Kapardak Bhasma (also known as
Kapardika Bhasma, Cowrie Bhasma,
Varatika Bhasma, & Kaudi Bhasma) is an
ayurvedic calcined preparation used in
abdominal diseases like abdominal pain,
irritable bowel syndrome, bloating,
duodenal ulcer and loss of appetite or
poor appetite, intestinal gas.
However, it is hot in potency, but has
alkaline effects in the stomach, which
balances the acid secretion in the
stomach. Thus, it gives relief in sour
taste of the mouth, heartburn, and
dyspepsia (indigestion).
Ingredients (Composition)
Kapardak Bhasma is prepared from
Kapardika (Cowry Shell of Cypraea
Moneta). Yellow colored cowry shells
having weight of 3 to 5 grams are
perfect for making cowrie bhasma.
Chemical Constitution
Kapardak Bhasma mainly contains
calcium carbonate (CaCO ). Other
minerals are also present in it. The
Inorganic and organic constituents
present in it are as follows:
Ash 2.06%
Calcium 19.32%
Nitrogen 0.72%
Organic Carbon 1.09%
Phosphorus 0.62%
Sodium 1.36%
Sulfur 0.94%
Boron 0.06 ppm
Copper 0.42 ppm
Iron 113.6 ppm
Manganese 19.62 ppm
Molybdenum 0.03 ppm
Zinc 1.48 ppm
Alkaloids 0.05 mg per Kg
Flavonoids 0.21 mg per Kg
Glycosides 0.05 mg per Kg
Lignin 0.04 mg per Kg
Tanin 0.19 mg per Kg
Reference & Credit: CHEMICAL
STANDARDIZATION STUDIES ON
VARATIKA (KAPARDIKA) BHASMA,
CARISM, SASTRA UNIVERSITY,
THANJAVUR
Ayurvedic Properties
Taste – RASA KATU (Pungent),
TIKTA (Bitter)
Main Quality –
GUNA
LAGHU (Light),
RUKSHA (Dry),
TIKSHNA (Sharp)
Potency – VIRYA USHNA (Hot)
Resultant –
VIPAKA KATU (Pungent)
Therapeutic
Effect –
PRABHAVA
Digestive
DOSHA KARMA
(Effect on
Humors)
Pacifies mainly
KAPHA, SAAMA
PITTA and
SAAMA VATA
Dhatu (Tissue)
Effect RASA
Beneficial for
Organs
Abdominal
Organs
(stomach, liver,
spleen,
duodenum), Eyes
and Lungs
Potential Action LEKHANA
Note: The action of Kapardika Bhasma is
on KAPHA and VATA dosha according to
the above ayurvedic properties, but it is
also alkaline medicine, which balances
the acid secretion in the stomach.
According to ayurveda, PITTA has AMAL
GUNA (sour quality). Cowry bhasma
reduces the AMAL GUNA of the PITTA.
Therefore, it is also considered as
PITTASHAMAK (Pitta Pacifier).
Medicinal Properties
Digestive Stimulant
Antacid
Anodyne
Antispasmodic
Carminative
Antiemetic
Aam Pachak (Detoxifier)
Antiflatulent
Antiulcerogenic
Mucolytic
Astringent
Therapeutic Indications
1. Abdominal pain
2. Bloating
3. Flatulence
4. Duodenal ulcer
5. Loss of appetite
6. Irritable bowel syndrome
7. Sour taste of the mouth
8. Dyspepsia (indigestion)
9. Otorrhea
Kapardak Bhasma Uses &
Benefits
Kapardak Bhasma has high
bioavailability, so it shows instant
effects in some diseases. It reacts with
stomach secretions, and neutralizes the
acid. The main action of it is observed
on AMA (toxins), which are producing
due to poor digestion. It improves
appetite and digestion, which helps to
reduce AMA formation and eliminate the
produced AMA.
Bloating & Intestinal Gas
Kapardak Bhasma has carminative, anti-
flatulent, and VATASHAMAK action,
which gives relief from the bloating or
abdominal distension, intestinal gas and
excessive flatulence. In such cases, it is
used mixing with Cow’s Ghee and Misri
(Sugar). Additionally, Arogyavardhini
Vati is also helpful when used with
Kapardak Bhasma in such cases.
Abdominal Pain
As discussed that Kapardak Bhasma has
carminative and antispasmodic
properties, which aids in abdominal pain
and cramps. It is helpful when pain has
dull character and accompanies with
feeling of heaviness in the abdomen. It
should be used along with Cow’s Ghee
and Misri (Sugar).
Belching
Kapardika Bhasma is very useful for
people with uncomfortable belching
having sour taste in mouth or tasteless
burp. It prevents gas formation by
correcting digestion and acting on VATA
in digestive system.
Vomiting in Hyperacidity
Kapardika Bhasma along with Swarna
Makshik Bhasma is helpful in vomiting
with sour vomitus and mucus content. It
reduces AMAL GUNA of PITTA and
prevents these symptoms.
Safety Profile
Kapardak Bhasma is considerably safe
when used under supervision and in the
recommended dosage and with
appropriate adjuvants.
Side Effects
However, it does not show any side
effect when used wisely with appropriate
adjuvant according to the disease. It
should not be kept on the tongue
because if may cause fissures in your
tongue. To avoid this side effect, you
should always remember that it should
be taken along with adjuvants like Cow’s
Ghee, Giloy Sat , or honey
Dr. Atul Dnyanadeo Sanap
Mauli Ayurveda chikistalay panchkarma and research center
D 25 sidhivinayak complex Sahayognager Beed
9403330067
9890065637
https://m.facebook.com/Mauli-Ayurveda-Chikitsalaya-Panchakarma-and-Research-Center-831592576986054/
Infoayushdarpan 