Sphatika Bhasma
Sphatika Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. ALUMINIUM EXPOSURE CONCERN: Chronic aluminium exposure linked to neurotoxicity and possible Alzheimer's disease association (debated).
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Sphatika Bhasma, SphatikaBhasma |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Sphatika Bhasma |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Potassium aluminium sulfate (KAl(SO4)2) in dehydrated form
- Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) from thermal decomposition
- Potassium sulfate (K2SO4)
- Trace iron, silica
- Residual water of crystallization in small amounts
How does it work?
- Astringent action through aluminium-mediated protein precipitation on tissue surfaces, causing contraction of blood vessels and mucous membranes to control bleeding
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect through disruption of bacterial cell walls and inhibition of enzymatic processes; superior anti-biofilm activity compared to raw alum
- Styptic (hemostatic) action through local vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation promotion at wound sites, controlling hemorrhage
- Kapha-reducing action through drying and astringent properties that reduce excessive secretions in respiratory and digestive tracts
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Bleeding disorders (Raktapitta): traditionally used to stop bleeding. Pharmacological studies have reported styptic and astringent properties.
- Respiratory diseases (Kasa, Shwasa): traditionally used for cough and bronchitis. Studies have reported antibacterial activity against respiratory pathogens and mucosal-drying properties.
- Skin diseases and wounds: traditionally used for skin infections and wounds. Studies have reported broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity.
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
- ALUMINIUM EXPOSURE CONCERN: Chronic aluminium exposure linked to neurotoxicity and possible Alzheimer’s disease association (debated). Use at therapeutic doses for limited duration recommended.
- REDUCED CORROSIVENESS: Phullana (calcination) process significantly reduces the corrosive nature of raw alum, making Bhasma form safer than crude alum
- TOPICAL VS INTERNAL: Safer for external/topical use; internal use requires careful dosing to avoid GI irritation and aluminium accumulation
- RENAL PATIENTS: Aluminium-containing preparations contraindicated in patients with impaired renal function due to reduced aluminium excretion capacity
What is it made of?
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Bhasma, Sphatika Churna (external)
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg internally; external: as powder or solution
Optimal Timing: As directed; external use for gargle (Kavala)
Storage: Airtight; moisture-sensitive
Marker Compounds: Aluminium oxide, Potassium sulfate, Silica
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey; external use with water
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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