Haratala Bhasma

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Haratala Bhasma

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Arsenic trisulfide (As2S3) as primary constituent
• Arsenic in sulfide-bound form (reduced bioavailability)
• Calcium arsenate traces
• Sulfur compounds
• Organic residues from herbal processing

How does it work?

• Kaphahara (Kapha-reducing) action, used traditionally for Shwasa (asthma) and Kasa (cough)
• Kushthahara (skin disease management) through antimicrobial and keratolytic effects on skin lesions, traditionally used for chronic dermatological conditions
• Jvaraghna (antipyretic) action through modulation of inflammatory pathways involved in fever generation

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Skin diseases (Kushtha): traditionally used for skin diseases. Safer modern alternatives exist.
• Asthma/respiratory disorders (Shwasa/Kasa): traditionally used for asthma and respiratory disorders. Arsenic toxicity makes this use unjustifiable.
• Leukemia: arsenic trioxide is FDA-approved for acute promyelocytic leukemia. That approval covers arsenic trioxide, not Haratala.

What do recent studies show?

No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• ARSENIC IS A GROUP 1 CARCINOGEN: IARC classifies arsenic and arsenic compounds as definite human carcinogens. Long-term exposure causes multiple cancers (lung, skin, bladder, liver).
• INSOLUBLE FORM REDUCES ACUTE TOXICITY: Properly prepared Haratala Bhasma contains arsenic in insoluble sulfide form, which may reduce acute oral toxicity compared to soluble arsenite/arsenate
• BLOOD ARSENIC INCREASES: Even with purified preparation, blood arsenic levels increase significantly during use (confirmed in human volunteer study), indicating systemic absorption occurs
• PREPARATION-CRITICAL: Without proper Shodhana and Marana, Haratala causes burning sensation, tremors, blood vitiation, skin disease, and potentially death. ONLY classically prepared products should be considered.
• NO LONG-TERM SAFETY DATA: Short-term studies show apparent safety, but chronic arsenic exposure effects (cancer, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease) may take years to manifest
• FDA/WHO POSITION: Arsenic in medicines not endorsed. WHO limit for arsenic in herbal medicines is 10 mcg/g. Most Haratala preparations far exceed this.

What is it made of?

Mineral/Elemental Profile

• Arsenic trisulfide (As2S3): Major component (orpiment)
• Note: Highly toxic, restricted use; Shodhana mandatory; modern practice largely discontinued

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Bhasma (only after rigorous Shodhana)

Standard Dosage: 30–60 mg (strict dosing)

Optimal Timing: As directed by experienced physician only

Storage: Airtight, labeled container; Schedule E1 drug

Marker Compounds: Arsenic sulfide (raw), Arsenic oxide (post-calcination), Sulfur compounds

Vehicle (Anupana): Honey or ghee; only as part of specific formulations