Shankh (Shankha) Bhasma
Shankh Bhasma (also spelled as Shankha Bhasm) is an ayurvedic remedy prepared from conch shell. In ayurveda, Shankh Bhasma is used for treating diarrhoea (loose stools), acne, pimples, liver enlargement (hepatomegaly), splenomegaly, abdominal pain, indigestion, loss of appetite, heartburn, acid reflux, abdominal distension and irritable bowel syndrome. It has several other health benefits and medicinal uses.
Basic Information
| Raw Material Used | Conch Shell |
| Medicine Type | Bhasma (Calcined Medicine or Calx) |
| Ayurvedic Name | Shankh Bhasma |
| English Name | Chank, Turbinella Pyrum, Chank Shell, Sacred Chank, Divine Conch |
| Other Names of Conch Shell | Shankh Calx, Chank Calx, Shankh Ash, Conch Shell Ash |
| Also Spelled As | Shankha Bhasma, Shankh Bhasm, Shankha Bhasm |
| Chemical Composition | Calcium Carbonate |
Ingredients (Composition)
- Purified Conch Shell (Purified Shankh)
- Lemon Juice
Chemical Composition
| Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) | 92 to 95% * |
| Organic Matter (Conchiolin) | 5% * |
| Water (H2O) | 1 to 2% * |
| Others | Negligible * |
* This is an estimate. Chemical composition may vary according to species and collection location of Conch Shells.
Medicinal Properties
Shankh Bhasma (Processed Conch Shell Calx) has following healing properties.
- Antacid
- Stool binding agent
- Anti-diarrheal
- Appetite stimulant and Digestive stimulant
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory (effects appear on liver, spleen and intestines)
- Calcium Supplement (not used alone)
- Antioxidant
- Anti-emetic
Ayurvedic Properties
| Taste – RASA | KATU (Pungent) |
| Main Quality – GUNA | LAGHU (Light), RUKSHA (Dry), TIKSHNA (Sharp) |
| Potency – VIRYA | USHNA (Hot) * |
| Resultant – VIPAKA | KATU (Pungent) |
| Therapeutic Effect – PRABHAVA | KSHAAR (Alkalizer) |
| DOSHA KARMA (Effect on Humors) | Pacifies TRIDOSHA (mainly KAPHA) |
| Effects on Organs | All organs in the abdomen |
* According to above ayurvedic properties, you may have a question that why does it work in acidity if it is hot. According to ayurvedic properties, it pacifies VATA and KAPHA humors, but in addition, it is also KSHAAR (Alkalizer), which neutralizes the hydrochloric acid and provides relief from acidity. Undigested food particles develop into toxin called AMA, which is also responsible for acidity. Shankh bhasma help to digest and remove the AMA from the body.
Therapeutic Indications
Shankh Bhasma (Processed Conch Shell Calx) is helpful in following health conditions.
- Hyperacidity
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Liver enlargement
- Spleen enlargement
- Gas or flatulence
- Bloating
- Abdominal distension
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acne or pimples
- Hiccup
Benefits & Medicinal Uses
The effects of Shankh Bhasma appear on the abdomen including liver, spleen, gall bladder, small intestine, large intestine, colon, eyes and face.
Loose Motion or Diarrhea
Ayurveda does not suggest using any medicine initially to stop loose stools. Therefore, Shankha Bhasma should be used when patient has passed at least six stools or in moderate to severe diarrhea. Shankha Bhasma works well when patient has frequent stools with small amount of stool, severe abdominal cramps and abdominal gas.
Indigestion, Heartburn, GERD
Shankh Bhasma is a good acid neutralizer, which helps reducing hyperacidity in the stomach and may rectify the acid production.
In addition to neutralizing acid in the stomach, it also eliminates AMA toxins, which may also be associated with heartburn or indigestion.
Shankha Bhasma is more effective when patient has abdominal distension, heaviness in the abdomen, gas, nausea with feeling of eaten food or sour and burning sensation in the throat or mouth.
Abdominal Cramps or Pain
Shankha Bhasma has potent antispasmodic action on abdominal muscles. It reduces abdominal cramps, which may occur due to either diarrhea or any other underlying cause. However, Shankh bhasma works well with Praval pishti and Sootshekhar Ras in spasmodic dysmenorrhea.
Dosage
Shankh Bhasma is effective with 125 mg in abdominal diseases when used along with other medicines.
| Minimum Effective Dosage | 10 to 30 mg in infants, 60 mg in children & 125 mg in adults * |
| Moderate dosage (Adults) | 125 mg to 500 mg * |
| Moderate dosage (Children) | 60 mg to 250 mg * |
| Maximum Possible Dosage | 1000 mg ** |
* Twice a day ** Total Daily Dosage in Divided Doses
Side Effects
Shankh Bhasma can cause fissure (fine cracks or cuts) on tongue when kept on tongue without mixing it with honey or any other remedy. Secondly, it may also cause constipation in some patients when it is used alone.
Therefore, adjuvant is very important for using shankha bhasma. The most appropriate adjuvants and combinations should be used for getting more benefits and preventing side effects.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Shankh Bhasma may not be appropriate medicines during pregnancy when pregnant woman experience constipation. Shankh Bhasma is POSSIBLY SAFE for lactating mothers.
Contraindications
Constipation is the main contraindication for Shankh Bhasma. It is also used for local application for removing hair and treating acne and pimples. In such cases, the local application of Shankh Bhasma is contraindicated in fissured, cut or cracked skin.
I have found in ayurvedic books that SHANKHA PASTE with other ingredients applied on tumor dissolves the tumor. Do you have any experience regarding this?
Secondly, in some books it is written that Poisonous ingredients could not be used for Tuberculosis patients. But in the internet, it is found that “Raj Mriganka Ras” is indicated to tuberculosis patients. What is the correct opinion regarding this?
Shankha Bhasma paste can be applied on acne, pimples, abscess and non-malignant growths (like skin tags etc.) on the skin.
Can you please tell me those ingredients that you assume poisonous and should not be used in T.B.?
Raj Mrigank Ras does not contain any such ingredient, which cannot be used in Tuberculosis.
Raj mriganka ras contains both “Manashila” and ” Harital” which’s potency is hot in nature and which are penetrating ( Tikshna), which may me inappropriate for T.B patients with haemaptosis.
Is “Shankaha churna” is ok in lieu of “Shankha Bhasma” ? Have you seen results of using Shankha paste on tumor?
Raja Mrigank Ras is not suitable in PITTA condition or hemoptysis, but it is beneficial in KAPHA condition.
Shankh bhasma paste would be better than Shankh powder.
Dear Sir,
Really You have done the great work to create that kind of site. Sir please suggest me a good book for integrative knowledge on Ayurveda medicine with respect to Dosha.
Thanks and Regards
Hariom Dubey
9911601133
You can read here: Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha, Kapha Dosha, Tridosha, Ama
Hello Sir, I have bloating in my abdomen and hard stool. I also feel weakness. What should I do? Does Shankh Bhasma help?
Shankh Bhasma is not suitable for you if you have constipation or hard stool.
However, Arogyavardhini Vati is likely to be more suitable in such case. For weakness, Ashwagandha should help. You should consult a physician for more detail.
Is it safe to use shank bhasm for cataract? My father age 76 years, someone subjected shank bhasm powder with honey is it safe for use. Please give your guidance.
I don’t know if it is effective and safe to use for cataract. We never use it for this purpose.
However, Shank bhasma Anjana is used in conjunctivitis. It must be done under the supervision of an ayurvedic practitioner. It may have side effects if incorrectly done.