Kanmad Bhasma
Kanmad Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Kanmad Bhasma, KanmadBhasma |
The evidence at a glance
1paper on this site for this drug, every one with a DOI.
- 1Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Kanmad Bhasma |
What is Kanmada?
- Kanmadam is the Malayalam name for Shilajatu (asphaltum). Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala lists its Kanmadabhasmam as prepared from Silajatu (asphalt) with Tanduliya (Amaranthus spinosus) and cow’s milk (Therapeutic Index 2023). Some Kerala sources identify this Kanmada with Karpura Shilajit (potassium nitrate); the mineral identity is not settled. Neither source lists iron oxide.
Traditional uses
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Diabetes (Madhumeha): traditionally used for diabetes.
- Chronic fevers (Jeerna Jwara): traditionally used for chronic fevers.
Recent safety updates
- DOSE LIMIT: Should not exceed 500 mg/day. Overuse can cause constipation, or stomach upset.
- PROPER PREPARATION ESSENTIAL: Must undergo complete Shodhana, Marana, and Amruteekarana processes. Improperly prepared material may contain heavy metal contaminants.
What is it made of?
Mineral/Elemental Profile
- Declared raw material: Silajatu (asphalt), processed with Tanduliya (Amaranthus spinosus) and cow’s milk (Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Therapeutic Index 2023)
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Bhasma
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg
Optimal Timing: With honey or specific formulation vehicle
Storage: Airtight container
Marker Compounds: Calcium silicate, Magnesium
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Laboratory and animal studies1
- 2023. Structural investigation of Ayurveda Lauha (Iron) BhasmaJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 36822148 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100690
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
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