Sindhūra Bhūṣaṇam: Ingredients, Benefits, Variations & Classical Uses in Ayurveda

 Based on Ayurveda Aushadha Ratnakaram (Sources 36–39), Sindhūra Bhūṣaṇam is a versatile Rasashastra formulation praised for its effectiveness in:

• Garbhiṇī roga (pregnancy-related disorders)

• Śuṣka Kāsa (dry cough)

• Prameha (urinary disorders including diabetes spectrum)

• Severe metabolic conditions

The text presents a structured hierarchy:

• Laghu (Light) Sindhūra Bhūṣaṇam

• Maha Sindhūra Bhūṣaṇam

• Suvarna Sindhūra Bhūṣaṇam

• Maha Suvarna Sindhūra Bhūṣaṇam

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1️⃣ Laghu Sindhūra Bhūṣaṇam

Corrected Sanskrit Śloka (Reconstructed)

श्लोकः
अभ्रं गन्धं टङ्कणं च रससिन्दूरकं तथा ।
संगृह्य समभागं च कृष्णधत्तूरकेन च ॥
मर्दयेद्भिषगित्येवं लघुसिन्दूरभूषणम् ।
अनुपानविशेषेण सर्वरोगनिकृन्तनम् ॥
गर्भिणी-रोगनाशं च शुष्ककासविनाशनम् ।
विंशतिं च प्रमेहानां नाशयेद्नात्र संशयः ॥

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Ingredients (Samabhāgam – Equal Parts)

Sanskrit Name	English Equivalent	Quantity
Abhraka Bhasma	Mica Calx	1 Part
Gandhaka	Purified Sulphur	1 Part
Tankana	Purified Borax	1 Part
Rasa Sindhura	Red Sulphide of Mercury	1 Part

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Method of Preparation

1️⃣ Mixing

All four ingredients are placed in a mortar (Khalva).

2️⃣ Bhāvana (Trituration)

Ground thoroughly with Krishna Dhattura Rasa (juice of Black Datura – Datura metel).

3️⃣ Finalization

Ground to a fine consistency suitable for pills or powder.

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Therapeutic Indications (Phalaśruti)

🤰 Garbhiṇī Roga

• Disorders affecting pregnant women

• Metabolic disturbances during pregnancy

🫁 Respiratory

• Śuṣka Kāsa (Dry cough)

🚽 Urinary Disorders

• 20 types of Prameha

• Diabetes-like conditions

• Urinary tract disorders

🌿 General

With specific Anupāna (vehicle), acts as Sarva-roga-nikruntanam (broad-spectrum disease destroyer).

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2️⃣ Maha Sindhūra Bhūṣaṇam

Additional Ingredients

• Nāga (Lead Bhasma)

• Vaṅga (Tin Bhasma)

• Kānta (Magnetic Iron)

• Loha (Iron Bhasma)

• Vidruma (Coral Bhasma)

Preparation

• Ground with water for three days.

Indications

• Kṣaya (Tuberculosis-like wasting)

• Severe Prameha

• Advanced metabolic disorders

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3️⃣ Suvarna Sindhūra Bhūṣaṇam

Additional Ingredients

• Suvarna (Gold Bhasma)

• Mukta (Pearl Bhasma)

• Pravāla (Coral Bhasma)

Preparation

• Ground with Krishna Dhattura juice.

Dosage

• Māṣa Mātram (~1 gram traditionally, highly regulated)

Indications

• 40 types of Pitta disorders

• Severe Prameha

• Garbhiṇī complications

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4️⃣ Maha Suvarna Sindhūra Bhūṣaṇam

Complex Enriched Version

Includes:

• Gold

• Silver

• Vajra (Diamond – symbolic/mineral calx reference)

• Pearl

• Coral

• Lead

• Tin

Processing

Elaborate Bhāvana using juices of:

• Jasmine

• Red Lotus

• Sugarcane

• Vetiver

• Shatavari (Asparagus)

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Benefits

💪 Virya Vruddhi

Enhances vitality and reproductive strength

🔄 Taruṇāyate

Rejuvenation – “makes the old young”

🧴 Kushtha

Chronic skin diseases

🟡 Kamala

Jaundice

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Hierarchical Potency Overview

Version	Potency	Specialty
Laghu	Moderate	Pregnancy, Dry cough, Prameha
Maha	Strong	Tuberculosis, severe urinary disorders
Suvarna	Very Strong	Pitta disorders, metabolic crisis
Maha Suvarna	Extremely Potent	Rejuvenation, leprosy, jaundice

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Modern Context

Rasa Sindhura is a processed mercury-sulphur compound used in Rasashastra.
Datura (Dhattura) contains alkaloids and must be purified.
Heavy metal Bhasmas require classical Shodhana and Marana procedures.

These medicines are:

• Highly potent

• Dose-sensitive

• Physician-regulated

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Frequently Asked Questions (SEO Optimized)

What is Sindhura Bhushanam used for?

Traditionally used for pregnancy disorders, dry cough, urinary disorders, and metabolic diseases.

Is Sindhura Bhushanam safe during pregnancy?

Classically indicated for Garbhiṇī roga, but must only be used under strict expert supervision.

What is the difference between Laghu and Maha Sindhura Bhushanam?

Maha version includes additional metallic Bhasmas and is more potent.

Does it treat diabetes?

It is traditionally indicated for 20 types of Prameha (diabetes spectrum).

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⚠ Important Safety Disclaimer

Sindhura Bhūṣaṇam contains:

• Mercury (Rasa Sindhura)

• Sulphur

• Lead & Tin (in variations)

• Datura (toxic plant)

Improper preparation or unsupervised use can be dangerous.
It must be prepared and administered only by qualified Ayurvedic physicians trained in Rasashastra.