Definition of Bhasma
Bhasma refers to calcined preparations of metals, minerals, or animal products (e.g., pearls, shells) used therapeutically in Ayurveda.
Bhasmas are often used for their potent Rasayana (rejuvenating) effects, but they must be carefully prepared to ensure safety.
Preparation Steps (Generalized)
Shodhana (Purification):
Raw metals/minerals are repeatedly subjected to processes (like washing in herbal juices, heating, quenching in specific liquids) to remove impurities and reduce toxicity.
Marana (Calcination):
The purified substance is ground with herbal juices or other reagents to create a paste.
The paste is placed in earthen crucibles and calcined (heated to high temperatures in a pit furnace), a process often repeated multiple times (Puta system).
Repeated incineration at carefully controlled temperatures transforms metals/minerals into microfine, bioavailable ash.
Amrutikarana (Enhancement) [optional step]:
Sometimes post-calcination processes further detoxify and potentiate the ash.
Standardization
Physical Assessment: Finely divided, lustrous, characteristic color, floating test (for certain bhasmas).
Particle Size: Often in the nanometer to micron scale.
Chemical Analysis: X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), or ICP-MS to confirm the form of the metal/oxide and ensure absence of toxic residues.
Safety Studies: Because heavy metals are involved, rigorous toxicity testing is critical.
