Kalagni Bhairav Ras – Ingredients, Preparation, Indications, Benefits, Dosage & More

Classical Reference – Rastantra Saar and Siddha PrayogSangreha

Classical Indication – Jwara (Fever)

Introduction

In Ayurveda, life-threatening fevers (PranaharaJwara) arise from severe derangement of Dosha accompanied by accumulation of Ama and obstruction of vital Srotas, leading to rapid depletion of strength and disturbance of consciousness. Such fevers manifest with extreme temperature, delirium, respiratory distress, and circulatory collapse, demanding swift and decisive intervention. Classical Ras preparations address these critical states through their Tikshna, Ushna, and Sukshma properties, enabling rapid systemic action. The Kalagni Bhairav Ras plays a crucial role in stabilizing Agni, clearing obstructions, stimulating vital centers, and supporting life when conventional measures fail, reflecting the depth of Ayurvedic emergency therapeutics.

Ingredients (Dravya)

1. Shuddha Parad – Purified Mercury – 1 tola
2. Shuddha Gandhak – Purified Sulfur – 2 tola
3. Tamra Bhasma – Copper Calx (Calcined Copper) – 3 tola
4. Shuddha Vatsanabha – Purified Aconite (Aconitum ferox) – 4 Masha
5. Shuddha Hingula – Purified Cinnabar (Mercuric Sulfide) – 1 tola
6. Dhatura Seeds – Datura Seeds (Datura metel / Datura stramonium)- 2 tola
7. Godanti Bhasma – Gypsum Calx (Calcium Sulfate) – 5 Tola
8. Shuddha Manashila – Purified Realgar (Arsenic Disulfide) – 5 Tola
9. Tankan (Borax) – Purified Borax – 2 Tola
10. Yashad Bhasma – Zinc Calx (Calcined Zinc) – 6 Tola
11. Shuddha Jamalghota – Purified Croton Seeds (Croton tiglium) – 1 tola
12. Poison of Black Snake – Black Snake Venom – 3 tola
13. Swarnamakshik Bhasma – Chalcopyrite Calx (Copper Iron Sulfide) – 3 tola
14. Loha Bhasma – Iron Calx (Calcined Iron) – 1 tola
15. Vang Bhasma – Tin Calx (Calcined Tin) – 1 tola

Description Of Ingredients

1. Shuddha Parad (Purified Mercury)

Shuddha Parad acts as a Yogavahi, enhancing the potency and rapid action of other ingredients. It helps regulate Agni, supports systemic balance, and assists in breaking stubborn, chronic, or deep-seated fevers.

2. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified Sulfur)

Gandhak possesses UshnaVirya and Deepana–Pachana properties, helping digest Ama, a key causative factor in fever. It supports detoxification and stabilizes metabolic disturbances during febrile states.

3. Tamra Bhasma (Copper Calx)

Tamra Bhasma helps clear Srotorodha (channel obstruction) and supports liver and metabolic functions. By improving internal circulation and digestion, it aids in resolving fever associated with toxicity and congestion.

4. Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconite)

Vatsanabha exhibits strong Ushna and Tikshna properties, making it useful in severe fevers with chills, coldness, and collapse. It stimulates circulation and revives weakened physiological functions.

5. Shuddha Hingula (Purified Cinnabar)

Hingula supports Pranavaha and Rasavaha Srotas, helping stabilize vitality during intense fever. Its Sukshma nature allows deeper tissue penetration, assisting in rapid systemic correction.

6. Dhatura Seeds (Datura spp.)

Dhatura seeds help pacify Vata–Kapha–dominant fevers associated with spasms, restlessness, or respiratory distress. They support nervous system stability during high-grade or delirious fever states.

7. Godanti Bhasma (Gypsum Calx)

Godanti Bhasma has a Sheetala (cooling) effect, helping reduce excessive body heat and burning sensation. It is especially useful in Pitta-dominant fevers with headache and thirst.

8. Shuddha Manashila (Purified Realgar)

Manashila helps counter toxic and infectious factors in fever by supporting internal cleansing. Its Tikshna quality assists in resolving stubborn or irregular fevers.

9. Tankan (Purified Borax)

Tankan acts as a Kapha-shamaka and channel-clearing agent, aiding expectoration and reducing heaviness. It supports fever management when congestion and mucus accumulation are present.

10. Yashad Bhasma (Zinc Calx)

Yashad Bhasma supports tissue strength and metabolic balance during prolonged fevers. It helps stabilize Rasa and Rakta Dhatu, reducing debility associated with chronic febrile conditions.

11. Shuddha Jamalghota (Purified Croton Seeds)

Jamalghota promotes strong Pachana and Shodhana, helping expel deep-seated toxins contributing to fever. It supports elimination of accumulated Ama in stubborn conditions.

12. Black Snake Venom (Traditional Use)

In classical formulations, minute processed quantities act as a powerful stimulant, reviving vital functions in life-threatening fevers. It supports circulation and nervous system responsiveness in collapse-like states.

13. Swarnamakshik Bhasma (Chalcopyrite Calx)

Swarnamakshik Bhasma strengthens Agni and supports blood and metabolic functions. It helps manage fever associated with weakness, anemia, or chronic tissue depletion.

14. Loha Bhasma (Iron Calx)

Loha Bhasma nourishes Rakta Dhatu and improves strength during long-standing fevers. It supports recovery and prevents post-fever debility.

15. Vang Bhasma (Tin Calx)

Vang Bhasma stabilizes metabolism and supports nervous and reproductive tissues. In fever, it assists in restoring balance after prolonged systemic stress.

Method Of Preparation

• Firstly make kajjali of Purified mercury and Purified sulphur by titurating in a decoction of Gokshura (Tribulusterrestris) for 12 hours. Then dry it and prepare a fine powder.
• Then sequentially add Sarpa-visha (Snake Venom) and Vatsanabha, triturating properly. After this, add Bhasma, Hingula, Manashila, Jamalgota, Sohaga, Datura etc, one by one and triturate thoroughly.
• Then titurate this mixture in Aak (Calotropis) milk, Dashmoola decoction, and LaghuPanchamoola decoction for 12–12 hours, and prepare pills of ½ ratti each.

Indications And Clinical Use

• This formulation is highly effective in acute and life-threatening fevers. It is especially beneficial in severe febrile conditions where common treatments fail. In Kapha-dominant fever, its effect appears immediately. When symptoms such as Fever reaching 104°F or above, Slow pulse, Severe heaviness, Distress from cold air or water, ltered consciousness, Difficulty in breathing, Chest congestion, Loss of physical strength are present, this medicine provides remarkable benefit. If excess stool accumulation is present in the abdomen, it should first be expelled using Eranda oil (castor oil) or similar purgatives.
• In Vata-dominant fever, symptoms include Sudden onset, Tremors, Burning sensation, Pain, Numbness in legs, Abdominal movement, Delirium at high temperature, Dryness and accumulation of hard stool in intestines. After correcting constipation, administration of KalagnibhairavRas with ArkadiKwath gives relief.
• Vata-Kapha-Dominant Fever- When fever presents with Shivering, Muscle pain, Fever exceeding 102°F, Digestive disturbance, Headache, Restlessness, Insomnia and Delirium this medicine becomes effective when given with Guduchi decoction along with Pippali, Tulsi, Trikatu, Lavanga, Kalimirch, Peepal, and Saunth, prepared as a decoction according to need.
• When fever does not subside even after several days due to improper treatment or dietary negligence, the patient develops Severe weakness, Loss of strength, Pallor, Digestive failure, Persistent high fever (100–102°F). In this stage, administration of this Ras along with PravalPishti and BaladiVati acts as life-saving therapy.
• Rat-Bite Fever – In fever caused by rat bite, bluish-red patches appear at various locations on the body, accompanied by muscle pain and Vata aggravation. To control intense pain and high fever, this Ras should be administered three times daily with Manjistha decoction or other Raktashodhak (Blood purifying) decoctions.
• Plague Fever – Plague is an extremely fatal disease. If proper treatment is not administered immediately, the patient’s life comes under serious threat. In this condition, fever rises from 103°F to 107°F. If KalagniBhairavRas is administered in the initial stage, it yields beneficial results.
• Pneumonia (PranavahaSrotas Disorder) – In pneumonia, one or both lungs are affected. When both lungs are involved, it is termed double pneumonia. As the disease progresses, lungs become filled with thick Kapha. When placed in water, it sinks, and air passages become blocked with Kapha, causing severe respiratory distress. Fever fluctuates between 102–104°F. Until Kapha and respiratory difficulty remain moderate, recovery is possible. If Kapha becomes excessive, the condition turns critical. In such advanced stages also, appropriate use of KalagniBhairavRas along with external therapy often yields success.

Dosage and Adjuvant

½ to 1 pill, administered 3 times daily at intervals of 2–3 hours. Give it with Arka juice, Tandulodaka (rice water), or Devadaru decoction.

Precautions

• Dosage should be adjusted after considering strength of disease, strength of patient, age, and digestive power. Excess dose in weak patients or in Pitta-dominant conditions can cause harm, while insufficient dose may fail in severe conditions.
• Jamalgota is included in very small quantities. It may assist in stool elimination, but initially mild purgation should be induced separately if required.
• In patients with a history of abdominal disorders, if abdominal discomfort is present, this medicine should be administered along with Roasted Jeera, BelgiriChurna or other appropriate digestive support.
• This Ras should not be given to pregnant women or individuals with predominant Pitta constitution.

Conclusion

This classical formulation reflects the advanced clinical understanding of Ayurveda in managing severe and life-threatening fevers. By combining potent herbal, mineral, and animal-derived substances, it acts swiftly to correct Agni, clear Ama, and stabilize vital functions. The text emphasizes careful preparation, precise dosing, and patient-specific judgment, highlighting the responsibility of the physician in its use. When administered appropriately, the formulation demonstrates effectiveness in complex conditions such as high-grade fever, pneumonia, rat-bite fever, and plague-like states. This conclusion reinforces Ayurveda’s systematic, experience-based approach to acute care while stressing caution, skill, and classical wisdom.