Shankha Bhasama - Shanka Bhasam - Shanka Bhasma

SHANKH BHASMA

Shankh Bhasma (Conch or Sea Shell) is an ayurvedic medicine used to manage conditions like acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)[1]. It possesses antacid properties which offer relief from symptoms like heartburn and chest pain. Shankha (Conch) is mentioned in Rasashastra as a mineral under Sudha Varga (Calcium group) category. Shankh Bhasma is one of the important Bhasmas used in daily practice by Ayurvedic physicians.

Shankh Bhasma due to its multiple properties provides aid in indigestion, flatulence, and abdominal pain. It may also help with diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, burping, and gastritis. Some practitioners also suggest its use as a calcium supplement[2].

According to Ayurveda, Shankh Bhasma has Kshar (alkaline) property which helps neutralize the produced excessive acid. It may also provide instant relief to the burning sensation in the stomach because of its Sita (cold) nature. Shankh Bhasma also aids in reducing abdominal pain by improving digestion. Along with that, it has Vatanuloman (Vata balancing) properties which help reduce common symptoms of IBS, like gas and bloating. It also helps control watery motions, commonly known as diarrhea, due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.

Shankh Bhasma is available in powder form. Shankh Bhasma is generally given in combination with other ayurvedic medicine in the form of a mixture. The mixture is usually advised to be taken with honey to get quick relief from digestive problems. Avoid self-medication or taking Shankh Bhasma in excess.

Shankh Bhasma is generally well tolerated by most people and does not have any major side effects when taken in the recommended dose. In some cases, it may cause vomiting and nausea. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the doctor before using Shankh Bhasma.

BENEFITS OF SHANKH BHASMA

1. Acidity

Acidity means an increased level of acid in the stomach. This happens when the food is left undigested or when Ama is formed inside the body which results in the aggravation of Pitta dosha. An aggravated Pitta impairs the digestive fire leading to improper digestion of food and production of Ama. This Ama gets accumulated in the digestive channels and causes hyperacidity. This also leads to the condition of a burning sensation in the chest which is known as heartburn. Shankh Bhasma may help reduce acidity and give instant relief to the burning sensation in the stomach because of its Sita (cold) nature.

2. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal Pain is often called ‘stomach’ pain or a ‘stomach’ ache. It can come in many forms and may range from cramps, stabbing pains to constant, dull abdominal aching. According to Ayurveda, Abdominal Pain happens due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Vata gets aggravated inside the body, resulting in a feeling of fullness followed by flatulence and pain. Sometimes abdominal pain might also occur due to indigestion. Shankh Bhasma helps reduce abdominal pain by correcting digestion, and it also helps release gas because of its Vatanuloman (Vata balancing) property.

3. IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the digestive system, mostly the large intestine. It may cause symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, or constipation. According to Ayurveda, it is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Shankh Bhasma helps improve Pachak Agni which helps to reduce gas or bloating because of its Vata balancing nature. Regular intake of Shankh Bhasma can also aid in controlling the frequency of motion due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.

4. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition in which one may experience loose, watery stools with increased frequency. Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is caused due to improper food intake, impure water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors can aggravate the Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid from various tissues from the body into the intestine. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Shankh Bhasma helps to reduce diarrhea by increasing digestive fire and controlling water motion due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.