Shwas Kuthar Ras - Medical Properties, Indications, Dosage & More

Reference

Ayurved Sar Sangreh/ Ras- rasayan prakaran /Page-457

Abstract

Shwas Kuthar Ras is a time-honoured herbo-mineral formulation in Ayurveda, renowned for its efficacy in managing respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. In the current era, where environmental pollutants and lifestyle factors contribute to respiratory ailments, this formulation offers a holistic approach to respiratory health. It acts by balancing the Vata and Kapha doshas, and addresses the root causes of respiratory issues, providing relief from symptoms and enhancing overall pulmonary function.

Introduction

Shwas Kuthar Ras is derived from the words "Shwas" (breath) and "Kuthar" (axe). Shwas Kuthar Ras metaphorically acts as an 'axe' cutting through breathing difficulties. This classical Ayurvedic medicine is formulated to alleviate various respiratory conditions by targeting the underlying doshic imbalances. Its composition includes potent herbs and minerals that synergistically work to clear respiratory channels, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the respiratory system.

Classical Indications

Shwasa (Dyspnea)

Ingredients

• Maricha Churna (Powder of Piper nigrum) - 2 part
• Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury) - 1 part
• Shuddha Sulphur (Purified Sulphur) - 1 part
• Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox) - 1 part
• Shuddha Tankan (Purified Borax) - 1 part
• Shuddha Manahshila (Purified Realgar) - 1 part
• Shunthi Churna (Powder of Zingiber officinale) - 1 part
• Pippali Churna (Powder of Piper longum) – 1 part

Shwash Kuthar Ras by Planet Ayurveda

INGREDIENTS DESCRIPTION

1. Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury)

It possesses Madhura (sweet) vipaka and Ushna Veerya (hot potency). It is known for its Yogavahi (catalytic) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties, i.e., it enhances the efficacy of all ingredients. It pacifies Vata and Kapha and helps manage chronic respiratory disorders.

2. Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur)

It has Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent) rasa, and Ushna Veerya (hot potency); it pacifies Kapha and Vata. It promotes skin health, supports digestion, and helps clear respiratory tract obstructions in respiratory infections.

3. Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox)

It has Tikta-Katu (bitter-pungent) rasa and Ushna Veerya (hot potency). It pacifies Vata and Kapha and is known for its deepan (digestive) and shwasahara (anti-asthmatic) effects. It is used carefully for respiratory distress and fever-related conditions.

4. Shuddha Tankana (Purified Borax)

It has Tikta-Katu rasa (bitter-pungent taste) and Ushna Veerya (hot potency); it pacifies Kapha and Vata dosha. It has lekhana (scraping) and mucolytic properties, which are useful in asthma, productive cough, and throat congestion.

5. Shuddha Manahshila (Purified Realgar)

It possesses Tikta-Kashaya rasa (bitter-astringent taste) and Ushna Veerya (hot potency), pacifying Kapha and Vata. It helps reduce inflammation and remove toxins from the lungs, providing relief in chronic respiratory issues like bronchitis.

6. Shunthi (Zingiber officinale – Dry Ginger)

It has Katu rasa and Ushna Veerya (hot potency), pacifying Vata and Kapha. It is deepana-pachana (digestive and carminative) and effective in managing nausea, cough, and digestive upsets.

7. Pippali (Piper longum – Long Pepper)

With Katu rasa (pungent taste) and Anushna-Sheeta Veerya (neither hot nor cold potency), it balances all three doshas. Acts as a bioenhancer and expectorant, supporting digestion, immunity, and respiratory ease.

8. Maricha (Piper nigrum – Black Pepper)

It has Katu rasa (pungent taste) and Ushna Veerya (hot potency), pacifying Kapha and Vata. It is known for its deepana and pachana (Digestive and carminative), and Kaphaghna action; it clears phlegm and improves appetite in conditions involving cold and cough.

Method of Preparation

The preparation involves triturating purified mercury and sulphur to form a black sulphide of mercury (Kajjali). Subsequently, the fine powders of the remaining ingredients are added, and the mixture is thoroughly blended. The resultant mass is then rolled into tablets of 1-1 ratti each (125 mg) and dried in the shade to preserve potency.

Dosha Impact

Balances Vata and Kapha doshas.

Medicinal Properties

• In Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma), use with Sitopaladi Churna and honey + ginger juice to relieve bronchospasm.
• In Kaphaja Kasa (cough with expectorant), combine with Talisadi Churna and honey to reduce a productive cough.
• In Hikka (Hiccups), use with Lavangadi Vati and warm water or ginger decoction to calm spasms.
• In Krimi-janya Shwasa (Dyspnea due to Microbial respiratory infections), combine with Vidanga Churna (Powder of Embelia ribes) and honey + lukewarm water for deworming and kapha-vata balance.
• In Chronic Rhinitis (Peenasa), use with Trikatu Churna and ginger decoction to decongest the sinuses.
• In Urdhwaga Amlapitta (Reflux disorders), give with Avipattikar Churna and warm water to manage reflux and vata-kapha.
• In Sannipataja Jwara with Ama (chronic fevers), combine with Trikatu and Godanti Bhasma, with tulsi-ginger decoction to reduce fever and breathlessness.
• This is used in episodes of hysteria/migraine/epilepsy/unconsciousness conditions for bringing back to consciousness as a nasal administration of its powder.

Indications

• Asthma, breathlessness (Shwasa)
• Kasa (Cough)
• Chronic rhinitis (Peenasa)
• Kapha-Vata predominant disorders
• Bronchitis
• Dyspnea
• Anorexia

Dosage

125 – 250 mg once or twice daily, preferably before or after meals, as directed by an Ayurvedic physician. Usually advised to be administered with honey or warm water to enhance absorption and efficacy.

Contraindications

• Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
• In cases with heart disease-related dyspnea.
• It should be avoided in individuals with cardiac disorders.
• Its overdose may lead to toxic effects; hence, strict medical supervision is advised.

Why Choose Planet Ayurveda's Shwas Kuthar Ras

• Formulated under the guidance of expert Ayurvedic physicians, adhering to classical texts.
• Manufactured using high-quality, purified ingredients, ensuring safety and efficacy.
• Free from chemicals, preservatives, and artificial additives.
• Supports respiratory health by balancing Vata and Kapha doshas.
• 100% natural and vegetarian formulation.

Conclusion

Shwas Kuthar Ras stands as a testament to the profound wisdom of Ayurveda in managing respiratory ailments. Thus, by harmonising the Vata and Kapha doshas, it addresses the root causes of respiratory disorders, offering relief from symptoms like cough, breathlessness, and indigestion. Its holistic approach not only alleviates symptoms but also fortifies the respiratory system, enhancing overall well-being. This formulation, when prepared and administered under expert supervision, as exemplified by Planet Ayurveda, Shwas Kuthar Ras serves as a potent ally in the journey towards respiratory health.

Rajat Bhasma (Raupya Bhasma)- Ingredients, Properties, Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects

INTRODUCTION

Rajat (silver) is a noble and famous metal, hence attracted attention of ancient acharyas. In Ayurveda it is classified under Dhatu varga. Synonyms like Taara, Shubhra, Ruchira, Chandra, Roupya, Rupyaka, Chandraloha, Saudha etc. are mentioned in the classic books.

Rajat bhasma is also known as Raupya bhasam, chandi bhasam or calcined silver ash. It is widely used as single drug or in various herbo-mineral formulation with different anupans (adjuvants). It is mainly used in eye diseases, anal fissure, jaundice, anemia, frequent urination, enlargement of spleen, fatty liver, hysteria, epilepsy, neurological disorders etc.

INGREDIENTS

Rajat bhasma contains calcined silver (Argentum) particles. As Silver metal cannot be directly indicated for consumption. So it needs to undergo various classical procedures like sodhana (Purification of metal) and marana (inceneration) to make it fit for internal use.

Rajat bhasam is obtained after sodhana (which are mentioned for dhatu varga in Ayurveda) and marana (bhasmikarna) procedures where it get processed with organic matter, followed by the Puta samskara (quantum of heat). This helps to reduce the metal thereby decreasing the toxic effects and make it therapeutically potent.

PROPERTIES OF RAJAT BHASMA

The guna (properties) of Rajat bhasma are:-

1. Rasa (Taste):- Kashaya, amla& madhur (Astringent, sour & sweet)
2. Guna (Main quality):- Snigdha, Lekhana (smooth)
3. Virya (Potency):- Sheeta (cool in potency)
4. Vipak (Resultant of metabolism):- Madhur (sweet in resultant of metabolism)
5. Prabhav (Dominant impact):- Balya (strengthening action)
6. Guna karma:- Vatapittahara (pacifies vata humor and pitta humor).

ACTION OF RAJATA BHASMA

Various karma (actions) mentioned are:-

1. Balya (Provides strength)
2. Rasayana (rejuvenator)
3. Medhya (brain tonic)
4. Daahahara (relieve burning sensation)
5. Ayushya (giving long life)
6. Ojo Vardhaka (enhances immunity)
7. Vayah sthapaka (anti-aging) 
8. Pramehahara (fights against diabetes)
9. Shoshahara (debility removal)

BENEFITS OF RAJAT BHASMA

Generally, Rajat bhasma is used since medieval times in Ayurvedic medicines for treating many diseases. Rajat bhasma possess following properties:-

• Anti-bacterial / anti-viral:- It is very effective in bacterial and viral infections, eyes diseases, anal diseases especially anal fissure.
• General tonic:- Rajat Bhasma is also beneficial in impotency, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, problems have symptom of frequent urination, muscular pains, fibromyalgia, atherosclerosis and occlusion of blood vessels.
• Skin enhancer:- It also increases glow of skin and face, gives strength to the nerves and muscles and protects blood vessels from deposition of cholesterol plaque.
• Nervine tonic:- Rajat bhasma provides strengthening the nerves and improves blood circulation, hence acts as ‘Balya’ and is used in chronic paralysis.
• Anti-inflammatory:- Rajat Bhasma is a good anti-inflammatory agent, that’s why cures the inflammation of arterial walls. It is found useful in Atherosclerosis and dry cough, it can reduce swelling, speed healing and boosts recovery.
• Liver tonic:- Rajat bhasma helps to improve liver functioning and reduce the toxin accumulation. It increases the liver metabolism hence helps in prevention of fatty liver.
• Brain booster/ tonic:- It is used to relieve mental fatigue, caused by working on computer, insomnia, excessive talks, migraine, headache, memory loss etc. causes vata accumulation in body. Which finally leads to loss of mental power and strength. Rajat bhasma is a very good brain tonic and pacifies vata humor, so having strengthening action. Therefore, it works well in neurological diseases such as Wallenberg’s Syndrome, atrophy of brain, memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, hysteria, epilepsy, schizophrenia, insomnia, depression.
• Anti-biotic:- It is useful in vision loss occurred because of optical nerve injury, excessive strain on eyes and excessive heat etc. then Rajat bhasma is the best remedy to cure. Rajat bhasma has shown excellent results in conjunctivitis and cough with yellow sputum too as it possess anti-biotic properties.
• Anti-microbial:- It prevents decaying of skin tissue and helps in healing the Gangrenous tissue due to its anti-microbial effects.
• Relieves burning sensation:- it is best used to relieves gastritis, acidity, abdominal pain etc. caused due to amlapitta. As it is a natural coolant, it relieves all paitik disorders.

RAJAT BHASMA DOSAGE

• Children under 5 years:- 1mg per kg body weight, but should not exceed 30 mg in single dose and 60 mg per day.
• Children above 5 years:- 30 to 65 mg
• Adults:- 65 to 125 mg

The maximum possible dose should not exceed 250 mg per day, that too in divided doses. It can be taken twice a day after meals with various anupans (adjuvants) depending on the type of disease prevailing.

SIDE EFFECTS OF RAJAT BHASMA

There are no side effects of Rajat bhasma, if taken as per guidance of doctor. It is well tolerable formulation. However there is a rare disorder known as 'Argyria' (when people turn blue) which occurs due to over dose of poor quality of colloidal silver (reduced silver nano-particles, which is entirely different from Rajat bhasma. It has been observed that Rajat bhasma works well in low doses.

Gandhak Rasayan - An Ayurvedic Preparation of Purified Sulfur

WHAT IS SULPHUR

Sulfur is 10th most abundant mineral in the universe and 5th Most common on Earth !!

Plants need fertilizers made from Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium ( NPK) but Sulfuric acid made from Sulfur is the key ingredient in industrial production of these fertilizers. Sulfur is also used up by various agricultural plants and crops.

It is very important essential element for life.

Many Plants consume up to 25 kg of sulfur per hectare of land. Sulfur gets depleted and the soil gets barren due to sulfur depletion in the soil.

Sulfur also facilitates the absorption and uptake of essential fertilizers Nitrogen, Phosphates and Potassium by the plants.

So it's important mineral for growth of plants and natural utilization of essential fertilizers.

Sulfur is a non-metallic chemical element identified by alphabet S. In the periodic table it's 16 and Atomic mass is 32, with 2,8 and 6 electrons in each orbit. It makes H2S ( Hydrogen Sulphide) - Poisonous and inflammable gas. Sulphur makes sulphide compounds with Antimony and Bismuth and is found in Earth as these compounds.

COMMERCIAL USE OF SULFUR IN TODAY'S WORLD!!

Today almost all elemental sulfur is produced from sulfur containing contaminants from natural gas and petroleum.

The greatest commercial use of Sulfur now a days is making up of Sulfuric acid ( H2SO4 ) to make sulfate and phosphate fertilizers.

Sulfur is mainly produced in petroleum rich countries Saudi arabia, Russia, Canada and exported to USA, China, Western Europe and East Asia which are using Sulfur to prepare Sulfuric acid and using it to prepare fertilizers for the crops.

SULPHUR OR SULFUR IN HUMAN BODY

Sulfur is most ignored mineral in our diet. Although many vegetables like Potatoes, beets, Carrots absorb sulfur from the soil but the soil is so depleted that these vegetables are not rich enough in Sulfur.

Many cereal foods which are enriched with Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin B and Vitamin A, Iron and other minerals, but still they lack sulfur as it's ignored. Moreover as an Ayurvedic doctor, I believe in eating fresh food and vegetables from soil rather than packed in factory as cereals.

Sulphur is main constituent of the Amino Acids Methionine, Cysteine and Cystine and important constitent of vitamins like Biotic and Thiamine. Free radical scavenger Glutathione also contains Sulfur. Glutathione is used as shots to prevent side effects of chemotherapy in cancer. Glutathione is used in many complicated diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ( Lung failure), AIDS and many others to boost immunity. It's also given to Kidney failure patients to treat anemia by injections. it's also given in male infertility. Above uses are of Glutathione are of modern medical system, but Ayurveda- the ancient health care system uses purified and medicinal Sulfur tablets directly in the above mentioned conditions are s rejuvenator. It is called "Gandhak Rasayan" - Gandhak is sulfur and Rasayan means the one which rejuvenates the body.

ANCIENT ALCHEMY AND SULFUR

Ayurveda is an age old healhcare system of India. Alchemy of Ayurveda is called "Rasa Shastra". It deals in using various metals, minerals, Animal parts and organs to treat various health conditions. The metals used are properly purified, titrated and used in trace dosages to boost immunity, modify immunity, eradicate cancers and clear the body of complicated diseases.

Many people especially modern educated doctors are quiet scared of using metals of Ayurvedic system but they really do not know this science because they have not read about the processes involved in developing the medicines from these metals. I urge all the doctors worldwide to understand how the metals can be used to made as medicines and can be used to treat various ailments. It's highly scientific.

It's like the science has extracted various molecules from plant sources like Penicillin and Aspirin. Similarly metals have some medicinal and some properties to affect human metabolism. If you consider them poison, at least try to find out the chemical compound structure of various Ayurvedic Bhasmas and do clinical trials using them on Aplastic anemia, ITP, Myelodysplastic diseases and other complicated tumors.

It's like using Snake's venom to treat Snake venom patient. In Modern system, Snake venom is needed to prepare shots for treatment of snake bite.

In Ayurveda, Gandhak ( Sulfur) is described in ancient alchemy. It is a powerful rejuvenating substance in human body.

Ayurveda classifies metals, non-metals and minerals in various categories.

CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINAL METALS AND MINERALS IN AYURVEDA

• Rasa = Mercury
• Kajjali = Kajjali is the base of all metal, mineral based preparations in Ayurveda.  It's black Sulphide of Mercury.

WHAT IS KAJJALI (MERCURY + SULFUR)

Kajjali is prepared by combining Mercury with Sulfur to render it harmless and make it beneficial. There are several processes involved after Kajjali formation to nullify the side effects of Bhasmas. Sulfur is important ingredient of all Ayuredic metalllic preparations.

Kajjali is totally harmless and comes out of body without damaging any organs. Here is scientific explanation about the combination of Mercury with Sulfur. However this article is only about Sulfur but here is explanation about another compound of Mercury+ Sulfur called - Kajjali in Ayurveda.

This Kajjali was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX). SEM images with the magnifications of 2.00KX, 1.00 KX and spatial resolution of 25 nm represented that it formed the order of agglomerates consisted of small spherical particles approximately size of 3 μm to 10 μm observed, whereas EDAX showed the presence of Hg (69.33%), S (24.44%), O (4.64%) and Ag (1.59%) in the final preparation of Kajjali.

Chemical Characterization of Samaguna... (PDF Download Available). Available from:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258954988_Chemical_Characterization_of_Samaguna_Balijarita_Kajjali_Black_Sulphide_of_Mercury [accessed May 20 2018].

• Eight Maha Rasa
• Eight Upa Rasa
• Eight Sadharan Rasa

Eight Maha Rasa - Abhrak, Vaikrant, Makshik, Vimal, Adrij, Sasyak, Chapal and Rasak.

Eight Uparasa - Gandhak (Sulfur), Gairik, Kaasis, Kankshi, Taal, Shila, Anjan, Kankusht.

Eight Sadharan Rasa - Kampillak, Gori Pashan, Navasadar, Karpad, Agnijaar, Giri Sindoor, Hingul, Mridar Shring.

Sulfur is the 8th Most abundant mineral in the body after oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, phosphoorus and potassium then sulphur, chlorine and Sodium and other minerals and metals in traces are Magnesium, iron, Manganese, Copper, Iodine, cobalt, Zinc etc.

SOURCES OF SULPHUR

Nuts, Eggs, Meats, Fishes, Onion, Garlic, leafy green vegetables.

Sulphur rich soils are mainly found in Iceland, Japan, Italy, Hawaii and countries where volcanic activity is more. These countries have active volcanoes and the soil is rich in natural minerals like Sulfur. The people are not so obese, have longer life spans, less depression. Although Iceland is in northern hemisphere, lacks sun but still Icelanders are not prone to cardiac ailments, depression, obesity as compared to Canada and United States.

In Ancient Analogy, Ayurveda has compared Mercury to "Virya" of Lord Shiva and Sulfur to "Raj or Artav" of Goddess Parvati. From various volcanic eruptions, the Artav of Goddess Parvati comes out oozing from the mountains and flows down the mountains and dries up and gets absorbed in the earth to replenish it and give nutrition to plants and animals.

Even now there are many sulfur springs in various mountains, giving nourishment to the skin and people travel to these hot water sulfur springs seeking cure for their various health problems, especially skin ailments.

Sulfur also has the power to control mercury. Ayurveda explains 4 types of Sulfur. White, Red, Yellow and Black.

Yellow one is used for medicinal purpose. Red one for chemical processes. Black one is not available and so is white one. Now a days we find only Yellow one. The other colorful ones can be Sulfur ores.

Amla Saar and Danda Gandhak are 2 types of yellow sulfur found according to their appearance. Amla Saar is considered more useful for medicinal purposes and Danda Sulfur is mainly used for preparing chemicals and ammunition. It's called Amla saar because the color of it is like Amla berries.. Yellowish.

Sulfur is found in the world where the volcanic activity is high for example Sicily, Japan and other such places.

COMPOUNDS OF SULFUR IN AYURVEDA

Anand Bhairav Ras, Ichabhedi Ras, Ras Sindoor, Gandhak Rasayan, Makardwaj, Swarn Vang, Ras Parpati, Sameer Pannag Ras, Kajjali etc.

GANDHAK RASAYAN

Gandhak Rasayan is a mineral-based medicine. It involves processing of detoxified Sulfur with herbal juices as the main ingredient.

It  is an amazing and effective Ayurvedic formulation which is usually administered orally in the form of a herbal powder or tablet.  It is considered the best and safe way for administering Shuddha Gandhaka (purified sulphur).

It has anti-viral, anti -pruritic, anti-bacterial and anti- inflammatory properties.

It also has blood purifying properties (Rakta Shodhaka). It helps in treating skin disorders too. It helps to balance the Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

GANDHAK RASAYAN VATI HAS AMAZING HEALING AND ANTIBIOTIC PROPERTIES AS BELOW:

• Antimicrobial
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Prophylactic/preventive
• Wound healing
• Pain relieving
• Blood purifying
• Elimination of toxins.
• Antidiarrhoeal

THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS OF GANDHAK RASAYAN

• Gandhak rasayan has antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antibiotic properties. It is known for treating many skin problems. It mitigates redness, irritation, itching, swelling and inflammation. It works really well in the health conditions with the common symptoms of burning sensation. It also treats urinary infections and burning sensation of hands and feet. Recommended dosage for gandhak rasayan for psoriasis and eczema is 1 to 3 grams once or twice a day before or after meals.
• Gandhak rasayan has amazing blood purifying properties. It acts and cures the area affected by imposing its antiseptic properties. It is well known for taking care and treating dandruff. It is helpful for balancing pitta dosh by suppressing extra heat from the body. In case of baldness or sudden hair fall Gandhak Rasayan is administered orally which results due to medications, stress, genetic factors or diseases.
• It is very effective in treating bacterial and fungal infections like kandu, kushtha, leprosy / mahakusta / kustaroga, itching, pama, eczema, urticaria, pustules in skin, fungal infections, dandruff, ringworm, scabies, abscesses, boils, and pimples.
• It is very effective for treating gouty arthritis, sinusitis, Scurvy, Chronic fever, Gastrointestinal disorders and Detoxifying blood.
• It works well as a Rejuvenator.
• It helps to remove toxins and other wastes from blood.
• It improves and enhances strength, nourishment and digestion of the body.
• It helps the body to get rid of pain.
• It improves skin complexion.
• It can heal wounds.
• It promotes and improves health and vigor.
• It slows down aging process.
• It provide longevity.
• It improves immunity of body.