Chandrashekhar Ras – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Introduction

In Ayurveda, Jwara (fever) is regarded as the foremost of all diseases (Rogāṇāmādyaḥ), as it affects both the body and the mind. It arises due to the vitiation of Tridoṣha—Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha—either individually or in combination, often triggered by improper diet, lifestyle, seasonal variations, infections, or suppressed natural urges. The disturbed doṣas impair Agni (digestive and metabolic fire), leading to the formation of Āma, which obstructs bodily channels (srotas). This results in elevated body temperature, fatigue, anorexia, heaviness, and mental distress. Ayurveda emphasizes understanding the doṣic involvement for effective management of Jwara. In this write up we will talk about the formulation useful for managing Shlashmek Pittaj fever i.e chandra shekhar ras.

Ingredients

1. Shuddha Parad – 1 tola
2. Shuddha Gandhak – 2 tola
3. Black pepper – 1 tola
4. Borax – 1 tola
5. Mishri – 5 tola

Description Of Ingredients

1. Purified Mercury (Shuddha Parad)

Mercury, after proper purification, acts as a bioactive mineral that stimulates metabolism and detoxification. In Ayurveda, it enhances Agni (digestive/metabolic fire) and supports the elimination of toxins (Ama), helping the body regulate heat and reduce fever intensity.

2. Purified Sulfur (Shuddha Gandhak)

Sulfur has natural antimicrobial and thermoregulatory effects. Ayurvedically, it balances Pitta dosha and helps to clear Ama, supporting the body in controlling fever and inflammation.

3. Black Pepper (Kalimirch)

Piperine in black pepper enhances the bioavailability of other compounds and stimulates metabolism. Ayurveda uses it to kindle Agni and promote Rakta Shodhana (blood purification), aiding fever reduction.

4. Suhaga (Borax / Tankan)

Borax has mild alkalinizing and cooling properties. In Ayurveda, it balances Pitta dosha, soothes excessive heat, and supports detoxification, helping to alleviate fever and associated irritability.

5. Mixture (Mishri)

Rock sugar provides quick energy and has cooling effects. It balances Pitta dosha, prevents dehydration, and soothes heat and thirst commonly experienced during fever.

Method Of Preparation

• First, make a paste of mercury and sulfur, then mix it with the powdered form of the remaining ingredients.
• Grind everything well and triturate it with fish bile for 3 days.
• Then, make pills from the mixture using half-and-half honey and dry them.

After Tuturing with Matsaypitta (Fish bile), 3 Titurations of each lemon and ginger juice should be done as it becomes particularly beneficial.

Indications

• This rasa helps in managing Shleshmak (mucus) and Pitta jwara (Fever) in just 3 days. After this, patients can be given rice and brinjal (eggplant) dishes.
• Chandrashekhar Ras is beneficial in Shleshmak-pitta fevers. Fevers of this type present symptoms such as burning inside the mouth, bitterness on the tongue, restlessness of the mind, cough, thirst, sometimes burning sensation, sometimes feeling cold etc. In these cases, the properties of kapha increase along with bitterness and cooling qualities. Consequently, ama (undigested material) accumulates in the digestive tract, and nearby channels become blocked, leading to fever.
• During such times, medicines that reduce obstruction in the channels, aid digestion, and stimulate metabolism should be given. Chandrashekhar combined with Matsaypitta, Kali Maricha, Sohaga, and ginger helps to remove the vitiated Shleshmak. This restores the digestive fire and Pitta to proper function.
• Consumption of this medicine expels accumulated toxins from the channels and blood, lightens the body, regulates the flow in the channels, and purifies urine. In this way, Shleshma and Pitta are eliminated, and normal balance is restored. This rasa also appears to be especially effective in removing Meningitis (mastishk avarana Pradah).

Dosage

1 to 2 pills along with ginger juice, twice a day and then give warm water to drink.

Contraindications

• Contraindicated in children
• Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women
• Contraindicated in conditions of Pitta Predominance

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Chandrashekhar Ras stands as a classical Ayurvedic formulation used traditionally in intermittent and chronic fevers. It actively pacifies aggravated doshas, strengthens agni, and supports the body’s natural healing response. The synergistic action of its purified mineral and herbal ingredients helps restore balance, reduce recurring fever episodes, and improve overall vitality. This formulation addresses both the underlying pathology and associated debility, making it valuable in fever management. However, practitioners must prepare and prescribe it strictly according to classical guidelines. When an experienced Ayurvedic physician administers Chandra Shekhar Ras judiciously, it truly reflects the depth, precision, and enduring wisdom of Rasashastra.