Gandhak Rasayan Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Gandhak Rasayan (also spelled as Gandhaka Rasayana) is an ayurvedic mineral-based medicine, which contains detoxified Sulfur processed with herbal juice as a main ingredient.

Gandhak Rasayan is a great antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial ayurvedic medicine. It is beneficial in almost all types of infections due to its broad-spectrum antibiotic activity.

Ingredients & Composition

Shuddha Gandhak or purified/detoxified Sulfur is a main ingredient used in preparation of Gandhak Rasayan. Gandhak is detoxified using clarified butter (Ghee) before using it in preparation of Gandhak Rasayan. Then it is processed with Cow’s Milk. After that, it is again processed with following herbal decoctions and juices separately.

1. Chaturjat decoction

Chaturjat contains cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), tejpat (Malabar leaf or Cinnamomum tamala) and Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea).

1. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) Decoction
2. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) Decoction
3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry or Phyllanthus emblica) Decoction
4. Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) Decoction
5. Ginger (Zingiber Officinale ) rhizome juice
6. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) juice

Some companies also add sugar after processing with above herbal decoctions and juices.

Medicinal Properties

Gandhak Rasayan has following healing properties.

Primary Action

1. Antibacterial
2. Antimicrobial
3. Antiviral
4. Broad spectrum Antibiotic
5. Anti-inflammatory
6. Demulcent
7. Antipruritics

Secondary Action

• Anthelmintic
• Digestive stimulant (mild effects)
• Aphrodisiac
• Anti-leprosy
• Antioxidant
• Antipyretic (mild effects)
• Analgesic (reduces tenderness and pain of soft tissues)
• Adaptogenic
• Blood purifier

Therapeutic Indications

Gandhak Rasayan is helpful in following health conditions.

Skin & Hairs

• Itching and burning sensation (due to any underlying pathology)
• Urticaria or hives and angioedema
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Leprosy (as a supportive therapy and cannot work alone)
• Boils
• Scabies
• Acne or pimples
• Dandruff
• Fungal infections of scalp
• Ring worm

Lungs & Airways

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Rhino-sinusitis or Purulent discharge from nose
• Breathing trouble associated with bacterial infections of respiratory system

Teeth & Gums

• Pyorrhea
• Pain in gums
• Inflammatory disorders of gums (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)

Men’s Health

• Infertility or oligospermia due to pus in seminal fluid

Benefits & Medicinal Uses

Gandhak Rasayan works well in all health conditions with a common symptom of burning sensation. It is beneficial in diseases such as urinary tract infections, burning sensation in hands and feet, burning sensation in skin, itching, burning sensation of tongue etc. The main medicinal uses and benefits of Gandhak Rasayan are discussed as follows.

Urticaria or hives and angioedema

Small red spot occurs on the skin due to allergic reaction to allergens. It causes itching and sometimes burning sensation on the skin. Gandhak Rasayan is a drug of choice in ayurveda for this condition. However, sometimes, it may not work alone, so your doctor may also suggest other remedies including Jasad bhasma and Haridra Khand. If burning becomes worse, then Giloy Satva, Praval Pishti, Moti Pishti and Mukta Sukti Pishi Should be added.

Scabies

Internally, Gandhak Rasayan helps eliminating itching and scabies rashes. However, you also require local application of neem oil or neem leaves and turmeric (Curcuma Longa) paste to get rid of this infection.

Acne and pimples

Gandhak Rasayan reduces acne and pimples. It helps by purifying blood, eliminating blockage, stopping secondary infections. Generally, it is used along with Shankh bhasma and Mukta Sukti Bhasma or Pishti.

Dosage

The dosage of Gandhak Rasayan can vary according to age, health condition and several other factors. The safest dosage of Gandhak Rasayan is around 250 mg to 500 mg twice or thrice a day.

Caution & Side Effects

Gandhak Rasayan is POSSIBLY SAFE if prepared strictly according to ayurvedic principles. Changes in preparation methods or eating raw sulfur can lead a variety of adverse effects.

The excess dosage (more than 2 grams a day) of Gandhak Rasayan can cause following side effects.

• Loose stools
• Loose stools with abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Stomach upset

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

No information is available about the safety and efficacy of Gandhak Rasayan in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, stay on safer side and avoid using Gandhak Rasayan in pregnancy and breastfeeding or consult your family physician or ayurvedic doctor before use.