal pain
  • It can also prevent nausea and vomiting as it has antiemetic properties

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