Abhrak is a mineral compound which consists of silicon, magnesium, calcium, potassium and aluminum in traces. According to modern science, there are two types of Abhrak: Ferromagnesium Mica and Alkaline Mica.
According to Ayurveda, Abhrak is of four types: Pinak, Naag, Manduk, Vajra. It is again subdivided according to colors into four types: Yellow, White, Red and Black.
Abhrak is used in Ayurveda in the form of bhasma which is a fine powder. It is generally used to manage male sexual problems like low sperm count and lack of sexual desire due to its ability to increase sperm count and aphrodisiac property.
Abhrak bhasma might be good for diabetics as it helps manage blood glucose levels due to its blood glucose lowering (hypoglycemic) activity. Ayurveda recommends taking Abhrak bhasma with guduchi satva or turmeric juice to improve metabolism and manage blood sugar levels due to its Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestive) and Rasayana properties.
Abhrak bhasma should be taken in recommended dose and for a recommended duration as per an Ayurvedic doctor’s advice[1][2][5][7][8].

What are the synonyms of Abhrak?

Gagan, Bhrung, Vyom, Vajra, Ghan, Kha, Girija, Bahupatra, Megh, Antariksh, Aakash, Shubhra, Ambar, Girijabeej, Gauritej, Mica

What is the source of Abhrak?

Metal & Mineral based

Benefits of Abhrak

1. Indigestion
Abhrak bhasma is used for improving digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) property[8].

2. Cough
Abhrak bhasma helps in getting rid of cough and cold, chest congestion breathlessness, excessive cough due to its Kapha balancing property[8].

3. Improves sexual performance
Abhrak bhasma helps improve sexual problems like low sperm count and loss of libido due to its Rasayana and Vajikarana property[8].

4. Diabetes
Abhrak bhasma might reduce weakness, stress, anxiety in patients with diabetes due to its Rasayana property[8].

Precautions when using Abhrak

Advice from Experts

Ayurvedic View

Abhrak bhasma should be taken in a recommended dose and for a recommended duration under an Ayurvedic doctor’s supervision.

Breastfeeding

Ayurvedic View

Avoid Abhrak bhasma during breastfeeding.

Pregnancy

Ayurvedic View

Avoid Abhrak bhasma during pregnancy.

children

Ayurvedic View

Abhrak bhasma should be given under doctor’s supervision to children below 12 years.

Recommended Dosage of Abhrak

Abhrak Bhasma - (Shatputi) ½ to 1 pinch in divided doses in a day.
Always consult your doctor before taking Abhrak bhasma.

How to use Abhrak

1. Abhrak bhasma with honey
a. Take ½ to 1 pinch of Abhrak bhasma (Shatputi) in 1 teaspoon of honey.
b. Take it twice a day after light meals.

2. Abhrak bhasma with chyawanprash
a. Take ½ to 1 pinch of Abhrak bhasma (Shatputi) in 1 teaspoon of chyawanprash.
b. Take it twice a day after light meals to improve vitality.

3. Abhrak bhasma with coconut water
a. Take ½ to 1 pinch of Abhrak bhasma (Shatputi) in ½ glass coconut water
b. Take it twice a day after light meals to control urinary infection.

4. Abhrak bhasma with guduchi satva or turmeric juice
a. Take ½ to 1 pinch of Abhrak bhasma (Shatputi) in guduchi satva or turmeric juice.
b. Take it twice a day after light meals to regulate metabolism and blood sugar level[7].

5. Abhrak bhasma with rice water
a. Take ½ to 1 pinch of Abhrak bhasma (Shatputi) in 1 cup rice water.
b. Take it twice a day after light meals to manage white vaginal discharge.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How to store Abhrak bhasma?

Modern Science View

Abhrak bhasma should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight in dry and hygienic container. It should be kept out of reach from children and pets[2].

Q. Where do I get Abhrak bhasma?

Modern Science View

You can obtain Abhrak bhasma from any Ayurvedic store. It is better to buy Abhrak bhasma sealed pack from a well known manufacturer.

References

1
Mishra S. Synonym, types, health benefits, properties, qualities of Abhrak. Bhaishajya Ratnavali.2009;3:29-32.
2
Vaidya SS, Dole VA. Synonyms, Types, Dosage, Usage, Adjuvant. Textbook of Rasashastra.2002;12:124-131.
3
Chaudhary A.Ayurvedic bhasma, nanomedicine of ancient India- It’s global contemporary perspective.J Biomed Nanotechnol.2011;7(1):68-9.
4
Subedi R, Kale P, Vartak RR.Study of general properties of abhrak bhasma: A nanomedicine.Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res.44(247):238-242.
5
Gune GG.Mechanism of action, health benefits, precautions.Ayurvediya aushadhi Gundharm Shastra.2005;1(1):19-38.
6
Wijenayake A, Abayasekara C.Action of Abhrak bhasma.Journal of Ethnopharmacology.2014;155(2):1001-1010.
7
Buwa S, Patil S, Kulkarni PH, ET AL.Hepatoprotective action.Indian J Exp Biol.2001;39:1022-1027.
8
Reddy PS.A Text Book of Rasashastra.Chaukhambha Orientalia.2017.
9
Divya P, Surekha M, Shobha GH. Magnitude of Bhasmas in handling Madhumeha (Diabetes Mellitus) - A Critical Review. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences.2017;2(4):112-120.
10
Bhatia BS, Kale PG, Daoo JV, et al. Abhraka Bhasma treatment ameliorates proliferation of germinal epithelium after heat exposure in rats. Anc Sci Life.2012;31(4):171–180.
11
Gopinath H, Shivashankar M.Herbo-Metallic Indian Nano-Medicine Abhrak Bhasma (MICA): A Periodical Review.RJPBCS.2016;7(6):2373-2381.
12
Bhatia BS, Kale PG, Daoo JV, et al.Abhraka Bhasma treatment ameliorates proliferation of germinal epithelium after heat exposure in rats.Anc Sci Life. 2012;31(4):171–180.
13
Mishra A, Mishra AK, Ghosh AK, et al. Significance of mica in ayurvedic products:An overview. IJRAP.2011;2(2):389-392.
14
Patki PS.The Role of Indigenous Drugs in the Management of Male Sexual Disorders.Probe.1988:28(1);25-28.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.