Tankana Bhasma
Tankana Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists. 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 through pH modulation in digestive and urinary systems, creating hostile environment for pathogens and dissolving calculi
- Emmenagogue action through stimulation of uterine contractions and menstrual flow regulation, useful for dysmenorrhea but contraindicated in pregnancy
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Respiratory disorders (Kasa, Shwasa): Anti-inflammatory activity (decreased TNF-alpha, IL-6) in animal models validates traditional use for cough and bronchitis
- Skin disorders and acne: 18% acne severity reduction in dermatological study supports traditional topical applications
- Dysmenorrhea (Kashtartava): Emmenagogue action validated through traditional clinical observations, but pregnancy contraindication must be emphasized
What do recent clinical trials show?
3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. 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. Long-term use (>2-4 weeks) in pregnancy may affect birth weight and fetal skeletal development. POSSIBLY UNSAFE in pregnancy and 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.
- SAFE AT RECOMMENDED DOSES: Properly purified and calcined Tankana Bhasma is safe at recommended doses. Toxicity arises only from overuse or poor-quality products.
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
Analytical Methods: XRD, ICP-OES/ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, Particle size analysis, Namburi phased spot test
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Shodhan Tankana (purified borax), Bhasma
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg
Bioavailability: Good; borax readily soluble and absorbed
Optimal Timing: With honey for respiratory conditions; with warm water for other uses
Standardized Extract: Purified and calcined borax
Shelf Life: Indefinite (bhasma); 24 months (Shodhan Tankana)
Storage: Airtight, moisture-proof container
Marker Compounds: Sodium tetraborate, Boron compounds, Sodium oxide (post-calcination)
Quality Parameters: Boron content within therapeutic range, standard bhasma tests, no excess sodium
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey for Kapha conditions; warm water
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.