Tankana Bhasma
Tankana Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. PREGNANCY CONTRAINDICATED: Tankan Bhasma can cross the placental barrier.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Tankana Bhasma, TankanaBhasma |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Tankana Bhasma |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Sodium borate (Na2B4O7) in anhydrous/calcined form
- Boron oxide (B2O3) from thermal decomposition
- Sodium oxide (Na2O)
- Trace minerals from herbal processing media
- Residual organic compounds from milk/herbal trituration
How does it work?
- Kaphahara (Kapha-reducing) action through mucolytic and expectorant properties, breaking down mucus viscosity and facilitating respiratory clearance
- Anti-inflammatory effect through suppression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 inflammatory cytokines, reducing respiratory tract inflammation
- Kshara (alkaline) action, described in Ayurvedic doctrine as acting through pH modulation in digestive and urinary systems
- Emmenagogue action through stimulation of uterine contractions and menstrual flow regulation; contraindicated in pregnancy
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Respiratory disorders (Kasa, Shwasa): traditionally used for cough and bronchitis. Animal studies have reported anti-inflammatory activity, with decreased TNF-alpha and IL-6.
- Skin disorders and acne: traditionally applied topically for skin disorders and acne. A dermatological study reported reduced acne severity.
- Dysmenorrhea (Kashtartava): traditionally used for its emmenagogue action, based on traditional clinical observation. It is contraindicated in pregnancy.
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
- PREGNANCY CONTRAINDICATED: Tankan Bhasma can cross the placental barrier. POSSIBLY UNSAFE in breastfeeding.
- MALE FERTILITY CAUTION: Long-term use (>2 months) in men seeking fertility treatment may cause oligospermia (low sperm count) due to Kshara properties
- BORON ACCUMULATION: Gaps exist in long-term safety data regarding boron accumulation in the body. Periodic monitoring recommended.
What is it made of?
Mineral/Elemental Profile
- Primary component: Calcined mineral/metal oxide (after Shodhana and Marana)
- Particle size: Sub-micron to nanoparticle range
- Note: Exact composition depends on source material and preparation method
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Shodhan Tankana (purified borax), Bhasma
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg
Optimal Timing: With honey for respiratory conditions; with warm water for other uses
Storage: Airtight, moisture-proof container
Marker Compounds: Sodium tetraborate, Boron compounds, Sodium oxide (post-calcination)
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey for Kapha conditions; warm 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.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.