Conch ash, Shankh Bhasma

Shankh Bhasma (Ayurveda)
Shankh Kushta (Unani)
Dung thal (Tibetan)
Picture Conch shell
(Photo by Mario1952) (Wikimedia)

Zoological name:
A number of different species supply Conch shells.
The typical species used in India is Turbinella pyrum

Parts used:


Usually used in Bhasma form
There are 2 main types recognised in India:
  1. Vama Varta (opening of the Shell is on the left-side)
  2. Daksin Varta (opening of the Shell is on the right-side)
The first type (opening on the left) is preferred for use in medicine.

Temperature & Taste:


Cold, dry. Salty

Classification:




Uses:


1. Clears Heat, Benefits Digestion:
–Indigestion
–Gastritis, Hyperacidity, GERD
–Abdominal pain
–Malabsorption
–Irritable Bowel Syndrome
–Diarrhea from excess Bile (Heat)

2. Clears Heat and Toxin:
–Acne, Skin diseases with Heat
–said to improve Complexion
–Breaks Tumors, dries Pus and Lymphatic Fluid (Tibetan–Drungtso)

3. Benefits the Bones:
–more recently as a calcium supplement for Osteoporosis
–used for “Bone Fever” in Tibetan Medicine

4. Benefits the Eyes:
–said to benefit the Eyes in Tibetan Medicine (Drungtso)

5. Externally:
–mixed into a paste with lemon juice and applied to Acne
–applied to eye growths and Cataracts. However, because the Bhasma is caustic, it is best to use the finely levigated powder, mixed with other ingredients, for this purpose.


Dose:


125–250mg twice daily with Hot water, Honey, Lemon juice or Triphala

Substitute:


Other Shell Bhasma can be used similarly

Purification:
Conch shell is broken to pieces and washed well in water. It is then boiled in Dola Yantra with Lemon juice for 12 hours, then washed again and dried. In practice, some people just steep the Shell in hot lemon juice.

Preparation:


The purified and powdered shell is mixed with Aloe juice or Lemon juice, then formed into small pills or discs. These are fired in a closed vessel at a temperature of around 800 degrees C. This is repeated twice.

Main Combinations:



Major Formulas:


Mauktika Yukta (Pearl Compound) (Ayurveda)
Lygodium 8 (Gser bye brgyad pa)
Great Cold Compound Precious Black Pill
Pills of Bdellium (Mesue)

Cautions:


1. The Bhasma is not used directly, but is taken after mixing with Honey or some other suitable vehicle.
2. Not used on an extended basis
3. Not used during Pregnancy

Main Preparations used:



Nothing at Present
Nothing at Present