Neelam Bhasma – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Introduction

Neelam Bhasma is a classical gem-based Ayurvedic formulation prepared from Neelam (Blue Sapphire), traditionally known as Indraneela in Rasashastra texts. While blue sapphire is widely known as a precious gemstone, Ayurvedic alchemical literature recognizes its medicinal potential when processed through systematic Shodhana (purification) and Marana (incineration). In its raw crystalline form, Neelam is extremely hard and unsuitable for internal use; however, after proper pharmaceutical processing, it is converted into a fine, bioassimilable Bhasma. Classical descriptions attribute strengthening, stabilizing, and protective properties to Neelam Bhasma, particularly in chronic disorders and conditions associated with neurological and metabolic imbalance.

Ingredients Of Neelam Bhasma

Neelam (Blue Sapphire / Indraneela)
Shodhana Dravyas: Neeli swaras (juice of Indigofera tinctoria)
Marana Media: Shuddha Gandhak (sulphur), Shuddha Hartal (orpiment), Shuddha Manashila (realgar)

Description

Neelam is a variety of corundum mineral primarily composed of aluminum oxide, with trace elements such as iron and titanium responsible for its deep blue coloration. Owing to its dense crystalline structure, raw sapphire is biologically inert and potentially unsafe for medicinal use. Rasashastra emphasizes that gemstones possess dormant therapeutic energy that becomes functional only after undergoing repeated purification and incineration.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, Indraneela is described as having Tikta–Kashaya tendencies with Sheeta Virya and specific Prabhava acting on the nervous and circulatory systems. Through Marana, the gem undergoes significant physicochemical transformation, producing micro-fine particles capable of assimilation at the Dhatu level. This process ensures safety while enhancing medicinal potency.

Method Of Preparation

1. Shodhana (Purification)

Neelam (Sapphire) is purified by subjecting it to steam treatment in Neeli swaras (juice of Indigofera tinctoria) using the Dolayantra method for 3 hours.

2. Marana (Incineration)

लकुचद्रावसम्पिष्टैः शिलागन्धकतालकैः ।
वज्र विनान्यरत्नानि म्रियन्तेऽष्टपुटैः खलु’ ।।
(Rasratna Samuchya 4/63)

First, crush pure sapphire (Neelam) in an iron mortar to obtain a fine powder. Now, mix equal parts of purified haritala (orpiment), purified manashila (realgar), and purified gandhak (sulfur) with the sapphire powder in a mortar. Triturate the mixture with the juice of Artocarpus lakoocha and form small discs. Dry these discs, seal them in a crucible, and heat them in a furnace using the Gajaputa method. After eight such cycles of heating, the sapphire ash is obtained. The ash is white in color.

Properties And Actions Of Neelam Bhasma

श्वासकासहरं वृष्यं त्रिदोषघ्नं सुदीपनम् ।
विषमज्वरदुर्नामपापघ्नं नीलमीरितम्’ ।।
(Rasratna Samuchya 4/53)

नीलं तु सुमृतं वृष्यं बल्यं दीपनमुत्तमम् ।
त्रिदोषशमनं वर्ण्य गुदजामयनाशनम् ।।
त्वच्यं कुष्ठादिदोषघ्नं श्वासकासनिपूदनम् ।
कफपित्तानिलहरं विषमज्वरनाशनम्’ ।।
(Ras Tarangni 23/101-102)

Neelam Bhasma acts as Tridoshaghna, helping in the regulation and balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Dosha.
It possesses Vrishya properties, supporting vitality and reproductive strength.
It functions as a Balya agent, enhancing physical strength and endurance.
It works as an Uttama Deepana, strongly stimulating digestive fire and metabolism.
It exhibits Varnavardhaka action, helping to improve complexion and skin radiance.
It acts as Arghanashaka, aiding in the management of chronic and difficult-to-treat disorders.
It is useful as a Kushtanashaka, supporting treatment of various skin diseases.
It shows Tvachya properties, promoting nourishment and health of the skin.
It is beneficial in Shvasa, helping relieve respiratory distress and breathing difficulty.
It is useful in Kasa, reducing cough and throat irritation.
It is effective in Vishama Jwara, particularly intermittent and chronic fever conditions.
It exhibits Papanashaka action, helping in eliminating toxins and harmful influences from the body.

Neelam Bhasma is considered stabilizing in nature, helping regulate abnormal physiological and neurological activity.

Clinical Use

Digestive Weakness (Agnimandya): Supports improvement of appetite and digestion by enhancing digestive fire.
Respiratory Disorders (Shvasa & Kasa): Helpful in managing breathlessness, chest congestion, and chronic cough.
Skin Disorders (Kushtha): Used in chronic skin diseases to support purification and improve skin health.
Intermittent Fever (Vishama Jwara): Beneficial in irregular and recurrent fever patterns.
General Weakness (Daurbalya): Supports restoration of strength and endurance in debilitated individuals.
Reproductive Debility (Shukra Kshaya): Promotes vitality and supports reproductive strength due to its Vrishya action.
Complexion Disorders (Varnya Vikara): Helps improve skin tone and clarity through its Varnavardhaka property.
Chronic and Obstinate Diseases: Useful in long-standing disorders that are difficult to manage with routine therapy.
Toxic Conditions (Papa Dosha / Vishaja Avastha): Assists in detoxification and elimination of harmful influences.
Tridoshic Disorders: Helps in maintaining balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in systemic diseases.
Convalescence: Supports recovery following prolonged illness by improving vitality and metabolic stability.

In clinical practice, it is often prescribed in micro-doses along with appropriate Anupana to direct its action toward specific systems.

Dosage

Typical dosage: 15 mg to 60 mg per day
Anupana: Honey, ghee, milk, or physician-selected herbal preparations

Dosage must always be individualized due to its potency.

Contraindications And Precautions

Not advised during pregnancy and lactation without expert supervision
Should not be used in high Pitta conditions without proper assessment
Avoid long-term unsupervised administration
Must be prepared strictly according to classical Rasashastra standards

Conclusion

Neelam Bhasma reflects the advanced pharmaceutical wisdom of Ayurvedic alchemy, where a powerful gemstone is transformed into a subtle therapeutic agent. When properly prepared and judiciously administered, it supports neurological stability, metabolic balance, and systemic strength. Its action is profound yet delicate, demanding precise dosage and expert supervision. Neelam Bhasma thus occupies a specialized place in Rasashastra, offering therapeutic benefit in select chronic and debilitated conditions while emphasizing the importance of classical processing and responsible clinical use.