# Agnijara

> Agnijara is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Traditional Shodhana (purification) and Marana (calcination) processes convert it into nano-sized particles (bhasma) with significantly enhanced bioavailability. The bhasma form yields particles in the 50-100nm range, facilitating absorption.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Agnijara |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Bhasma (calcined preparation), Pishti (fine triturated powder), Capsule (with bhasma fill), Tablet

**Standard Dosage:** 125-250mg bhasma twice daily with honey or ghee; 250-500mg pishti

**Bioavailability:** Agnijara (a form of mineral/resinous amber or fossilized resin) has limited direct bioavailability. Traditional Shodhana (purification) and Marana (calcination) processes convert it into nano-sized particles (bhasma) with significantly enhanced bioavailability. The bhasma form yields particles in the 50-100nm range, facilitating absorption. Anupana of honey or ghee further enhances uptake.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with honey (Kapha conditions) or ghee (Pitta conditions)

**Standardized Extract:** Not applicable — mineral/resinous preparation. Quality assessed by bhasma pareeksha (traditional tests): Rekhapurnatva (finger-line filling), Varitaratva (floats on water), Apunarbhavatva (irreversibility).

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite for properly prepared bhasma (traditional view); 5 years recommended for labeled products

**Storage:** Airtight glass or food-grade HDPE container. Keep dry. Bhasma is hygroscopic — protect from moisture. Ambient temperature storage acceptable.

**Marker Compounds:** Calcium carbonate (if calcified amber), Succinic acid (if Baltic-type amber), Trace minerals post-Marana

### Extraction Methods

- Shodhana (purification by repeated quenching in herbal decoctions)
- Marana (calcination with herbal juices — typically Kumari swarasa)
- Trituration with rose water for Pishti form

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Praval Pishti for calcium supplementation
- With [Giloy](/herb/guduchi/) Satva for immune modulation
- With [Mukta Pishti](/herb/mukta-pishti/) for Pitta pacification

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/agnijara/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.