Bhasma
The nanoparticle Metallic and Mineral
preparations of Traditional Medicine
Rasa Sastra is the ancient Indian process of preparing Metals, Minerals and Gems. It literally means “The Science of Mercury” (Rasa=Mercury, Sastra=Science). This is for 2 reasons. Firstly, Mercury was the most difficult Metal to process, and so once a practitioner could process Mercury, they could process any Metal or Mineral. Secondly, because Mercury was regarded as the strongest of all medicines once properly prepared. So much so that there is an addage used in Ayurveda:
If a disease cannot be treated with Herbs, Metals should be used
If a diseases cannot be treated with Metals, Mercury should be used
Such was the great importance put on Metals and Minerals in general, and Mercury in particular.
The primary preparation used in the preparation of Metals and Minerals is the Bhasma. Bhasmas are ash-like preparations of Metals, Minerals and Gems, as well as some animal products.
The Bhasma is an efficient way to prepare these hard substances so they are therapeutically active. Recent research has demonstrated that properly prepared Bhasmas are of nanoparticle size, meaning they are able to enter cells. This has great implications as research into nanoparticles has demonstrated that they can have diverse effects compared to the same metal in larger particle size.
Rasa Sastra and the process of forming Bhasma appears to have began development in India around the 8th century. Ancient masters made note of the toxic effects of metals when used internally, and developed processing techniques to remove the toxic effects before they were prepared into Bhasma.
Some scholars believe the basis of this art is much older, having originated in a foreign country and was imported to India. This seems plausible as the Western Alchemical tradition (called the Hermetic Arts) was named after Hermes, which in actuality is the rebranded Egyptian God Thoth. And Thoth was said to have given man the knowledge of Alchemy and Medicine millennia ago. The Hermetic Arts included working with Mercury and other Metals, but its exact origins is uncertain. Thus, there is one far older tradition which may have had direct or indirect impact on the Indians, and no doubt, there are others. It’s possible (in fact likely) that a more ancient source had primitive ways of burning Metals and Minerals which was elaborated and systematized by the Indians.
However it is compelling that the 2 primary goals in these 2 alchemical traditions (Egyptian and Indian) is ultimately the same: 1. to prepare a medicine to restore youthfulness and treat all diseases (“The Elixir of Youth”); and 2. to turn base Metals into Gold (“The Philosopher’s Stone”). And in both these Traditions, both of these aims were recognised as being achieved with the use of Mercury, after long and complicated processing.
The science of forming Bhasma spread from India to other systems such as Unani and Tibetan Medicine. Bhasma is called Kushta in Unani and Thal in Tibetan Medicine.
As noted in Europe and other systems, many Indian authorities said the preparation of a Bhasma of Pearl and Coral was generally not as effective as the powder levigated with Rose Water. This is because the Essence of them is destroyed by the heat, and this Essence it that part which benefits the Yin of the body.
Pure Gold and Silver also do not need purification or formation of Bhasma if used in leaf form. The leaves of these noble metals has been added to formulas or used to wrap pills in various systems.
Harder gem stones such as Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald have also commonly been used in levigated form, that is, ground laboriously with Rose water. In such cases, the stones can be made red hot and quenched a number of times to facilitate easier powdering. However, great care is needed to ensure that these harder stones are reduced to finest particle size or they may cause irritation and granulation. Therefore, Bhasma is a good option.
Before being prepared into Bhasma, most Metals, Minerals and Gems require Purification (Sodhana). This usually involves heating and quenching the Metal in a specific juice.
A general method that can be used to Purify all Metals:
Gold leaves are heated and quenched 7 times each in Sesame Oil, Butter Milk, Cow’s Urine, Kanji (type of Vinegar), and a Decoction of Dolichos biflora. This method can be used for Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Brass and Bronze.
Tin, Lead and Zinc can be processed with the same liquids, however, these metals are melted and poured slowly through a stone plate with a hole in it where the melted metals falls into each of the abovementioned liquids, 7 times in each liquid.
In most cases, further specific processing is required for each Metal to ensure proper purification.
Specific methods of purification for each Metal and Mineral can be found under their respective monographs.
The primary apparatus used, apart from a mortar for mixing juice and metal powders, is clay pans used for firing. Two identical shallow clay pans are used. The one on the bottom holds the prepared pellets or discs of prepared metals or minerals, the other pan being inverted and placed on top so that the edges meet. This is then sealed with 7 layers of mud-soaked cloth.
Material to be prepared is wrapped in a cloth (pottali) which is suspended into a container filled with a specified liquid. The liquid is heated (by a coal or wood fire) and the pottali is heated in the liquid. This is generally used in Purification stages.
With things such as Mercury, it is wrapped in Birch bark or a Banana leaf, then covered with a paste made of herbs which is then wrapped in cloth.
A vessel used for Diatillation
A pot containing the ingredient to be worked on is covered with another pot which is filled with water. The joints between the pots is selaed, and heat is applied to the power pot. This causes sublimation with the sublimed product being collected on the bottom of the top vessel
An apparatus for “Downward Sublimation”
There are a number of other types of Yantra described but is outside the scope of this introduction.
The heat source for preparing a Bhasma is generally a hole of a certain prescribed size filled with a prescribed number of dried cow dung cakes. The more cow dung cakes, the hotter and longer the fire will burn. The sealed clay pans containing the material to be burnt is put in the middle of the Cow dung pile. This is called Puta, and different size Puta are used
Today, Muffle furnaces are commonly used. A heat of 700–800 degree C., more or less (depending on the substance being burned) is raised and maintained for an hour. This is easier and has been found to make a good quality Bhasma, usually more quickly and with less firings required.
See above
a. The purified Metal or Mineral is powdered and mixed with certain juices (such as Aloe or Lemon juice). From this paste small pills or coin-like discs are formed, and dried in the sun. In some cases, Sulphur, Orpiment or Realgar are mixed with the purified Metal or Mineral. These facilitate reduction and can form sulphides of the Metal, rather than oxides which is the form of the standard Bhasma.
b. The pills or discs are sealed between 2 clay pans. They are placed in one of the pans, then another pan the same size is placed on top. Then the 2 pans are sealed with 7 layers of clay-water soaked cloth. This is the allowed to dry.
c. The sealed pans are placed in a pit with a prescribed number of dried cow dung cakes. Cow dung has long been used as a fuel source in India (and elsewhere) and it has the advantage of giving a fairly even amount of heat per cake of dung. Therefore, the number of cakes gives a fairly accurate degree of heat to be used.
d. After cooling, the pans are removed, carefully opened, and the prepared metal or mineral is removed. This process is repeated a prescribed number of times, from 5 or 7, sometimes up to as much as 100, or even 1000 times. In general, the more times the process is repeated, the finer the quality of Bhasma.
There are other specific processes that are sometimes carried out after formation of Bhasma to enhance the effect or make the medicine more absorbable.
It was long realized that the Bhasma preparations, especially of hard substances such as Metals, are only effective when properly reduced. Therefore, a number of tests were classically devised to ascertain if the preparation was sufficient. This was necessary because variations in the fire temperature and use of simple equipment means that even if instructions were followed correctly, the substance may not have been reduced to its finest particle size.
While Bhasma can be used for simple and regular diseases, they are also used for some obstinate and chronic diseases. Indian Medicine has a large number of traditional formulas based on Bhasma which typically have some herbal ingredients such as Triphala and Trikatu (Ginger, Pepper and Long Pepper). These help assimilation and bioavailability of the Bhasma.
Likewise some of the Jewel Pills (Precious Pills) of Tibetan Medicine contain Bhasmas, these Pills being used for obstinate and serious diseases.
Gold Bhasma
Silver Bhasma
Iron Bhasma
Copper Bhasma
Chalcopyrite Bhasma
Tin Bhasma
Zinc Bhasma
Lead Bhasma
Brass Bhasma
Bronze Bhasma
Mica Bhasma
The nanoparticle Metallic and Mineral
preparations of Traditional Medicine
Introduction
Rasa Sastra is the ancient Indian process of preparing Metals, Minerals and Gems. It literally means “The Science of Mercury” (Rasa=Mercury, Sastra=Science). This is for 2 reasons. Firstly, Mercury was the most difficult Metal to process, and so once a practitioner could process Mercury, they could process any Metal or Mineral. Secondly, because Mercury was regarded as the strongest of all medicines once properly prepared. So much so that there is an addage used in Ayurveda:
If a disease cannot be treated with Herbs, Metals should be used
If a diseases cannot be treated with Metals, Mercury should be used
Such was the great importance put on Metals and Minerals in general, and Mercury in particular.
The primary preparation used in the preparation of Metals and Minerals is the Bhasma. Bhasmas are ash-like preparations of Metals, Minerals and Gems, as well as some animal products.
The Bhasma is an efficient way to prepare these hard substances so they are therapeutically active. Recent research has demonstrated that properly prepared Bhasmas are of nanoparticle size, meaning they are able to enter cells. This has great implications as research into nanoparticles has demonstrated that they can have diverse effects compared to the same metal in larger particle size.
Brief History
Rasa Sastra and the process of forming Bhasma appears to have began development in India around the 8th century. Ancient masters made note of the toxic effects of metals when used internally, and developed processing techniques to remove the toxic effects before they were prepared into Bhasma.
Some scholars believe the basis of this art is much older, having originated in a foreign country and was imported to India. This seems plausible as the Western Alchemical tradition (called the Hermetic Arts) was named after Hermes, which in actuality is the rebranded Egyptian God Thoth. And Thoth was said to have given man the knowledge of Alchemy and Medicine millennia ago. The Hermetic Arts included working with Mercury and other Metals, but its exact origins is uncertain. Thus, there is one far older tradition which may have had direct or indirect impact on the Indians, and no doubt, there are others. It’s possible (in fact likely) that a more ancient source had primitive ways of burning Metals and Minerals which was elaborated and systematized by the Indians.
However it is compelling that the 2 primary goals in these 2 alchemical traditions (Egyptian and Indian) is ultimately the same: 1. to prepare a medicine to restore youthfulness and treat all diseases (“The Elixir of Youth”); and 2. to turn base Metals into Gold (“The Philosopher’s Stone”). And in both these Traditions, both of these aims were recognised as being achieved with the use of Mercury, after long and complicated processing.
The science of forming Bhasma spread from India to other systems such as Unani and Tibetan Medicine. Bhasma is called Kushta in Unani and Thal in Tibetan Medicine.
What is prepared as Bhasma?
- Metals (Iron, Copper, Zinc, Tin, Lead, Gold, Silver etc.)
- Minerals (such as Gypsum)
- Gems (Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire etc.)
- Semi-precious stones (Tourmaline, Lapis Lazuli etc.)
- Animal products such as Horns
As noted in Europe and other systems, many Indian authorities said the preparation of a Bhasma of Pearl and Coral was generally not as effective as the powder levigated with Rose Water. This is because the Essence of them is destroyed by the heat, and this Essence it that part which benefits the Yin of the body.
Pure Gold and Silver also do not need purification or formation of Bhasma if used in leaf form. The leaves of these noble metals has been added to formulas or used to wrap pills in various systems.
Harder gem stones such as Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald have also commonly been used in levigated form, that is, ground laboriously with Rose water. In such cases, the stones can be made red hot and quenched a number of times to facilitate easier powdering. However, great care is needed to ensure that these harder stones are reduced to finest particle size or they may cause irritation and granulation. Therefore, Bhasma is a good option.
Purification of Metals and Minerals
Before being prepared into Bhasma, most Metals, Minerals and Gems require Purification (Sodhana). This usually involves heating and quenching the Metal in a specific juice.
A general method that can be used to Purify all Metals:
Gold leaves are heated and quenched 7 times each in Sesame Oil, Butter Milk, Cow’s Urine, Kanji (type of Vinegar), and a Decoction of Dolichos biflora. This method can be used for Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Brass and Bronze.
Tin, Lead and Zinc can be processed with the same liquids, however, these metals are melted and poured slowly through a stone plate with a hole in it where the melted metals falls into each of the abovementioned liquids, 7 times in each liquid.
In most cases, further specific processing is required for each Metal to ensure proper purification.
Specific methods of purification for each Metal and Mineral can be found under their respective monographs.
Apparatus (Yantra)
Clay Pans
The primary apparatus used, apart from a mortar for mixing juice and metal powders, is clay pans used for firing. Two identical shallow clay pans are used. The one on the bottom holds the prepared pellets or discs of prepared metals or minerals, the other pan being inverted and placed on top so that the edges meet. This is then sealed with 7 layers of mud-soaked cloth.
Dola Yantra
Material to be prepared is wrapped in a cloth (pottali) which is suspended into a container filled with a specified liquid. The liquid is heated (by a coal or wood fire) and the pottali is heated in the liquid. This is generally used in Purification stages.
With things such as Mercury, it is wrapped in Birch bark or a Banana leaf, then covered with a paste made of herbs which is then wrapped in cloth.
Tiryak Patana Yantra
A vessel used for Diatillation
Urdhva Patana Yantra (Sublimation apparatus)
A pot containing the ingredient to be worked on is covered with another pot which is filled with water. The joints between the pots is selaed, and heat is applied to the power pot. This causes sublimation with the sublimed product being collected on the bottom of the top vessel
Adhah Patana Yantra (Downward Sublimation apparatus)
An apparatus for “Downward Sublimation”
There are a number of other types of Yantra described but is outside the scope of this introduction.
Firing (Putum)
The heat source for preparing a Bhasma is generally a hole of a certain prescribed size filled with a prescribed number of dried cow dung cakes. The more cow dung cakes, the hotter and longer the fire will burn. The sealed clay pans containing the material to be burnt is put in the middle of the Cow dung pile. This is called Puta, and different size Puta are used
- Maha Puta: a pit 42 inches deep by 36 inches wide and 36 inches broad
- Gaja Puta: a pit 22 inches deep, wide and broad (this is most commonly used)
- Varaha Puta: a pit 10 inces deep, wide and broad
- Gorvara Puta: an earthware jar is filled with cow dung cakes, the sealed pans being placed in the middle
- Bhanda Puta: an earthware pot is filled with Rice paddy, the sealed pans being placed in the middle
- Valuka Puta: the sealed pans are placed inside hot sand which is heated
Today, Muffle furnaces are commonly used. A heat of 700–800 degree C., more or less (depending on the substance being burned) is raised and maintained for an hour. This is easier and has been found to make a good quality Bhasma, usually more quickly and with less firings required.
Basic formation of Bhasma
1. Purification (Sodhana)
See above
2. Bhasma Formation (Marana)
a. The purified Metal or Mineral is powdered and mixed with certain juices (such as Aloe or Lemon juice). From this paste small pills or coin-like discs are formed, and dried in the sun. In some cases, Sulphur, Orpiment or Realgar are mixed with the purified Metal or Mineral. These facilitate reduction and can form sulphides of the Metal, rather than oxides which is the form of the standard Bhasma.
b. The pills or discs are sealed between 2 clay pans. They are placed in one of the pans, then another pan the same size is placed on top. Then the 2 pans are sealed with 7 layers of clay-water soaked cloth. This is the allowed to dry.
c. The sealed pans are placed in a pit with a prescribed number of dried cow dung cakes. Cow dung has long been used as a fuel source in India (and elsewhere) and it has the advantage of giving a fairly even amount of heat per cake of dung. Therefore, the number of cakes gives a fairly accurate degree of heat to be used.
d. After cooling, the pans are removed, carefully opened, and the prepared metal or mineral is removed. This process is repeated a prescribed number of times, from 5 or 7, sometimes up to as much as 100, or even 1000 times. In general, the more times the process is repeated, the finer the quality of Bhasma.
There are other specific processes that are sometimes carried out after formation of Bhasma to enhance the effect or make the medicine more absorbable.
Tests for Properly Prepared Bhasma
It was long realized that the Bhasma preparations, especially of hard substances such as Metals, are only effective when properly reduced. Therefore, a number of tests were classically devised to ascertain if the preparation was sufficient. This was necessary because variations in the fire temperature and use of simple equipment means that even if instructions were followed correctly, the substance may not have been reduced to its finest particle size.
Tests include:
- Rekhapurnatva: Rubbing the Bhasma between the fingers, the entire Bhasma should go into the crevices of the fingerprint and no particles should be felt when rubbed between the fingers.
- Apunarbhava: In the case of Metals, they are unable to revert to their metallic form if heated
- Varitaratva: The Bhasma should float if a small amount is sprinkled on the water surface (this is achieved with difficulty with Iron Bhasma, so other preparations are often used to enable it to float on water).
Uses of Bhasma
While Bhasma can be used for simple and regular diseases, they are also used for some obstinate and chronic diseases. Indian Medicine has a large number of traditional formulas based on Bhasma which typically have some herbal ingredients such as Triphala and Trikatu (Ginger, Pepper and Long Pepper). These help assimilation and bioavailability of the Bhasma.
Likewise some of the Jewel Pills (Precious Pills) of Tibetan Medicine contain Bhasmas, these Pills being used for obstinate and serious diseases.
See Monographs on the Individual Bhasmas:
Gold Bhasma
Silver Bhasma
Iron Bhasma
Copper Bhasma
Chalcopyrite Bhasma
Tin Bhasma
Zinc Bhasma
Lead Bhasma
Brass Bhasma
Bronze Bhasma
Mica Bhasma